CAUTION

Slip and Fall Prevention

Most CommonInjuries

S E R I E S

Loss Prevention Manual

Falling Through the Cracks

In any workplace, there are often things that go unnoticed, especially if they have been that way for a long time. Papers pile up, hinges become loose, and potholes take over parking lots. Before you know it, you’ve got a housekeeping nightmare and safety problems everywhere. Inspect your workspace daily. Maintenance is key to keeping things safe and clean. Don’t fall down on the job.

If you notice something that needs to be cleaned

up or repaired, notify your supervisor.

Standards are important. Without them, workers don’t know how to determine what “clean” and “safe” actually mean. Know your company’s standards so you know what is expected when it comes to safety.

Slip and Fall Prevention

Don't...

Clean Up Your Act

Dirty and cluttered workspaces can have employees tripping all over themselves. Slipping on dirty or oily fl oors, tripping over boxes, trash or improperly stored materials or falling over objects that have been left in walkways or emergency exits can cause serious injury. Pay attention to housekeeping issues (pick up your banana peels) and keep your workplace clean.

- Magic carpet ride: Make sure rugs, mats or other fl oor coverings are anchored and have no loose or curled up corners that could lead to tripping.

- Slippery when wet: Oily spills or other slippery surfaces create a sure falling zone. Clean up spills as soon as they happen.

- Take out the papers and the trash: Keep clutter to a minimum. Clutter just causes more clutter and the more it grows, the more likely it will cause someone to trip or fall.

Clearing the WayPoorly lit hallways, parking lots or storage rooms pose all sorts of hazards. Icy walkways, uncovered pits or manholes, poorly maintained parking areas and slippery entranceways can lead to dangerous slip and fall accidents. Keep high-traffi c areas slip-free and well-lit.

- Come rain or shine: Parking areas, sidewalks, entryways, and other areas affected by the weather, need to be regularly maintained. Water in entryways can make fl oors slippery. Icy and snow-covered sidewalks, parking lots and walkways must be kept clear. Workers should not be able to ice skate on their way to work.

- Shedding some light: Dimly lit work areas and poor visibility can lead to falls. Don’t keep yourself in the dark at work. Change burned-out light bulbs, and keep walk-ways clear of clutter that can prohibit vision.

- Down the rabbit hole: Manholes, pits or shafts must always be covered, or conspicuously marked, to prevent falls. Avoid giving yourself the shaft.

Fully Equipped

A lack of proper safety equipment, or equipment that is poorly maintained, can result in deathly falls. Broken scaffolding, loose rails or damaged equipment make it that much easier for a fall to occur. Whenever working at a height, take every precaution to avoid falls because the higher you are, the harder you fall.

- Leg up: Ladders and scaffolding need to be regularly maintained and should be inspected before every use to make sure they’re safe. Never use makeshift ladders or scaffolding by stacking other objects, or a full-body cast could be your next uniform.

- On your guard: Use guard rails and barriers to keep workers from falling off worksites, steps or construc-tion zones. Even temporary worksites should be properly equipped to prevent falls.

- Sky-high: Man-lift equipment, fall arrest devices and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be regularly maintained. Make sure you know how to correctly use PPE and that it is accurately fi tted. PPE should not create any visibility problems or other mobility issues.

Give Falls the Slip

Don’t let falls and slips become the norm at work. Help establish safe work practices, such as keeping a manage-able pace, getting proper training in safety and PPE and attending safety meetings. Follow standards to make sure fall risk is reduced or eliminated. Take all necessary precautions when working in areas where falls are a greater risk.

CHECK IT OUT!

A Few Tips to Avoid Slips (and falls)

_ Wipe up all spills._ Store housekeeping supplies in closets._ Regularly inspect ladders and scaffolding._ Don’t use makeshift ladders._ Respect scaffolding load limits._ Keep furniture out of walkways and aisles._ Be sure to close cabinet doors and drawers._ Tape down extension cords._ Don’t run power cords under carpets or mats._ Change burned-out light bulbs._ Know how to properly use PPE._ Tag ladders that are in need of repair._ Use handrails on stairs._ Inform maintenance of slippery walks or entranceways._ Be aware of your surroundings._ Don’t leave equipment lying in high-traffi c areas._ Cover all manholes and shafts._ Keep all emergency exits and stairways clear of clutter._ Keep your workspace clean._ Don’t slip or fall.

Do:Don't...

Slip-Free Zone

Every workplace has the ability to reduce, or end, slip and fall accidents. Prevention is the best action. Accidents can be eliminated if each worker accepts a role and responsibility in setting high safety standards and sticking to them. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide training and enforce safety standards, but it is the duty of each worker to be safe, report possible safety hazards and maintain a safe environment.

CAUTION

wCovered manholes

wClean fl oors

wSlipfall signs

wSafe employees

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