Slips, Trips, & Falls

Worksite Safety

In 2011 roughly three million workplace injuries and illness were reported by private sector employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Liberty Mutual’s 2012 Workplace Safety Index, slip’s, trips, or falls on the same level are the second leading cause for disabling workplace injury in the United States.  In these cases, risk can usually be prevented or reduced by simply recognizing a dangerous environment before you being working.
 
Leading causes of slips
  • Wet surfaces due to a spill
  • Dry particles on walking surface (ex. powders)
  • Reduced friction due to glossy surface
  • Slopped surfaces
  • Loose or unanchored flooring
  • Climbing ladders
  • Loose surfaces (ex. gravel)
  • Weather (ex. snow & ice)
Leading causes for trips
  • Clutter & debris
  • Masked obstacles (ex. cables, wires, etc)
  • Open doors and drawers
  • Unmarked steps or ramps
  • Uneven or missing floor covering
I don’t have to tell you that it’s in your best interest to avoid injury.  A fall resulting from an imbalance or slipping and tripping can create problems from strains and sprains, to bruises, fractures, and even abrasions or lacerations. Not only can an accident be costly, it also reduces a worker’s overall quality of life depending on the severity.  So what kind of preventative measures can you take?
  • Be well rested
  • Take your time and pay attention
  • Avoid improper footwear and loose clothing
  • Take slow and short steps, bending from the knees, when walking on a
  • questionable surface
  • Keep work area clear and clutter free
  • Do not carry more weight than you can handle
  • Be prepared to fall, if possible do not brace yourself with your arms, and tuck your chin into your chest should you fall backward