Slips, Trips & Falls
It can happen by using a chair improperly. It can happen when walking on something you shouldn't be walking on. It happens when you carry something and trip. It can happen by using a ladder unsafely. It happens when you are distracted or doing something that is unsafe. A fall from a height as low as four-feet can cause serious injury and even death. The vast majority of slips and falls occur because the person is not paying attention to where they are walking or what they're doing. The second cause is correctable hazards in the workplace such as slippery floors, an electrical cord laid on the floor, a damaged ladder or an unguarded drop-off.
Things you can do include:
Ensuring your work area is kept clean and free of debris on walking surfaces
Report and lighting that is not working
Never carry objects that block your view of where you are walking
Inspect all ladders before each use
Clean up spills immediately
Report all slip and fall hazards to your supervisor
Use handrails when going up or down stair
Make sure the soles of your shoes are not excessively worn
Don’t store or place anything on stairs
Walk only in authorized areas
Never climb on or over equipment
Accident Reports…It could happen here
A production worker at a textile plant fell eight feet from the top of a machine he had been attempting to clear. Instead of going to the other side and using the access ladder, he climbed on top of the equipment from the operator’s side. While attempting to clear a jam, his foot slipped and he fell to the foot of the machine. He injured his spine and rib cage – this resulted in a three-month stay in the hospital in full traction.
A worker in a paint factory broke her leg when she stepped into an unguarded drain hole… the drain grate had been temporarily removed to clear a blockage. No barrier had been put up to warn workers of the open hole.
Slips trips and falls are the result of unsafe acts and unsafe condition. Correct these problems when you see them!
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