SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS KEEPING A STEP AHEAD

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS KEEPING A STEP AHEAD FACILITATOR S GUIDE 2660 Horizon Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 800-842-0466 www.safetyontheweb.com

What s Inside Overview 1 Facilitator s Guidelines 1-a Overview 1-b Getting Started 1-c Presentation Guidelines 1-d Lesson Plan 1-e Frequently Asked Questions 2 Why these Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety 3 Risk Factors 4 Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls 9 Ladder Safety 12 Stair Safety 13 Fall Protection Equipment 14 Summary Program Objective Slips, trips and falls may not seem like a big workplace problem. They are, in fact, a significant source of injuries, and even deaths, on the job. According to government statistics, slips, trips, and falls account for over 19 percent of all disabling work injuries. Each year, over 600 deaths and 300,000 disabling injuries are directly attributed to slips, trips and falls in the work place. These injuries and deaths are preventable: slips, trips, and falls can be completely controlled by following the proper safety practices. Being aware of slip, trip and fall hazards is important. Respecting the hazards and following established safety procedures are essential parts of the prevention process. Follow the simple procedures outlined in this handbook, and make a commitment to protect yourself from injuries. In this handbook we will look at the: causes of common slips, trips, and falls in the work place and ways to prevent them, when, where and how to use fall protection, techniques to avoid slips, trips, and falls. safe work practices. 15 Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Quiz 2001 Summit Training Source Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from Summit Training Source Inc. If you wish to purchase additional copies please call our office at 1-800-842-0466. 1-a

Getting Started Presentation Guidelines Training Materials Preparation Collect all of the necessary materials and supplies before training begins. Here are some suggested materials and supplies. A training location that is free of distractions, has good lighting and a comfortable temperature. Desks and chairs arranged so that everyone will be able to see the viewing screen, the facilitator and each other. The video, a VCR and a TV with a remote. Make sure the video is rewound. A successful presentation requires preparation and planning. Give yourself several days before the training session to get organized. Locate and schedule the training site as soon as possible. Notify trainees of the training date and time, the training schedule and proper dress. Obtain all necessary equipment and supplies. Make sure you know how to operate the TV, VCR and other equipment. Check to ensure that it is working properly. Replace or repair any damaged equipment. Review all training materials, including the Facilitator s Guide, handouts and any other reference materials. An employee handbook and pen/pencil for each trainee. Each handbook includes a quiz at the back, which can be used to test comprehension and document training. Other supplies and equipment you may need - blackboard, chalk, paper, handouts, transparencies, overhead projector, markers, notepads, etc. Additional information, such as a copy of the regulation or other reference tools. Prepare your presentation, including a lesson plan or outline of the training. Include the training goals and objectives. Some presentation guidelines are included on the next page. A sample lesson plan has been included on page 1-d of this Facilitator s Guide. A day or so before conducting the training session, you may want to have participants take the quiz as a pre-test. The results of this test can help you to determine weak areas to focus on during the training session. Preview the videotape. Note any key points you want to expand upon in your training. Organize Training Time Efficiently Stress the Purpose and Goals of Training Capture Their Attention Make New Learning Experiences Pleasant Ask If There are any Questions How you present the training course can have a great impact on learning. By following these simple presentation guidelines and keeping your objectives in mind, you can effectively and efficiently get the most out of your training session. In today s busy work climate, it can be difficult to find the time needed for training. So, it is important to be organized and well-prepared when you do schedule training sessions. Whether you use Summit s suggested Lesson Plan or not, it is Training needs to be goal-oriented. State the purpose of training in a clear, specific manner - whether it s to reduce injuries, increase production, Training needs to be interesting and compelling to hold trainees attention. To help motivate learners, give them specific evidence that their effort makes a difference and provide feedback on their progress. Also, remember that the first For some adults, past experiences with education were unpleasant and not helpful. Adults learn best when they feel comfortable. By making the learning environment open and friendly, you can help adults to When most adults learn new information that conflicts with what they already know, they are less likely to integrate those new ideas. It is very important to make sure participants fully understand the important to have a lesson plan prepared that you can implement comfortably. This ensures that time spent in training is productive and beneficial for everyone. improve quality, improve working conditions, etc. Review the goals and objectives of the training so trainees know what is expected of them. experience with a new subject usually forms a lasting impression on the learner. By making that experience a positive one, you can help ensure your audience retains the information learned. feel secure in their new learning experience. Offer support and feedback as often as possible, and be ready to provide extra attention to those who may require it. training and do not have any unresolved questions. Provide for a question and answer period so participants can resolve those questions and/or answer questions throughout the training session. 1-b 1-c

Lesson Plan Frequently Asked Questions 1. Introduce the Topic and Purpose of Training As a qualified trainer, your job is to effectively communicate a great deal of information in a well-organized manner. By preparing a lesson plan, you can ensure that each minute of the training session is productive. Summit has provided a suggested lesson plan for your use. Research proves that audience retention is higher when programs are given a brief introduction before viewing them. Prepare an introduction that explains the reasons for training and what will be taught. Are slips, trips, and falls really that serious a hazard? Slips, trips and falls may not seem like a big workplace problem. Sometimes these accidents are even portrayed in a humorous light. But there is nothing funny about slips, trips, and falls. In fact, they are a significant source of injuries, and even deaths, on the job. Govenment statistics report that slips, trips, and falls account for over 19 percent of all disabling work injuries. In one year alone, over 600 deaths and 300,000 disabling injuries are directly attributed to slips, trips and falls in the work place. Slips, trips, and falls can be serious, and the common hazards associated with these incidents must be respected. 2. Show the Video: 3. Discussion and Demonstration 4. Use Handbooks to Reinforce Training "Slips, Trips and Falls: Keeping a Step Ahead" To help relate the training to your site, you may wish to incorporate your own discussion topics and exercises. Key issues you might consider include: Specific housekeeping guidelines for your site that help prevent slips and trip hazards. This may include closing file drawers, putting equipment and tools in their proper place, keeping floors dry, and providing proper lighting for work areas. The handbooks increase comprehension and reinforce the information learned in the video program by explaining the main points and expanding on the original material. For increased employee information If your site or type of work requires the use of ladders, cover common ladder safety guidelines and safe work practices. Stress the correct type of shoes to be worn for your site. For example, if your site has slippery surfaces, always wear nonskid soled shoes. retention, go over one section at a time and stop to answer questions. The quiz at the back of the Facilitator s Guide is provided to document employee training. Answers to the quiz are in bold type. What are some of the common causes of slips, trips and falls? How can I prevent slips, trips, and falls? There are many causes of slips, trips, and falls. Common causes of these incidents include slippery or uneven surfaces, obstructions like hoses or cords stretched across an aisle, the improper use of ladders and stairs, spills not properly cleaned up, shoes not designed for the surfaces they will be used on, poor or inadequate lighting, and unsafe behavior such as Being aware of slip, trip and fall hazards is important. Respecting the hazards and following established safety procedures are essential parts of the prevention process. Follow the simple procedures outlined in this handbook, and make a commitment to protect yourself from injuries. The following can be done to minimize your risk of these incidents: Follow the guidelines in this handbook. horseplay or jumping from high places. Slips, trips, and falls can be completely controlled through awareness, safe work procedures and engineering controls. If a problem should arise that you cannot immediately resolve, be sure to contact your supervisor or Safety Manager. Avoid walking on slippery and wet surfaces. If you must walk on a wet surface, always take small steps and wear proper shoes with nonskid soles. Always practice proper ladder safety. Be aware of common stair hazards. Always wear fall protection equipment when the risk of falling more than 6 feet is present. 5. Questions and Answers Provide for a Q&A session to answer any questions. It may be necessary to review some of the material when providing answers. The employee handbook, equipment manuals and other reference tools may be helpful. 1-d 1-e

Why These Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety Slips, trips, and falls may not seem like a big workplace problem. They are, in fact, a significant source of injuries, and even deaths, on the job. Risk Factors There are many causes of slips, trips, and falls. Common causes of these incidents include: slippery or uneven surfaces, According to government statistics, slips, trips, and falls account for over 19 obstructions, like hoses or cords stretched across aisles, percent of all disabling work injuries. Each year, over 600 deaths and improper use of ladders and stairs, 300,000 disabling injuries are directly attributed to slips, trips, and falls in improper shoes, the workplace. poor or inadequate lighting, These injuries and deaths are preventable: slips, trips, and falls can be completely controlled by following the proper safety practices. In this handbook we will look at the: common causes of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace and ways to prevent them, when, where, and how to use fall protection, unsafe behavior, such as horseplay or jumping from high places. Slips, trips, and falls can be completely controlled through awareness, safe work procedures, and engineering controls. If a problem should arise that you cannot immediately resolve, be sure to contact your supervisor or Safety Manager. techniques to avoid slips, trips, and falls. 2 3

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls Slips Wearing an improper type of shoe causes many slips and falls. Leather soles or high heels compound the hazard of slippery surfaces. High heels may also get caught in steel grates. Your awareness and action are two key ways to counteract slip hazards, every day, both on and off the job. Slips can happen in almost any part of the workplace. You should be aware of the possibility of slips, no matter where you work. How slippery a surface is depends, of course, on what the surface is made of. Some surfaces are much more slippery than others. Add water, a spilled substance, grease or oil, or even fresh wax or polish to a floor or walking area and you have the potential for slips and falls. Sometimes wet surfaces cannot be avoided. Use floor mats to help remove the moisture from shoes. These mats should have a non-skid bottom and should be changed as often as necessary. Use the mats for your own protection, but remember that the soles of your shoes may still be wet or slippery. Use extra precaution as you proceed. If you work in an area where there are slippery surfaces, wear shoes with non-skid soles. Do not wear high heels in production areas. When selecting shoes, consider what chemicals or other substances they will be exposed to. As with all safety equipment, selecting the proper equipment, like shoes, is critical to preventing injuries. Key Point Slips, trips, and falls account for over 19 percent of all disabling work injuries. Keep floors clean and dry. 4 5

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls (continued) Trips Use warning signs or markers to make others aware of potentially hazardous areas. When the job requires a number of tools or parts to be out, rope off the area or set warning signs and cones. Obstructions such as blocked aisle ways, materials not properly stored, open drawers, unsecured hoses or cords across pathways, and other obstacles are trip hazards. Preventing a potentially serious trip injury comes down to two simple points: Be aware of and respect the hazard Take the time to follow safe procedures by removing or eliminating the hazard Good housekeeping is everyone's responsibility. You are in the best position to notice, report, and correct conditions that could cause a slip, trip, or fall. Colored striping or other highly visible markings should be used to show the change from a level floor surface to a ramp or different level. Keep walkways, aisles, and stairs free of tools, materials, and other hazards. Place all trash immediately in proper containers. Poor lighting reduces your ability to notice a hazard. Good lighting is especially important around high incident areas, such as loading docks and stairways. If the lighting is inadequate or a bulb needs to be replaced, report it immediately to your supervisor or Safety Manager. Close file drawers after finding what you need. Do not leave them "open for a minute or two." Hoses and cords should never become permanent fixtures across an aisle or doorway. If hoses or cords must be there for more than a few moments, secure them. 6 7

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls (continued) Ladder Safety Eliminating slips, trips, and falls on stairways requires your individual attention and action. You may be able to prevent accidents by reporting physical plant problems to your supervisor or to Maintenance. Notify them when: warning signs are not used while mopping, railings are not in place or are not firmly anchored, lights have burned out and need to be replaced, drain covers are not in place, loose or worn non-slip surfaces need to be repaired or replaced. Ladders account for over 30,000 injured workers each year. Take extra precautions when using them. To meet Federal requirements, any ladder used must be classified as Heavy Duty (with a 250 lbs weight limit) or Heavy Duty Industrial (with a 300 lbs weight limit). Always use a ladder to reach above arm s reach. Never use boxes or chairs. Choose a ladder that is the right height for the job. Inspect the condition of the ladder before using it. Make sure all the hardware is in place and is properly attached. Check the condition of each step. Remove any dirt, oil, grease, or other substances that may cause you to slip. When you use a ladder in a doorway or heavy traffic zone, be sure to block off the area. Secure the door or have a coworker stand at the door while the ladder is in use. This will prevent someone from accidentally hitting the ladder while you are on it. When placing a ladder against the side of a building or other object, make sure the object you are leaning the ladder against is stable. Do not set the ladder on uneven surfaces. When raising the ladder, watch out for any potential electrical hazards, like power lines and electrical wiring. 8 9

Ladder Safety (continued) Many falls occur when a person on a ladder reaches too far to the side. Your belt buckle should never move outside the plane of the two rails on the ladder. Instead of reaching out, climb down and move the ladder. When using a ladder to climb to a roof or other surface, the ladder should extend a minimum of three feet beyond the roof. For additional protection, the ladder should be tied off at the top or bottom, or both. If tying off is not possible, have a co-worker hold the ladder steady. Never stand any higher than the third step from the top of an extension ladder or the second step from the top of a step ladder. Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder. When climbing a ladder, always maintain three points of contact with either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder. Your foot should be placed so that the rung or step of the ladder is in front of your heel, under the arch of your foot. Tools and other items should be carried on a belt or raised with a towline. Key Point When setting up a straight or extension ladder, use the 4-to-l ratio rule. For every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be out from the wall one foot. 10 11

Stair Safety Fall Protection Equipment Stairs or permanent ladders are another significant source of falls. Ninety percent of all stairway falls are due to unsafe behavior. Do not run up or down stairs or skip a step. Take them one at a time, and be sure to use the hand railing. Never carry a load that blocks your vision or makes it difficult to maintain your balance. Falls often happen when people are in a hurry or are thinking of something else. Stairways deserve your full concentration. Stairs should be kept clear at all times. Do not store anything on stairs, even for a short time. When tasks are performed at heights of 6 feet or more without the protection normally provided by floors, guardrails, scaffolds, and aerial platforms, fall protection equipment is needed. Emergency retrieval systems are also required during confined space entry. Fall protection equipment may include safety nets, lifelines, lanyards, body belts, and harnesses. Preventing falls from heights requires pre-planning and careful execution, as well as the proper use and maintenance of fall protection equipment. A qualified person must choose the fall protection equipment to use. Workers required to wear fall protection equipment must be trained in it s proper use. The training should include: how to inspect the harness, belt, lifeline, wench, and other equipment to make sure everything functions properly, selection of proper anchoring points and how to set them overhead, how to protect the lifeline, so it cannot be cut on pinch points or sharp objects, how to set up a retracting system, what to do in the event of an emergency. Key Point Fall protection equipment may be exposed to many elements which can affect it s performance. The equipment should be cleaned, stored, and tested according to the manufacturer's specific recommendations. Eighty percent of all falls that happen on stairs occur on the first two or the last two steps. 12 13

Summary Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Quiz In this handbook we have looked at common slips, trips, and falls and what you can do to prevent them. We have also examined fall protection equipment and safety techniques that will help keep you from being injured. You may have thought that slips, trips, and falls are not big problems, but the statistics you read at the beginning of this handbook prove otherwise. Being aware of slip, trip, and fall hazards is important. Respecting the hazards and following established safety procedures are essential parts of the prevention process. Follow the simple procedures outlined in this handbook, and make a commitment to protect yourself from injuries. When you cannot avoid walking on slippery surfaces, there are things you can do to make the job safer: Choose the best shoes for the job Walk slower than you usually do Take smaller, compact steps Bend your knees a little Point your toes out slightly If you find yourself in a trip or fall, free your hands of any objects you may be holding. Try to protect your most vulnerable points which are the head and neck, spine, internal organs, and joints. Try to spread the force of the fall's impact by rolling or moving with the direction of the fall. Finally, if you discover an unexpected slip, trip or fall hazard, try to eliminate it. Warn others about the potential hazard, and report the problem to your supervisor or Safety Manager. To review your knowledge of slips, trips, and falls safety, answer the questions below. Your Name Date 1. Slips, trips, and falls cannot be prevented. a. True b. False 2. The following can help prevent slips, trips, and falls, except: a. Keeping floors dry, providing adequate lighting, and maintaining even surfaces. b. Good housekeeping, not leaving hoses, boxes, and cords in walkways, stairs, or aisles. c. Practicing proper ladder safety. d. Stretching muscles before and during work. 3. When setting up and using a straight or extension ladder, always use the: a. Three to one ratio. b. Three foot rule. c. Four to one ratio. d. Two point contact at all times. 4. To meet Federal requirements, any ladder used must be able to support your weight and the weight of your tools and load: a. True b. False 5. should be used to show the change from a level floor surface to a ramp or different floor level. a. Colored striping or markings b. Posted notices in worker restrooms c. Overhead signs at all entrances d. a and b d. None of the above. 14 15

Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Quiz (continued) 6. Eighty percent of all falls that happen on stairs occur on the bottom two or the top two steps. a. True b. False 7. You can help remove moisture from your shoes by using: a. Mops. b. Floor mats. c. Waterproof boots. d. Safety shoes. 8. When you cannot avoid walking on slippery surfaces, to make the job safer: a. take smaller steps b. jump across the puddle c. take larger steps d. walk with a partner 9. The best type of shoes to prevent slips are: a. Waterproof shoes. b. Leather soled shoes. c. Non-skid soled shoes. d. Shoes with metal tips and heels. 10. Fall protection equipment is required on all Confined Space Entries. a. True b. False 16