Slips, Trip and Falls
Slips, trips and falls is the number 1 reason for an industrial injury in the United States. More workers are hurt due to slips, trip or falls than any other reason. Over the years we’ve had several incidents from tripping on strapping to slipping on oil. This week we’ll look specifically at Slips, Trips and Falls.
Thousands of disabling injuries—and even deaths—occur each year as a result of slips, trips, and falls:
- From heights, on stairs, and on level ground
- At work and at home
Maintain Work Areas to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
This is probably the most important thing you can do to prevent this type of accident. Housekeeping is the key to preventing slips, trips and falls.
- Keep walkways, aisles, and stairs free of tools, materials, and other hazards.
- Clean up any leaks or spills on floors, stairs, entranceways, and loading docks promptly.
- Repair or report floor problems, such as broken planks, missing tiles, etc.
- Block off and mark floor areas that are being cleaned or repaired.
- Keep cords, power cables, and air hoses out of walkways.
- Place trash promptly in proper containers.
- Keep drawers closed. Take Precautions on Stairs and Dock Edges
- Report missing or broken stair rails and slippery or damaged treads.
- Walk, don't run, on stairs. Hold onto stair rails while going up and down.
- Don't jump on or off platforms and loading docks, and stay away from edges.
- Don't carry a load you can't see over, especially on stairs or around dock edges.