Slips, Trips and Falls: Prevent for Worksite Safety

Slips, Trips and Falls: Prevent for Worksite Safety

Introduction

Slips, Trips and Falls are one of the leading consequences of hazardous conditions and frequently results in injuries. Slip, Trip and Fall hazards can occur both indoors and outdoors but you can prevent for worksite safety.

Interior hazards that can cause slip, trip and fall injuries include:

• Debris
• Spills
• Loose tiles
• Greasy, wet or unclean floors
• Obstructions that interfere with traffic flow
• Cleaning floors
• Customers or employees running or engaging in horseplay Exterior hazards that can cause slip, trip and fall injuries include:
• Rain
• Sleet
• Ice and Snow
• Loose Soil
• Cords and Tools on Floors
• Debris and Obstructions

Legislative Reference

Legislative references that deal with slip, trip and fall injuries include:

• Regulation 851: Industrial Establishments in Sections 11, 21, 45, and 79
• Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects in Sections 35 – 48

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

What are some of the ways that we can prevent slip, trip and fall injuries and hazards? The purpose is to eliminate the potential slip, trip and fall. This is not always possible so we then try to reduce the hazards and use PPE. The following are some general tips to prevent Slip, Trip and Fall hazards and injuries.

Interior:

• Floors in aisle ways, counter and shop floor area must be free from obstructions that interfere with traffic flow
• Keep all floors clean and free from dirt, food wrappers or other trash
• Empty garbage bins to eliminate overflowing
• Keep floors free of major cracks, chipped or missing floor tiles or
• Put out mats on floors to reduce exposure to slippery surfaces
• Ensure floors are free of water or other liquids
• Clean up spills immediately with dry mop or squeegee
• Identify and remove source of liquid on floor
• Look for spills, seepage, drips and splashing and address them immediately
• If the floor is wet set warning cones or signs in clear view for customer to

Exterior:

• Inspect parking lots and exterior walkways for cracks, holes and obstructions interfering with foot traffic
• Inspect bumper blocks to ensure they are unbroken and secured to the ground
• Check the area is free of obstacles such as tools, ladders, debris, spills or standing water
• Apply salt to the area to reduce slips
• Inspect exterior lighting to ensure functionality and illuminates all areas
• Keep all ramps clear and accessible
• Inspect walkways for low hanging tree branches

Slip, Trip and Fall (Prevent for Worksite Safety)

Employers must do everything reasonable under the circumstances to protect the health and safety of the worker. This includes ensuring slip, trip and fall hazards are corrected to prevent injury. Some tips specific to the workplace include:

• Ensure individual work areas are kept clean at all times allowing work activities to proceed in an orderly and efficient manner
• Keep floor surface free of garbage, scrap, debris and other trash material
• Clean up spills immediately using appropriate floor cleaning techniques
• Return cleaning supplies and tools to their storage
• If a spill cannot be cleaned up immediately, cordon off the area or mark it to ensure no one encounters the spill accidentally
• Floors should be cleaned frequently but at a time when pedestrian traffic is minimal
• Floor is slippery when wet sign should be used to mark area while floors are drying
• Keep equipment clean, in good condition and report leaks to your Supervisor
• Ensure tools, cords and other materials are not strewn about and stored in appropriate storage locations
• Place shelved items in an orderly manner and arranged so items cannot easily fall
• Avoid storing items in front of shelves so employees do not have to climb/reach
• Keep exits free from obstruction
• Report to your Supervisor any concerns or hazards found in the workplace
• Treat linoleum or other smooth/polished surfaces with a non-slip preparation
• Rugs should be maintained in good condition and torn or damaged floor coverings should be replaced or repaired immediately
• Entrance steps and stairs to buildings should be kept free from ice or snow at all times
• Cleaning supplies, broom and mops should have a designated storage location so they can be easily found when clean-up is
• All stairways should be equipped with anti-slip treads and suitable handrails
• Differences of floor elevations in aisles and corridors should be clearly marked
• Computer, power and telephone outlets, wires and extension cords should be located where they will not cause a tripping hazard
• Step ladders or stands with non-slip feet and treads should be available to workers when trying to reach high places
• Materials should not be placed on the floor where tripping may result
• All areas should be inspected according to a pre-determined frequency and conditions documented in a checklist

Everyone must do their part to keep the workplace safe. By eliminating and reducing slip, trip and fall injuries and hazards we can prevent injuries and keep everyone safe. Contact Heartzap Safety about our Site and Facility Visit consulting services to ensure your workplace is taking all necessary preventative actions to reduce slip, trip, and falls.