Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls

Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls

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This document contains information derived from sources we deem reliable. Graphic Products, Inc. has made reasonable efforts to ensure correctness but does not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Graphic Products makes no warranties express or implied regarding the contained subject matter. Contents are subject to change without notice. Graphic Products disclaims liability for injury, damage, or loss arising from reliance on the information contained herein. Users of this information should independently consult municipal, state, or federal code and/or verify information with the appropriate regulatory agency.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1

Slips, Trips, and Falls

SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL HAZARDS TO EMPLOYEES ......................... 3

Floor Contamination

Objects Obstructing Walkways

Floor Irregularities and Damage

Weather Conditions

Lighting Inadequacies

Stairs and Railings

Stepstools and Ladders

Floor Mats and Runners

Unprotected Edges and Openings

OSHA REGULATIONS FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY .......................... 6

Walking and Working Surfaces

Ladders

Guardrails and Fall Protection

PREVENTION OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS .................................... 7

5S System

Floor Marking

Signs and Labels

Spill Containment

Facility Lighting

CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ 12

Content may have been updated to reflect the latest codes, standards, and regulations or to address any errors or omissions. For the most up to date edition, visit: GraphicProducts.com/guides

10 What OSHA regulations should be kept in mind when designing a safety program?6

What are the common causes of slips, trips, and falls?3

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INTRODUCTIONIn the workplace, slips, trips, and fall hazards put workers’ safety at risk and cost employers nearly $70 billion a year in workers’ compensation claims, regulatory fines, lost productivity, and other administrative expenses. Organizations that take proper safety precautions can keep workers safe and facilities in compliance with OSHA regulations.

A trip occurs when there is a loss of balance resulting from contact with an object. This causes the person to lose balance and fall, which can result in injury. For example, a distracted employee could trip and fall over debris, an electrical cord, boxes, or an uneven rug in a walkway causing injury.

Common causes of trips:

• Uncovered hoses, cables, wires or extension cords across aisles or walkways

• Clutter and obstacles in aisles, walkways, and work areas

• Unanchored or curled rugs or mats

• Changes in elevation or levels (e.g. unmarked steps or ramps)

• Uneven, irregular walking surfaces (e.g. gaps in floor, missing tiles)

• Damaged, non-uniform steps

• Debris, accumulated waste materials

• Trailing cables, pallets, tools in gangways

• Objects protruding from walking surface

In 2016, there were 849 work fatalities involving slips, trips, and falls, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) stated that 261,930 employees in private industry, state, and local government missed one or more days of work due to injuries from falls. Employees risk fatal or debilitating injuries when they slip, trip, or take a fall at work.

Good housekeeping can keep work areas and walkways free from spills, obstructions, and other risks. Combining housekeeping with organization systems such as 5S will keep work areas safe and productivity high for workers and employers.

Slips, Trips, and Falls A slip happens when there is insecure footing resulting in a loss of balance. For example, ice forms on the ground in the winter creating a walkway surface with reduced traction and friction. This can create a slip risk for a pedestrian. In the workplace, oil spilled on a smooth surface reduces traction and friction, which can cause a slip hazard.

Common causes of slips:

• Wet products or spills on smooth walking surfaces (water, mud, grease, oil, food, etc.)

• Dry products or spills on walking surfaces (dusts, powders, granules, wood, etc.)

• Highly-polished floors (concrete, marble, ceramic tile)

• Freshly-waxed surfaces

• Sloped walking surfaces and ramps without slip-resistant surfaces

• Loose floorboards, tiles, or irregular surfaces

• Wet, muddy or greasy shoes

• Transitioning from one surface to another (e.g. grid to smooth concrete)

• Weather hazards

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INTRODUCTION

A fall happens when there is a failed or missing support. Falls, which can happen on the same level, or from one level to another. Non-slip or trip-related falls stem from breaking through a damaged or non-weight-bearing surface or stepping toward a platform that isn’t there. For example, a worker could fall off a ladder from stepping on a broken rung causing injury.

Leading factors that cause fall hazards are:

• Objects obstructing walkways

• Floor irregularities and damage

• Lighting inadequacies

• Stairs and railings

• Stepstools and ladders

• Scaffolding

• Floor mats and runners

• Unprotected edges and openings

Ladder violations were number six on OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited standards.


SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL HAZARDS TO EMPLOYEES

Floor Irregularities and DamageA work site could have damaged flooring that can cause a trip and fall hazard for an unsuspecting worker. Floors that are cracked, broken, or uneven create trip hazards and should be repaired promptly to allow for safe pedestrian travel in work areas. Unraveling or loose carpets, or floor mats that don’t lie smooth, can be just as serious.

Weather ConditionsWhen weather goes south during winter months, the slip risk increases as workers, perhaps using improper footwear, navigate icy and snowy parking lots and entrances. Black ice may be harder to see at night or early in the morning. These elements greatly increase the chances of a slip and fall hazard for workers. Ice and snow can accumulate on walkways, outside stairs, near doorways, and in parking lots, which create dangerous slip hazards for workers.

Floor ContaminationFloors can be contaminated with chemicals, oils, sawdust, grease, or snow and ice−all creating hazardous slip conditions. Clogged drains may cause water to back up or pool, which creates opportunities for slips and falls. Keeping drains unclogged and having a plan for spill cleanup will create a safer environment for employees in the workplace. Floor contamination can be an issue in many industries but is very common in food service, manufacturing, and construction sites.

Objects Obstructing WalkwaysFloors that are cluttered, messy, and obstructed create a hazard for workers. Workspaces littered with boxes, cords, tools, and debris create opportunities for slip and trip hazards. A walkway littered with objects is ripe for a worker tripping, falling, and getting injured. Debris left on staircases and scaffolding create hazardous conditions for workers tripping and falling from one level to the next, which can cause severe injury or death. Good housekeeping techniques are key in preventing a cluttered walkway or workspace.

Clean up clutter to avoid trip hazards.

Fix damaged or irregularities in floors to avoid trip hazards.Use proper footwear and apply

adequate traction in areas known to be slippery such as washdown areas.

Use signs to warn of hazardous weather conditions.



Lighting InadequaciesPoor lighting in work areas can hide obstructions on walkways or contaminated floors. Proper lighting illuminates fall hazards such as openings in the floor or debris, as well as making safety signs, labels, and other markings easier to see. Walkways inside and outside buildings should have adequate lighting to improve visibility and safety for workers. In the event of an emergency, organizations should factor poor lighting into planning to ensure safe response and employee evacuation.

Stairs and RailingsStairways that are broken, lit poorly, slippery, or full of clutter create unsafe conditions for employees. Stairs that are constructed poorly or not maintained properly can be uneven or sloped. Stairs that do not have anti-slip surfaces will become slippery. Debris in stairways can also create trip hazards for workers trying to navigate clutter. Stairways that either do not have adequate handrails or have them at the wrong height can contribute to unsafe conditions. Adequate handrails on both sides of the stairway may help workers ascend and descend safely.

Stepstools and LaddersLadders and stepstools are essential tools in many industrial settings, but those tools pose a safety hazard if used incorrectly. According to the American Ladder Institute, 300 people die annually from ladder accidents, and thousands more suffer debilitating injuries. Broken or defective ladders or stepstools are unsafe for workers. Damaged ladders can have wood splinters, damaged edges, missing rungs, nails or bolts, or corroded metal parts, which all create fall risks for workers and should not be used. Workers using equipment incorrectly such as standing too high on the ladder, overreaching, or working on an uneven surface create unsafe conditions. If ladders aren’t used at the correct height, workers may struggle and strain to accomplish their work causing fatigue and a risk for falls.

Use signs to warn of defective ladders.

Maintain good lighting for safety.

Use anti-slip tapes to improve footing on stairs.

Increase visibility of your safety messages. Create large labels and signs with DuraLabel Kodiak, using 4" to 10" tape widths.



Floor Mats and RunnersFloor mats and runners, which are common in retail and service industry environments, help remove moisture and soil from footwear. They help contain contaminants and water, which could otherwise cause floors to be slippery. They also may be used to temporarily cover damaged floor areas to prevent trip hazards. However, floor mats and runners that are damaged, curled, aged, or folded at the edges can pose a trip hazard for employees or visitors. When these tools aren’t adequately placed in work areas, they may be ineffective at keeping a work area fully clean from spills and contaminants.

Use floor tape to secure edges of mats to remain flat.

Unprotected Edges and OpeningsWorking near unprotected edges, flooring or roof openings can be extremely dangerous. In the construction industry, falls from rooftops are the leading cause of death among workers. According to OSHA, falls occur due to failure to protect skylights or other roof openings, and a lack of fall protection equipment. Common areas for fall hazards are near unprotected edges, hoist areas, uncovered holes, wells, pits, and elevator openings. Cluttered spaces near openings can cause trip and slip hazards, which could cause a worker to fall through a hole or opening. Safety hazards from unprotected edges and openings affect those working in numerous areas including building structures, constructions areas, scaffolding, stairs, loading docks, and ladders.

Use highly visible floor tape to warn of unprotected edges.


OSHA REGULATIONS FOR WORKPLACE SAFETYWhile there are many OSHA regulations to follow in order to keep workers safe from slip, trip, and fall hazards, here are a few to think about when designing a safety program.

Walking and Working SurfacesOSHA’s general requirements for Walking and Working Surfaces, in §1910.22, describe the basic rules for workplace floors and walkways. These include keeping all places of employment clean, orderly, and sanitary. Floors in workrooms must be preserved in a clean and dry condition, and proper drainage must be maintained. Walking and working surfaces must be free from sharp or protruding objects, loose equipment, corrosion, leaks, spills, and snow and ice. Employers are required to ensure that each surface can safely support its maximum intended load. If hazardous conditions exist in walkways or workspaces, repair and correction is required before employees can use the spaces.

Ladders§1910.23 covers the safe use of ladders in the workplace. For example, ladder rungs and steps are to be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or coated with a skid-resistant material to minimize the potential for slipping. Wooden ladders must not be coated with any material that could obscure structural defects that could make operation unsafe. Ladder inspection is required prior to each shift to reveal defects or damage that would make use of the ladder dangerous for workers. Ladders that show any signs of defects or structural problems are to be tagged “Dangerous: Do Not Use.” Other regulations in this section describe ladder placement and equipment size requirements required for worker safety.

Guardrails and Fall ProtectionIn §1910.28, OSHA lays out general requirements for protecting workers from specific fall hazards. For example, paragraph (b)(1) discusses walkways with unprotected edges that are four feet above a lower position. Where these walkways exist, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems, which include personal fall arrest, travel restraint, or positioning systems, are necessary to protect employees from falls. The standard describes similar requirements for other workplace elements that could pose fall hazards, such as elevated walkways, hoist areas, and fixed ladders.

Use anti-slip tapes to add traction to ladder rungs.

Use signs to promote safety through good housekeeping practices.

Use proper fall restraint systems to protect against unprotected edges.


PREVENTION OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS There are many additional steps employers can take to keep workers safe from slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. These approaches can move a facility beyond simply complying with OSHA’s minimum requirements, and can boost worker morale and efficiency in the workplace.

• Set in Order seeks to place work area items efficiently through organization and labeling. Consistent organization of tools and equipment means workers do not need to spend time searching, which saves time and improves safety. A worker who has close access to their tools won’t need to walk to another area to find equipment to do their job, which means less time tripping or slipping on walkway hazards. Tools, for example, could be labeled and stored up on a pegboard where workers would have access to the item in the same place every time. Storing tools and materials in planned locations helps keep them off the floor and out of the way, which reduces the trip and slip dangers for workers.

• Shine means to keep areas clean and perform basic maintenance duties to keep work processes running smoothly. Cleaning a work area promotes efficiency and safety. This step includes removing debris and other contaminants from the workplace, including dust, dirt, and fluids. This process happens daily and is a critical step to eliminating hazards that cause slip, trip, and fall dangers for workers.

5S SystemA common safety concern in many industrial settings is workplace clutter, which can create trip hazards. The 5S System seeks to enhance safety and efficiency through facility organization, and addresses the clutter problem as part of a broader approach. A clean, organized, and clutter-free workspace reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls, and helps the worker to function more efficiently. 5S is a five-part process, with each part identified by a Japanese word: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke, which translate to Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

• Sort means to throw away or discontinue using unwanted materials. In this process, redundancies are identified, and hazards can be removed from the work area and walkways. Equipment that is not needed in its current location, but may be useful elsewhere, is red-tagged; this process documents equipment sorting and removal dates. Sort helps prevent trip and fall hazards and streamlines workplace efficiency by removing equipment and materials that are no longer needed or used infrequently.

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The 5S system helps reduce clutter in workplace areas while improving organization and safety.

Decreases • Injuries• Production costs• Downtime• Defects• Supplier mistakes• Underutilized workers• Inefficient transportation• Training/orientation

time• Tools/inventory

searches• Inventory storage costs• Inefficient work routines• Underutilized floor space

Increases • Safety and

morale• Product quality• Equipment life

• Standardize helps promote uniformity and consistency with the 5S System. This step involves creating checklists and standards that hold workers accountable to perform sort, set in order, and shine duties consistently. Workspaces that are consistently ordered and cleaned are safer. Incorporating good housekeeping into the workplace culture prevents trip and slip hazards from worsening over time. With standardization, workers and management will incorporate 5S techniques into their daily routines.

• Sustain, the last step of 5S incorporates all the other techniques over the long-term life of the organization. At this point, the expectation is that workers routinely complete 5S duties and are trained to do so as part of their regular job duties. Management inspects work areas to ensure 5S is being automatically implemented as routine. Progress evaluations allow team leaders to assess worker adherence to 5S and gauge cleanliness, orderliness, and workplace safety. Signage is also used to identify 5S areas and to remind workers of their role in the process.

BEFORE AFTER


PREVENTION OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Floor MarkingFloor marking goes a long way in promoting safety, organizing equipment, and guiding workers through the workspace. Pedestrian traffic navigating through unmarked walkways can be dangerous because workers might accidentally walk into a hazardous area and fall. Floor marking can provide workers better footing in areas that occasionally have slippery surfaces, such as wash stations, stairs, and kitchens.

To follow 5S guidelines, PathFinder® products are useful for marking storage areas for products, materials, machinery, and equipment. These floor marking applications guide workers in storing and organizing tools for easy and quick access, while keeping debris and clutter out of the work area.

PathFinder REFLECT™ tape highlights walkways and directs foot traffic in dim areas, further reducing the risk of worker injuries from slips, trips, and falls. PathFinder products come in numerous colors so companies can use color coding systems to communicate a variety of messages to workers.

Use PathFinder TREAD™ to increase traction around:

• Loading dock edges

• Washdown stations

• Emergency wash stations

• Stairs

• Walkways

• Lift equipment

• Handrails

• Ladders

• Ramps

Use PathFinder RIGID™, FLEX™, or LITE™ for 5S organization to:

• Mark hazardous boundaries

• Outline storage locations

• Tape down uneven rugs

• Cover and secure loose cords

Use PathFinder REFLECT™ and GLOW™ to illuminate low-lit areas around:

• Exits

• Stairs, stairwells, and landings

• Hazardous areas

• Dangerous equipment (such as protruding parts)

• Emergency egress paths

• Walkways

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Signs and Labels Signage and labeling are critical components when aiming for the prevention of worker slips, trips, and falls. Having signs that warn employees of hazardous conditions can help prevent trips and falls. Labels can help with the “set in order” 5S term, which deals with setting tools and equipment in their proper place for quick retrieval. Marking an area where a hammer goes on a pegboard means it isn’t sitting on the ground as a trip hazard.

Safety signs and labels are necessary tools for communicationg hazards in the workplace. Annually, job-related injuries generate worker’s compensation claims, and a litany of OSHA citations. While preventative measures come in many shapes and sizes, safety signs and labels not only promote safety but help organizations meet OSHA requirements.

For organizations that need custom labeling for their facilities, DuraLabel® sign-making equipment and supplies allow organizations to communicate tailored, key messages to their workers. Various DuraLabel models are available to create custom signs and labels in different sizes. Each printer includes dedicated label design software, with thousands of symbols to meet organizational efficiency, and safety needs.

OSHA safety signs and labels play a key role in facility safety.

With DuraLabel printers, you can print labels and signs using ½" to 10" tape widths. With more than 50 specialty supplies, there's a solution for every challenge.

Informing workers of spills and contaminated areas

Marking tool and equipment storage locations for use in a 5S system

Helping managers keep track of cleanliness and order in the workplace

Warning workers of hazards and providing instructions on how to stay safe

Reminding workers of icy conditions in parking lots and redirecting them to safer walkways and entrances

Some benefits of signs and labels include:

STOP spills before they cause havoc.

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Spill ContainmentSpills in the work area can cause slip hazards, and a cleanup and containment plan is important in mitigating the risk. Leaky pipes or clogged drains, spilled fluids from maintenance work, oil seeping from a damaged machine, or even biohazardous waste in a hospital can pose slip or other hazards to workers in the area.

Depending on the severity of the spill, Graphic Products offers a range of products to control and contain contaminated surfaces. These products include a range of absorbent socks, containment berms, pads, kits, and other spill control products. These spill containment products are designed to clean the spectrum of spills ranging from oil and grease, to other contaminants that cause slip hazards. Having these options on hand supports an organization’s safety system when a spill accident happens.

Facility LightingPoor visibility in the workspace can create hazardous conditions for workers. What workers can’t see can hurt them when they aren’t aware of openings in the floor, tools scattered over a dimly lit or dark walkway, or a puddle of liquid in a meeting room with inadequate lighting. Installing effective lighting systems, and fixing or replacing defective lighting, are important steps in improving visibility and mitigating slip, trip, and fall hazards in the work area.

In areas that have dim or inadequate lighting, PathFinder REFLECT™ tape can help guide workers through dark walkways and stairways in the workplace. PathFinder GLOW™ can help navigate workers out of a facility safely in the event of an emergency by illuminating exits and egress routes.

Use spill containment products to control and contain contaminates.

Use glow-in-the-dark floor tapes to illuminate pathways to safety.


CONCLUSIONTaking the proper precautions for preventing workplace slips, trips, and falls builds a workplace culture of safety and helps organizations comply with OSHA regulations. Clutter in walkways and stairways, and spills in work areas, are common workplace hazards. When an area is not lit properly, workers can’t see damaged floors or debris that could cause a trip or fall. Inclement weather creates slip hazards in parking lots and in doorways. Workers not using ladders safely are at risk for falls that could cause serious injury or death.

If preventative safety measures aren’t taken, the risk of injury from slips, trips, and falls will remain high in many industries, especially in manufacturing, retail, food service, and construction. Housekeeping efforts included in the 5S system can help a facility reduce clutter and promote workplace cleanliness, efficiency, and safety, if the 5S approach is sustained and standardized within the organization’s daily operations. Safety signs, labels, spill containment, and floor marking can all be used to succeed in a 5S system and prevent workplace slips, trips, and falls.

Graphic Products®, DuraLabel®, PathFinder®, Toro®, Bronco® and Lobo® are Registered Trademarks of Graphic Products, Inc. © 2018. Graphic Products, Inc. grants a limited revocable right to reuse portions of the material contained herein for non-commercial, internal, and educational/training use. Any use beyond that described here requires the written consent of Graphic Products, Inc. Licensee agrees to reproduce the Trademark, Copyright, and Legal disclaimers in all works created under this license.

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