Slips, Trips and Falls

PURPOSE

To address the nature and causes of slips, trips and falls, discuss areas that require fall protection, discuss methods of fall protection, provide suggestions for supervisors and employees to follow to prevent slips, trips and falls.

REGULATIONS

An employer shall:

  1. provide, maintain and ensure that equipment is used properly
  2. inform workers and supervisors of hazards
  3. do everything reasonable in the circumstances to protect the worker

A supervisor shall:

  1. ensure that workers use equipment properly
  2. do everything reasonable in the circumstances to protect the worker

A worker shall:

  1. use equipment, report hazards and work safely.

DESCRIPTION

Nature/Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Slip and trip hazards account for many fall related injuries that occur in the work place. Slips and trips often result in what is known as a "same level fall." Same level falls occur more frequently in the workplace than another type of fall known as a "different level fall." Even though different level falls occur less frequently, they are usually a lot more serious.

Slip Hazards

The following is a list of slip hazards that can be found present in the workplace:

  • Loose grit/sand on floor or stair
  • Carpets/rugs and curled edges
  • Smooth surfaces (waxed floors, etc.)
  • Loose flooring (tiles, bricks, etc.)
  • Ladder rungs and steps not maintained clear of spills and debris
  • Improper personal protective equipment
  • Equipment and vehicles not properly maintained
  • Oil/grease or other spilt material that was not wiped up immediately
  • Weather conditions outside that cause employees' shoes to track water, mud, or sand inside
  • Shoes with little to no traction (high-heels, leather soled)
  • Loose pieces of paper on the floor
  • Icy patches on exterior walkways, stairs, parking areas
  • Spilled drinks
  • Puddles around sinks/fountains
  • Wet floor as a result of recent cleaning activity

The following is a list of trip hazards that can be found in the workplace:

  • Furniture
  • Electrical cords
  • Clutter/objects (boxes, tools, hoses, etc.)
  • Loose footing on stairs, floors, etc.
  • Poor lighting
  • Obstructed vision
  • Other people
  • Steps
  • Hidden steps
  • Open filing cabinet drawers
  • Extension cords across walkways.
  • Chipped sidewalks
  • Poorly lit areas

The following is a list of general fall hazards that may be present in a workplace:

  • Work involving ladders
  • Confined spaces with vertical openings
  • Damaged chairs.
  • Improper use of furniture.
  • Being anywhere where you normally would not be.
  • Not properly exiting a car, truck or machine.

Overhead machinery and materials also pose a risk to employees. This type of condition can result in employee injury from materials that strike employees.

GUIDELINES

If there are any spills, leaks or drips on the floor, contact the cleaning staff (if available) and identify the area with paper towel, a chair or garbage can until a clean up is possible. If it is necessary to walk across wet floors, slow down and take shorter strides.


Good housekeeping is essential to prevent falls. All tripping hazards such as defective floors, rugs, or floor mats should be reported and immediately repaired.
If you are carrying material, be sure that you can see over and around it when walking. Try to avoid carrying stacks of material on stairs. You should not have both arms loaded when using stairs; one hand should be free to use the handrail.
Electrical cords should never be placed under carpets or rugs; they sometimes come out because of traffic movement and form tripping hazards. All phone lines, power cords and extensions cords should be taped and fastened under the desk or along the baseboards. Where it is feasible, new outlets should be installed to eliminate the necessity for extension cords.


Always use a stepladder or a step stool to reach an object overhead (never stand on a chair).


Always load your filing cabinet from the bottom to provide stability. Open only one drawer at a time. Place file cabinets in such a way that drawers do not obstruct aisles or walkways. Secure tall cabinets to wall joist or floor. Do not keep heavy objects on top of tall filing cabinets. When storing objects on wall mounted shelving always store heavy objects on the bottom of the unit with progressively lighter materials at the upper levels. The shelves should not sag in the middle.
Lifting heavy objects can be hazardous. If regular lifting is not part of your job, you may be more vulnerable to back injuries than someone who lifts objects every day. Contact the appropriate department to move desks, filing cabinets or other office equipment. If you must move heavy objects, try to use trolleys and remember that pushing is better than pulling.

PREVENTION

Walk and Work Safely

As slip, trip and fall hazards can present themselves anywhere and at anytime, always practice the following safe behaviours:

  • Slow down and take small careful steps if the surface is rough, cluttered, slippery or at an angle
  • Where possible, walk on plowed, sanded, well lit walkways. Avoid taking shortcuts over snow banks
  • Take extra care when stepping from:
    • rough to slippery surfaces
    • coming indoors with wet shoes
    • stepping from carpet to a smooth floor
    • getting out of your car on to an ice or snow covered surface.
  • Carry objects close to your body and below chest level so you can see over or around what you are carrying
  • Hold the handrail on stairs (i.e., never carry objects requiring two hands on stairs)
  • Avoid standing on chairs or tables to reach high objects. Use a proper step stool or ladder
  • Wear shoes and boots with good traction (especially on icy or wet surfaces)

If you do fall:

  • Let your body go limp. By allowing your body to go limp, you will naturally roll into the fall which may diminish the severity of an injury
  • Don't move if you think you've hurt yourself - call for help
  • Report the incident to your supervisor immediately to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken and to be sure that you receive appropriate medical attention

MANAGER AND SUPERVISOR PRACTICES

  • Instruct workers when there are changes in the workplace that create new fall hazards
  • Retrain when there is evidence of employee failure to understand and implement measures of the slip, trip and fall protection training program
  • Ensure that work areas and walking surfaces are provided with adequate lighting; ensure that employees carry flashlights at all times
  • Report sources of slipping hazards immediately (or when feasible)
  • Periodically inspect walking surfaces