December 2019By: Brett Wardle

Slips, Trips, andFalls

Editor: Emily Hanson

Slips, trips, and falls occur every day. The extent ofinjuries and their recurrence can be minimizedthrough proper safety knowledge and attitudes. lt isbest to practice saf€ty, rather than learn it throughexperience.

There are various ways to suffer slips, trips, and fallswhile working. Employees could slip and lose

balance, trip over objects left in the walkway, orsimply fall from an elevated position above thegrou nd.

SLIPS

Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weatherhazards such as ice or snow. Slips are more likely tooccur when hurrying or runnihB, wearing the wrongkind of shoes , or not paying attention when walking.

To avoid slips, be on the lookout for foreignsubstances on the floors. Watch for deposits ofwater, resin beads, grease, oil, spills, or debris. Even

small quantities are enough to cause a fall.

When entering a building from the outdoors,especially during winter weather, clean footwearthoroughly. Snowy and rainy weather requirescleaning the soles of your shoes. Don't go too fast,walk safely, and avoid changing directions toosh a rp ly.

TRIPS

Trips occur when a person's hits an object and is

moving with enough momentum to be thrown offbalance. Trash, unused materials, any object left inan aisle or other areas designed for pedestrian trafficinvites falls. Extension cords, tools, carts, and otheritems should be removed, routed overhead, orproperly barricaded off.

Report any equipment or supplies that are left inwalkways, keep passageways clear of debris, and walkin designated walkways. Shortcuts through machine

areas invite accidents. Horseplay and inattentionleaves a person vulnerable to unsafe conditions, so

pay attention to where you are going.

FALLS

The worst falls are from elevated positions, such as

ladders and scaffolding. Falls can result in seriousinjuries and death. Learn and practice ladder safetyand the proper use of scaffolding. Hold on tohandrails when using stairs or ramps; they are therefor protection in case a fall occurs.

lf carrying a heavy load hampers the ability toproperly ascend or descend stairs, use an elevator orfind help. When climbing, use a ladder of properlength that is in good condition. Keep it placed on afirm surface.

Do not climb a ladder placed on machinery, crates,stock, or boxes. Keep the ladder's base one footaway from the wall for every four feet of height.

Don't over reach. Always have control of yourbalance when working from a ladder. Never climb aladder with your hands full and always carry tools inproper carrying devices.

When using a scaffold be sure it is assembledcorrectly and properly tagged. Scaffolds should neverbe altered by the user. If changes to the scaffoldneed to be made, contact the scaffold crew who willmake the changes andh ave it re-inspected.

Standing and workingplanks should be level

and clean. Use toeboards to prevent

tools from falling and

workers from slipping.