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Slips, Trips and Falls 2
Falls area leading cause of injury in agriculture. They result in serious injury, and sometimes death. Your best weapon against an accidental fall is staying alert. Your chances of falling increase when you re in a hurry, tired, angry or upset, sick, or have alcohol or drugs in your system. There are many things you can do as an employee to make sure your workplace is safe and free from trip, slip, and fall hazards. 3
There are several things you can do to prevent slip hazards in your workplace. Clean up spills on floors immediately. Stop spills before they happen: use drip pans and guards on machines or equipment where spills might occur. Keep floors free of debris and dust. 4
Spread barn lime in slippery zones to increase traction. Slippery zones are areas prone to being slippery with water, urine, or manure. Walk, don t run through the barn. Wear boots with non-slip soles and heels. 5
By following these suggestions, you can prevent trip hazards in the workplace. Put away any tools or equipment that aren t being used. Keep aisles and stairways clear of items that can cause trips and falls. Use a flashlight if you enter a dark area. Make sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing anything you might trip over. Don t jump over gates. 6
Falling can be very dangerous. Use these safety tips to avoid falling. Guard floor openings with trap doors, cages, or railings; this will prevent anyone from accidentally falling into them. Use ladders on stable and level surfaces only; unless secured. Make sure ladder rungs are free from mud, manure or other debris. Use the 4-to-1 rule for straight ladders: set the base 1 out from a wall or building for every 4 up. Do not work in a high place when it s windy or stormy; or when you are ill, tired, or taking strong medication. 7
Try to avoid climbing over gates if possible. Never jump over gates or fences. If you must climb over a gate make sure to have two points of contact with the gate at all times. 8
Be extra cautious when working in pens. You must be aware of your surroundings. Animals, manure, and other obstructions in pens are all slip and trip hazards. Use extra caution if working alone. 9
Many tasks that you do in your job could put you at higher risk for slips, trips and falls. For example, any time you are moving animals or are working in an open gestation or finishing pen you are at higher risk to slip or trip. When you are climbing a feed bin, dismounting a tractor, or working on a ladder, you are at higher risks for falling. Identify the tasks in your job that put you at higher risk for slipping, tripping, or falling. While performing those tasks, take any necessary precautions to stay safe. 10
To stay safe on the job, remember the do s and don ts of trip, slip, and fall prevention. Don t use aisles and stairways as storage areas. Don t allow materials to build up on floors. Don t leave oil slicks uncovered. Don t leave tools out when you finish using them. 11
DO: Keep aisles, walkways, and stairs free of clutter. Clean up spills immediately. Wear slip-resistant footwear. Think about actions before you take them. Follow these suggestions to make sure you and your coworkers are safe from slips, trips, and falls. 12