Slips, trips and falls are a major cause of loss within counties and county-related entities. By reviewing and implementing key risk control guidelines and by becoming more familiar with standards, guidelines and best practices developed and suggested by organizations such as NFPA, ANSI, ASSE, NSC and OSHA, county employers should be better prepared to recognize, evaluate and control slip, trip and fall hazards to help their employees and the public remain injury-free.

TYPES OF FLOOR SURFACES AND TREATMENT MATERIALS

The types of floor surfaces and coverings found within county/public-sector buildings vary greatly and are too numerous to describe in detail within this article. Floor coverings might include various types of floor tile, terrazzo, linoleum or carpeting. Nonskid floor finishes and other non-slip floor-treatment materials are available for all common types of flooring. Because it is important to select the proper slip-resistant material for the given floor, the manufacturer should be consulted regarding what product will provide the most appropriate non-slip treatment for the floor in question. As a general rule, floor-treatment materials should have a minimum slip-resistance rating of .50 (see the product's label for details). This rating is also known as the static coefficient of friction (SCOF). Nonskid mats, runners or carpet strips are highly effective in preventing slips and falls in many areas without harming the flooring or detracting from its appearance.

WALK-OFF MATS AND BUILDING ENTRANCES

All walk-off mats must be in good condition and they should be provided at all appropriate building entrances. These mats should have beveled edges to prevent any edge from becoming raised, which could lead to a trip/fall injury. The width of the mat should be equivalent to the width of the doorway and extend approximately 15 to 25 ft inside the building, if possible.

SPILL CONTROL

Even the best walk-off mats can become saturated on a rainy or snowy day. Therefore, a building custodian should be in the area to remove excessive amounts of moisture in a timely manner. Wet floor signs should be conspicuously displayed to warn of slippery conditions.

SLIP-RESISTANT FLOOR TILE, STRIPS AND MATS

In kitchens and cafeterias, slip-resistant floor tile should be in place to provide kitchen workers with appropriate traction under both damp and dry conditions. As an alternative, nonslip floor strips/mats could be used. They should be installed in front of sinks, in dishwashing areas, inside the walk-in coolers and freezers or on ramps, as necessary.

LIGHTING INTENSITY

Adequate lighting should be provided both inside and outside of county buildings, especially in areas with stairs, ramps, curbs or other elevated conditions to help prevent trips and falls.

CARPETS AND SLIP, TRIP AND FALL PREVENTION

All carpeted areas should be maintained in good condition. Employers should strive to keep these areas in a relatively uniform condition to provide a level walking surface and a consistent degree of friction. The use of shag carpeting should be discouraged because heels of shoes can be easily snagged in its material and can result in a trip/fall incident and possible insurance claim.

HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES

Good housekeeping practices play a key role in preventing slips, trips and falls. Designated storage and receiving areas should be kept neat and orderly. One benefit of conducting regular inspections of these areas is the removal of nonessential items that might lead to a slip, trip or fall incident. An adequate number of trash containers should be available in common areas, offices, cafeterias and other areas inside the building. These containers should be emptied regularly. Spilled food and/or drinks should be cleaned up as soon as possible, especially in kitchen/cafeteria areas. Good housekeeping practices should be used throughout county buildings. Examples of such practices include closing file cabinet drawers in offices, and picking up pencils or pens from hallway floors in public buildings.

FOOTWEAR GUIDELINES

One effective way to prevent slip/fall injuries is to increase the friction between an individual's shoes and the surfaces on which that person works and walks. Here are some general guidelines:

·         Neoprene soles made with a synthetic rubber can be used safely on most work surfaces, both wet and dry. They are not recommended for oily conditions.

·         Crepe soles, rubber with a "crinkled" texture, are best used for rough concrete, either dry or wet. They are not suggested for tile, smooth concrete or wood surfaces.

·         Soft rubber soles can be used safely on most dry surfaces. They are not suggested for wet or greasy concrete.

·         Hard rubber soles are best for greasy concrete and wood. They are not recommended for ceramic tile or dry concrete.

For a public entity's parking lot to be considered safe and hazard-free, the following conditions should be met:

·         Each surface should be properly pitched for adequate water drainage and all surfaces should be smoothly paved.

·         Curbs leading to sidewalks and entrances should be of contrasting color, as should single steps.

·         Tire (wheel) stops should be of adequate width and painted to contrast with surrounding surfaces, and all speed bumps should be painted with nonskid paint that is in contrast with the pavement.

·         Each area should be free of cracks, potholes or other such conditions, and areas should be free of debris and materials such as gravel or mud.

·         Satisfactory illumination must be provided, and parking lot traffic control signs should be properly placed and in good condition. Of course, enforcement of all posted rules is important as well.

·         Removal of snow and ice as soon as possible is essential.

RAMPS AND SIDEWALKS

From a loss control and risk management perspective, the following provisions should be in place for all ramps and sidewalks:

·         Curbs should be painted in a color that does not blend in easily with the colors of surrounding surfaces.

·         All sidewalks should be free of broken or uneven slabs. Changes in elevation must be identified through the use of different colors, and secure handrails should be provided for all ramps.

·         Sidewalks should remain clean and free of debris, and they must be adequately illuminated. Again, entity personnel must monitor weather conditions and remove ice and snow in a timely manner.

SUMMARY

Slip, trip and fall prevention is a critical loss control topic for county building and maintenance directors, risk managers and safety committee members, and provisions should be reviewed regularly. By recognizing, evaluating and controlling both actual and potential slip, trip and fall hazards, county personnel can strive to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents and the resulting cost of PComp, PCoRP and PELICAN insurance claims.

If you would like more information or if you would like us to conduct a slip, trip and fall hazard survey, please contact:

Gary Nicholson, Senior Loss Control Specialist, gnicholson@pacounties.org

Greg Cunningham, Loss Control Specialist, gcunningham@pacounties.org

Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist, blauzonis@pacounties.org