Watch Your Step! How to Stop Slips, Trips, and Falls Before They Happen

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries, accounting for approximately 25% of all work-related injuries in the US and the second leading cause of workplace fatalities. Preventing these incidents requires a proactive approach that addresses both unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviors.

Good Housekeeping: The First Line of Defense

Implement the following practices:

• Secure mats, rugs, and carpets to prevent slippage.
• Put away objects immediately after use to avoid clutter.
• Clean up spills immediately and investigate the cause to prevent recurrence.
• Use warning signs in wet floor areas and remove them promptly when dry.
• Keep aisles and walkways clear of obstructions.
• Arrange equipment to avoid interfering with walkways.
• Maintain floors in good condition, eliminating hazards like protruding nails or holes.
• Cover floor openings or use guardrails.

Hazard Identification and Reporting

• Alert others and place warnings around any identified fall hazard.
• Block off the hazard area.
• Correct the hazard if possible.
• Report hazards that cannot be corrected to a supervisor.
• Report all slips, trips, falls, and near-misses to supervisors.

Lighting: An Essential Component of Safety

• Ensure adequate illumination in walkways, staircases, ramps, hallways, basements, construction areas, and dock areas.
• Keep work areas well-lit and clean.
• Maintain clear and accessible areas around light switches.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors and allow time for your eyes to adjust when entering buildings.

Walking Surfaces: Maintaining Safe Conditions

• Watch for changes in floor level, such as steps or ramps.
• Keep work areas clear of cords, which pose a tripping hazard.
• Report and address hazards like loose stair treads or uneven surfaces.
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent slippery surfaces.
• Be mindful of uneven surfaces, broken pavement, and loose floorboards.

Stairs and Ladders: High-Risk Areas

Stairs:

• Use handrails to maintain balance.
• Ensure railings are firmly anchored.
• Maintain a clear vision of the floor ahead.
• Avoid carrying objects that block your vision.
• Take one step at a time, and never run.

Ladders:

• Only trained and authorized employees should use ladders.
• Inspect ladders before each use.
• Check for broken rungs or slippery substances.
• Remove damaged ladders from service and tag them “Do Not Use.”
• Maintain three points of contact when using a ladder.
• Use cones to signal ladder use in high-traffic areas.
• Ensure ladders are placed on level, non-slip surfaces.

Material Handling: Reducing Accidents

• Use proper lifting techniques to maintain balance.
• Keep walkways unobstructed and move in a slow, controlled manner.
• Carry loads that allow you to see where you are going.
• Get help or use lifting devices for heavy items.
• Use material handling aids like carts.
• Push carts rather than pull them for better visibility.
• Use tool belts and buckets to carry tools and materials.

Proper Footwear: A Simple Yet Effective Safety Measure

• Wear shoes or boots that fit well, are comfortable, and have adequate traction.
• Consider the work environment when selecting footwear.
• Look for tread designs that cover the entire sole and heel area.
• Consult safety footwear manufacturers for specialized footwear recommendations.

Preventing slips, trips, and falls requires a multifaceted approach and depends significantly on individual awareness and actions. While workplaces may have inherent conditions, recognizing dangers, eliminating hazards, and using safety equipment are crucial steps in creating a safer environment.

Expand Your Knowledge

Expand your knowledge with our Slips, Trips, and Falls Training Course. For a deeper dive into specific industry standards and best practices, consider enrolling in our specialized Workplace Safety Management Program.

References

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Slips, Trips, and Falls

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection