Slips, Trips, & Falls

Slips, Trips, and Falls typically makes the annual list of work place related incidents.  I have put together a causes and prevention list as a reference.  Please take notes and pass on as needed!

-Christina, KTS Safety Consultant


Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slips, trips and falls accounted for
15.8% of all fatal occupational injuries in 2013

Causes

• Uneven walking surfaces
• Spills
• Loose matting
• Weather-related conditions like rain, snow and/or ice
• Use of inappropriate footwear
• Walkway surfaces that are in disrepair
• Highly polished surfaces/floors that do not allow for adequate footwear traction
• Clutter
• Open desk/cabinet drawers

​Prevention

• Practicing good housekeeping
• Keeping floor surfaces clean and dry
• Providing adequate drainage in wet floor locations
• Ensuring wet floor warning signs are posted in and around wet floor locations
• Maintaining clear aisles and passageways
• Ensuring walkway surfaces are in good repair
• Using marking tape and cones for awareness of steps or uneven surfaces
• Keeping cords and hoses out of the way
• Reporting and cleaning up spills immediately
• Providing non-slip coatings or anti-skid surfaces
• Minimizing matting trip hazards
• Providing adequate lighting in all areas
• Eliminating uneven floor surfaces
• Setting standards for type(s) of footwear to be worn
• Training the workforce to take shorter, more vertical steps in tricky spots and to step over obstacles at an angle
• Establishing rules that eliminate running and horseplay