Slips, Trips and Falls

Goals: This safety session should teach employees to

Recognize the many workplace slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Prevent conditions and acts that cause slips, trips, and falls.
Applicable Regulations: 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1) and (2), 1910.23, 1910.25-27, .17

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls Cause Many Injuries-Sometimes Serious Ones
   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
     
     
2. Safety Regulations Try to Remove Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
   OSHA and company rules try to prevent slips, trips, and falls by requiring:
   • Floors that are kept clean, dry, and in good repair
   • Aisles, stairs, and passageways that are free of clutter and obstructions
   • Safe ladder design and use
   • Rails and guards around floor and wall openings
   • Clean, orderly, sanitary work areas
     
     
3. Maintain Work Areas to Prevent 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, entrance ways, 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.
     
     
4. 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.
     
     
5. Choose and Use Ladders Carefully
   • Use a ladder, not boxes or chairs, to reach high places.
   • Use only ladders that have all their parts.
   • Check that cleats, rungs, and steps are firm and unbroken.
   • Choose a ladder that's the right height for the job.
   • Place ladders firmly on level surfaces.
   • Hold the rails and face the ladder as you climb it.
   • Center your body between the ladder rails; don't lean to the side.
     
     
6. Pay Attention to Your Movements and Surroundings
   • Focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and what lies ahead.
   • Expect the unexpected.
   • Take responsibility for fixing, removing, or avoiding hazards in your path.
   • Wear sturdy shoes with nonskid soles and flat heels.
   • Avoid baggy or loose pants you could trip over.
   • Walk, don't run.
   • Wipe your feet when you come in from rain or snow.
   • Report or replace any burned out lights or inadequate lighting.
   • Watch out for floors that are uneven, have holes, etc.
   • Keep your hands at your sides, not in your pockets, for balance.
   • Don't carry loads you can't see over.
   • Walk slowly on slippery surfaces. Slide your feet and avoid sharp turns.
   • Sit in chairs with all four chair legs on the floor.  Make sure all wheels or casters are on the floor.
   • Be constantly alert for-and remove or go around-obstructions in your path.
     
     
7. Learn to Fall 'Properly'
   If you do fall, you can reduce the chance of serious injury if you:
   • Roll with the fall
   • Bend your elbows and knees and use your legs and arms to absorb the fall
   • Get medical attention after a fall to treat anything torn, sprained, or broken

Discussion Points:
As you conduct this session, ask participants to identify possible slip, trip, and fall hazards in the work area. Have them remove hazards after the session.
Conclusion: Be Alert and Safety Conscious-Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
Pay attention to your movements and remove postential hazards from your path so you-and other won't be injured by slips, trips, or falls.