INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Simply walking should not be a hazardous activity, yet many counties and county related entities are finding that a great portion of their accidents and injuries start with a slip, trip or same level fall. The severe, disabling effect and costly aspects of these types of accidents is increasing as the average workforce age increases. A slip or fall that might only embarrass a twenty-year-old worker can cause significant long-term injury to a forty-year-old person. Accidents that start with a slip many times result in head injuries, back injuries, lacerations, fractures, pulled muscles and deep contusions.
Prevention strategies are generally the same for most hazards - this includes those measures necessary for a slip, trip and fall prevention program. Identifying industry wide causes of slips, trips and falls is the first step in a comprehensive prevention strategy. The second element is to institute engineered changes that modify the work areas to eliminate, control or reduce the hazard exposure. Modification of work practices is the third element - change those actions that contribute to hazard exposure. Employee awareness training closes the loop of the four-element process of hazard prevention and control.
IDENTIFICATION
Poor walking surfaces are the number one contributor to slips and trips. Slick or smooth floors are a prime contributor to workplace slips and falls. Other contributors include material in walkways, improper footwear, inadequate lighting, narrow aisles, horseplay and blocked vision when carrying objects. Walking surfaces with worn tiles, curled floor mats, cracks, missing floor drain covers, ankle-biters and knee-knockers are a guaranteed environment for slips and trips.
Engineering controls for prevention of slips and trips start with considering the basic surface of the floor. In areas that routinely see work related liquid spills (i.e. kitchen, jail cells, etc.) require a good anti-slip coating. The surface should be rough enough to provide an adequate surface profile to prevent liquid hydroplaning between floor and footwear. Good interior and exterior lighting will ensure employees can see hazards in their path of travel. Proper lighting will eliminate dark shadows and provide the illumination needed for employees with poor eyesight.
All aisle ways should be at least twenty-two inches wide to eliminate the need to twist sideways when navigating the work area. Ankle-biters and knee-knockers are those parts of equipment, piping, hangers, machinery and workstations, chairs, shelving, computer hardware and office "clutter" that may protrude into walkways. All floor mats should have beveled edges that prevent catching the toe of footwear.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS TRAINING
Employees play an important role in slip and trip prevention. Bringing them into the hazard control and reduction process is essential in developing an effective program. Train them in the hazards that create slip and trip potentials. Explain the need for low heel non-skid footwear. Train them to walk slowly and deliberately on wet or slick surfaces. Explain the immediate cleanup policy for spilled liquids. Encourage reporting of slip and trip hazards. Prohibit running and horseplay at work. Require immediate area cleanup after all maintenance.
WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS
Commonly, there are four factors can contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards: 1) workers;
2) machines/equipment; 3) work environments; and 4) management. Workers may be prone to slip, trip and fall hazards by not properly using equipment, fatigue, risk-taking behavior and/or inadequate training. Some machine factors that contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards include improperly designed machines, missing components, or machines that are not maintained properly. Environmental factors include wintry conditions such as snow, ice, and wind, as well as other factors such as poor lighting. Remember, that management has the ability to control worker, machine, and environment factors through proper planning, monitoring and corrective action. The following are some basic suggested safety tips aimed at helping prevent slips, trips and falls at work:
Remove slip, trip, and fall hazards from the work area, especially in high-trafficked areas. Even though workers may be moving at a reasonable pace and keeping their eyes on where they are going, predictable surfaces with good traction help prevent slips, trips and falls.
Establish a no-running policy. Though in some situations, staff may need to work at a quick pace, making sure that workers do not run can prevent injuries and illnesses due to slips and falls.
Make sure workers wear proper footwear with good traction that is kept in good repair. Take a look at the soles of shoes regularly to check for excessive wear. Slip-resistant footwear should be considered where necessary, such as footwear with spiked or studded soles that can improve traction on ice.
Cleaning procedures for floors are essential to good slip resistance. Make sure that all walking surfaces are kept free of spills, water, oil and any other substances that may affect the traction of the surface.
Report any spills and provide adequate signage regarding hazards such as spills, uneven surfaces, debris, icy sidewalks, smooth concrete and other hazards. Also ensure that your county has a process that documents incidents and reports slip and fall hazards.
Make sure that staff is trained on how to properly clean/remove slip, trip, and fall hazards. Also ensure that staff and management are trained in slip, trip and fall prevention. Workers should resume work only after a hazard has been removed or resolved.
Be sure all areas have adequate lighting to illuminate any potential hazards.
Prevent surface water accumulation in areas that can lead to slips, trips and falls; ensure that there are adequate drainage systems and pumps in place.
Be aware of the floor types in your county buildings to help determine the degree of hazards for slips, trips and falls.
SUMMARY
Remember, controlling slip and trip hazards takes involvement by everyone. Commissioners and top management must commit to actions that implement proper engineering and work practice controls; directors, department heads and supervisors need to conduct periodical inspections and monitor work practices, and employees must use their training to avoid hazardous conditions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information please send an e-mail to:
Bruce Mitchell, Loss Control Services Manager; [email protected]
Gary Nicholson, Senior Loss Control Specialist; [email protected]
Greg Cunningham, Loss Control Specialist; [email protected]
Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist; [email protected]