According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips and falls cause over one quarter of all general industry workplace accidents and costs employers billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and business. Additionally, falls are the third leading cause of accidental death. Slips, trips and falls can occur in any industry, from blue collar to white collar and everything in between. Costs to workers and to employers can be substantial. For the employer, costs come in the form of lost productivity, increased insurance premiums and training replacement workers. For the employee, costs come in terms of pain, lost wages, out of pocket expenses, reduced quality of life, permanent or temporary disability, depression and even death. However, many of these injuries can be prevented by following recommended safe work practices. The causes of slips and trips are often more complex than they seem. Typically, there is more than one factor, from footwear and flooring and how they impact one another, to lighting, housekeeping, weather, and workers mental or physical conditions, as well as overall awareness of surroundings. The purpose of this toolkit is to provide you with the information you need to help your team prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace.
Understanding Why We Fall 3 Identifying Slipping Hazards 4 The Importance of Wearing Proper Footwear 4 Identifying Tripping Hazards 5 Good Housekeeping Practices 7 Housekeeping Checklist 8 Using Ladders Safely 10 Conclusion 10 Walking and Working Surface Safety Audit 11
Preventing slips, trips and falls requires a good understanding of certain fall factors including gravity, balance, friction and momentum. The primary fall factor is gravity. Gravity accelerates objects towards the ground at a rate of 32 feet per second squared. With the force of gravity pulling us downward, it s no wonder that even small falls can cause big injuries. Balance is maintained by keeping one s center of gravity within their base of support. The risk of losing one s balance increases as travel speed increases. Remember to walk, not run, especially when moving across slippery surfaces. Running increases momentum and the force of impact if you fall. Another fall factor is friction, or more specifically, a lack of friction. Friction resists the movement of one solid object relative to another. We depend on the friction between the sole of our footwear and the traveling surface to prevent our feet from sliding. A loss of friction, also called a loss of traction, can cause our feet to slip. When this occurs, our base of support is no longer under our center of gravity and the possibility of falling is increased.
Momentum is a function of an object s mass and speed. An object s momentum determines how much force is required in order to bring the object to a stop. One way to think about momentum is to remember Sir Isaac Newton s First Law of Motion: an object in motion tends to stay in motion. When our base of support, our feet, are stopped suddenly, our center of gravity will tend to stay in motion and may extend too far past our base of support, causing a loss of balance and a fall. Slips are generally caused by a loss of friction between the sole of the foot and the walking or working surface. Trips occur when the foot or lower leg hits an object and the upper body continues in motion, resulting in a loss of balance. Falls occur whenever a person s center of gravity moves beyond their base of support. Falls can occur on the same level, as well as from an upper level to a lower level. Both types of falls can be serious. Slips often result when there has been a spill or build up of liquid, such as water, oil, mud or grease on a walking or working surface. An area doesn t have to be wet to be slippery. Slips can also occur with accumulation of dust, filings, granules, powders, loose paper, or plastic wrapping in areas where people walk. Additionally, highly polished floors can be slick even when dry especially concrete, marble and tile floors. Slips may occur on sloped surfaces, on uneven or icy terrain, or any area where trash has been allowed to accumulate. The most effective method for maintaining proper traction is to wear footwear that s appropriate for the walking surface. Many types of footwear are equipped with slip resistant soles. Certain types of soles are designed to provide traction on specific surfaces and under specific conditions. Be sure you understand which type of shoes or boots have the appropriate sole composition for the areas in which you work, and always wear them when and where required.
Be aware that slippery substances can get stuck on the bottom of our footwear. This can cause a reduction in friction and lead to a slip and fall. Inspect the soles of your footwear for mud, grease or other slipping hazards, and clean them off before proceeding to your work area each day. Pay special attention to the condition and the tread wear of the heels, as most slips occur due to the lack of friction between the walking surface and the heel of your shoe. You may also want to wear slip resistant footwear when working on polished or potentially slippery surfaces. Identifying and eliminating tripping hazards in the workplace is vital to preventing falls. Here are some of the most common tripping hazards: Extension cords or other cables: Avoid running cords down hallways and across walkways. If you must run a cord across a walkway, be sure to secure the cord with tape to prevent tripping. If you are actively using a tool with a cord, be mindful of where the cord is located at all times. A good example is using a vacuum. As the vacuum is used, the location of the cord on the floor changes, creating new tripping hazards as you work. Be aware of the location of the cord and make sure to adequately notify other employees working in the area of the presence of the cord. Only use extension cords on an as needed basis, such as when operating a power tool for a short period of time. Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords wrapped around poles, taped down to the floor or that have been in the same place for a long period of time likely being used as a substitute for permanent wiring, creating both tripping and electrical hazards. Inspect your work area to see where extension cords are in use. Report any misuse to your supervisor immediately to help prevent trip, fall and electrical hazards in your area.
Filing cabinet drawers: In an office environment, open filing cabinet drawers pose a significant tripping hazard. Suppose someone takes a file from the bottom drawer, then goes into another room to make a copy without closing the drawer. Another person walking through the same area may not notice the open drawer and could easily trip over it. Hoses: Hoses cause similar tripping hazards to cords. Make sure that hoses do not run across walkways. When determining the best travel path, especially when carrying items, avoid walking near and over hoses. Uneven work surfaces: Keep an eye out for uneven floors, and fix them or notify someone who can immediately. If an immediate fix is not possible, block off the area or highlight the hazard by posting an eyecatching sign in the hazardous area. Using phones while walking: We hear about the hazards of using phones while driving, but there is a realistic and common hazard that occurs when a person sends a text, reads and email or even talks on their cellphone while walking. A key to avoiding slips and trips is to be aware of your travel path, actively scanning the condition of the walking surface as you go. Using a phone or other electronic device can distract your focus and reduce your awareness of possible tripping hazards.
Cluttered walkways: All employees must immediately put away items after using them. Make sure you have adequate storage space so that all equipment and supplies can be stored away from walkways. Never store items, even temporarily, in stairwells. Take any trash and empty boxes to the dumpster or outside immediately to prevent them from piling up and blocking pathways. One of the main contributors to the presence of tripping hazards is poor housekeeping. When we allow our work area to become cluttered with tools, supplies and other debris, we greatly increase the chance of a tripping incident and injury. Make good housekeeping and a maintain a clean work environment part of your everyday tasks. You can get started by using the checklist on the next page.
Worksite location: Date: Inspected by: Housekeeping Questionnaire Yes No Are floors clean and clear of waste? Are signs posted to warn of wet floors? Are floors in good condition? Are there holes, worn or loose planks, or carpet sticking up? Is anti slip flooring used where spills, moisture or grease are likely? Are there protruding objects, such as nails, sharp corners, open cabinet drawers, or trailing electrical wires? Are personal items, such as clothing and lunch boxes, in assigned lockers or storage areas? Are floors well drained? Are aisles unobstructed and clearly marked? Are mirrors installed at blind corners? Are aisles wide enough to accommodate workers and equipment comfortably? Are safe loading practices used with hand trucks, power trucks, skids, or pallets? Are stairs well lit? Are stairs covered with anti slip tread? Have faulty stair treads repaired? Is workplace lighting adequate? Are spills wiped up quickly? Are spill absorbents used for greasy, oily, flammable or toxic materials? Are used rags and absorbents disposed of promptly and safely? Is equipment in good working order, with all necessary guards and safety features operational or in place? Are tools and machinery inspected regularly for hazardous wear or leaks? Are machines and tools cleaned regularly?
Is equipment repaired promptly? Are drip pans or absorbent materials used if leaks cannot be stopped at the source? Is there an adequate number of waste disposal containers? Are there separate, labeled and approved disposal containers for toxic and flammable waste? Are waste containers located near where waste is produced? Are waste containers emptied regularly? Are storage areas safe and accessible? Is material stacked securely, blocked or interlocked if possible? Are materials stored in areas that do not obstruct stairs, fire escapes, exits or firefighting equipment? Are materials stored in areas that do not interfere with workers or the flow of materials? Are all storage areas clearly marked? Do workers understand material storage and handling procedures? Are combustible and flammable materials present only in the quantities needed for the job at hand? Are combustible and flammable materials kept in safety cans during use? Are hazardous materials stored in approved containers and away from ignition sources? Are sprinkler heads clear of stored material? Are fire extinguishers inspected and located along commonly travelled routes, and close to possible ignition sources? If any questions are answered no and cannot be immediately remedied, please provide action plan:
Falls from ladders are one of the most common injuries suffered by American workers each year. Most of these incidents occur because victims violate the basic rules of ladder safety. To help prevent ladder injuries on the job, be sure to practice the following safety tips. Inspect your ladder before each use for loose or damaged rungs, spreaders, safety feet, etc. Repair or replace any damaged ladders. Mark damaged ladders as unfit for use so other employees don t use them. Make sure you select the right ladder for the job check the length and duty rating. Proper length is a minimum of three feet extending over the roofline or working surface. Check that all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged. Make sure the weight that your ladder is supporting doesn t exceed its maximum load rating (including yourself and your materials). Only one person at a time should ever be on a ladder. Clear the area where you will be setting up. Be sure you don t place a ladder in front of a door that isn t locked, blocked or guarded. Place your ladder on a steady surface, not on top of a table, truck, etc. The ground underneath should be level and firm. If you must work on uneven or soft ground, stabilize your ladder with large, flat wooden boards braced underneath. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at about a 75 degree angle. Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Don t lean too far to the side while working. Instead, reposition the ladder if you are unable to reach. Don t step on the top step or bucket shelf, or attempt to climb or stand on the rear section of a stepladder. The key to avoiding slips, trips and falls, as with most safety issues, is to be aware of your surroundings and proceed with caution depending upon the hazards that are present. Using the information in this toolkit. continuing to provide training and talking about identifying these hazards will help keep employees vigilant and safe. Additionally, auditing the walking and working surfaces in your workplace at least once per month can help prevent small issues from becoming injury incidents. You can use the audit sheet on the next page.
This audit is to be completed on a monthly basis. All no answers must be addressed with corrective action. Yes No Inspection Point General Conditions Are all worksites clean and orderly? Are machines and work areas swept clean at the end of each shift or workday and are debris, scrap, and other waste picked up and removed from the work area? Are work areas adequately illuminated? Yes No Inspection Point Walkways Are aisles and passageways kept clear and passable? Are aisles and walkways marked as required? Are working surfaces kept dry and free of wet or slippery conditions? Are wet or slippery surfaces, inherent to the production operation, covered with non slip material or otherwise made safe? Is there safe clearance for walking in aisles where motorized equipment is used? Are standard guardrails (42 inches high with a 21 inch midrail and 4 inch toe board) provided whenever aisles, walkways, or working surfaces are elevated more than four feet off the floor or work area? Are bridges or crossovers provided over conveyors or similar hazards at strategic locations to prevent people from crawling over or onto conveyor systems, or to prevent similar hazards? Yes No Inspection Point Floor Openings Does a cover, guardrail, or equivalent provide protection on all sides of floor openings? Are toe boards installed around the edges of permanent floor openings?
Are grates or similar floor opening covers designed so foot traffic or rolling equipment will not be affected by the spacing or construction of the grate? Are unused portions of service pits and pits not in use covered or protected by guardrails or equivalent? Yes No Inspection Point Stairs and Stairways Are standard stair rails or handrails on all stairways that have four or more risers (steps)? Are all stairways at least 22 inches wide? Is there a vertical clearance of at least seven feet from the leading edge of any stair tread to any overhead obstruction, including the ceiling? Are all step risers on stairs uniform in height from top to bottom? Are steps on stairs and stairways designed or provided with a slip resistant surface? Are stairway handrails located between 30 34 inches above the leading edge of the stair treads? Do stairway handrails have at least three inches of clearance between the handrails and the surface they are mounted to? Yes No Inspection Point Elevated Surfaces Are surfaces elevated more than 4 feet above the floor or ground protected with standard guardrails (a railing 42 inches from the floor with a mid rail at 21 inches)? Are all elevated surfaces provided with a standard 4 inch toe board? If you have additional questions about preventing workplace injuries and keeping you and your employees safe, contact our Safety Director, Reed Balls, at rballs@aplusbenefits.com. Additional Recommended Resources: The PDF versions of the documents and forms in this toolkit can be found at: www.aplusbenefits.com/slips trips falls toolkit Fall Factor Safety Handout Ladder Safety Toolbox Training Safe Housekeeping Toolbox Training