Safety Meeting Series Slip Strips and Falls

7/31/2019 Safety Meeting Series Slip Strips and Falls

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Slips, Tripsand Falls

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Slips, Trips and Falls

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A workplace fall can change everything

James Wright fell five storeys when a ladder broke at work. Now he lives and

works in a wheelchair. Wright says, I wake up every day knowing a fall at work

changed my life. Far too many workplace injuries are caused by slips, trips or

falls. And all of them are preventable.

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In Canada some 60 thousand workers get injured annually due to

fall accidents. This number represents about 15% of the lost-time

injuries that were accepted by workers compensation boards or

commissions across Canada.


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How do falls happen?

Statistics show that the majority (60 percent) of falls happen on the same level

resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 40 percent are falls from a height.

Slips

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear

and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

wet or oily surfaces

occasional spills

weather hazards

loose, unanchored rugs or mats

Trips

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose

the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

obstructed or llmited view

clutter in your way

uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Falls from Heights

Falls from elevated surfaces are generally less frequent - but in most cases more

severe. Common causes of falls from elevated surfaces are:

stairs / ladders / scaffolds

loading docks/ramps

vehicles and equipment

buildings and other structures


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Step 1: Recognition

Recognize that you can prevent falls and identify where the potential for

them exists.

All too often we recognize there is a problem or a potential problem only after

someone falls. Dont rely on luck or good fortune to protect you. All workplaces

have a risk of fall injuries.

Before they can be controlled, fall hazards in your workplace must be identified.

This can be done during workplace inspections. Complete an inventory of all fall

hazards in your workplace. Start at grade level, and work to falls from heights.

Classify your identified hazards by department or work area, or by fall classifi

cation - noting the department and work activity.

To complete the inventory, use a random selection of people: management/

supervision, JHSC members, office staff, etc. A good cross-section of people

allows for those familiar with the work to provide specific input - and those not

so familiar may spot hazards others may not notice.

Step 2: Assessment

Assess fall hazards and set standards and expectations.

The purpose of fall assessments is to reduce loss through a systematic

evaluation of the identified fall hazards in the workplace. The fall assessment

should evaluate all hazards identified to determine if risk elimination or control is

required.


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Step 3: Control

Control hazards by eliminating or reducing risk.

Many hazards can be controlled at the source by safe work design, planning and

good housekeeping. Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive

measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, will never be fully

effective.

When slips and falls cannot be eliminated, they can often be controlled along the

path by highlighting, posting and guarding - all ways of making a hazard visible

with signs, lighting, colour, etc.

Step-by-step procedures and practices should be used for defined work

Supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring that procedures and safe

work practices are communicated and followed.

All hazards can be reduced at the worker by education and training programs as

well as the proper use of personal protective equipment.

A company can control hazards if it:

sets an expectation that each worker has a role and responsibility to help

prevent slips and falls

communicates the expectation to all staff

sets the highest standards for housekeeping, lighting and visibility

identifies and reinforces the supervisors role to enforce standards

ensures standards for preventing potential causes of slips and falls are met

provides equipment that is in good repair and is used properly

makes workers aware of slip and fall hazards

trains workers how to avoid slips and fall


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When it is impossible to eliminate a hazard and personal protective equipment is

essential, you should:

review regulations that apply to your industry and your company, ensuring

that physical restraints, tie-off, working at height regulations and others are

followed

become informed on the availability of fall arrest equipment, the way to

properly use it and how to maintain it

prepare an emergency response plan that is specific to the worksite in the

event a worker becomes suspended by their fall arrest equipment or in the

event of an emergency such as a fire or severe weather


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Summary

Underestimating Slips and Falls

The simple slip and fall turns out to be a complex safety issue that needs

greater attention from industry. They are so prevalent and so costly that you

would think employers would be on constant guard against them. In most

industries, same level falls are the number one or two injury behind ergonomic o

back injuries.

Moreover, the slip and fall injuries reported are a small piece of what is really

happening out there. If you follow modern accident causation models, then

hundreds of slips and falls may be happening in organizations that are never

reported.

Contributing Factors

People think slips and falls are not preventable, they just happen. Ironically,

company officials can take a variety of very effective steps to reduce or eliminate

slips and falls. Experts say a good first step is to stop blaming the victims. Many

managers jump to the conclusion that slips and falls are the employees fault, the

result of horseplay or not paying attention. In reality, slips and falls can arise

from a complex set of causes that may have much more to do with management

practices than employee behavior.

For example, an employee tripping over an electrical cord may on the surface

appear to be just a matter of carelessness. But a closer examination could reveal

that building managers were doing a poor job of maintaining electrical systems.

As a result, electrical outlets did not work and employees began running

extension cords from the remaining outlets. By tracing the incident back to the

root cause, you find out it is a maintenance issue and it was preventable.


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Human factors such as inattention, carrying objects, poor vision, bifocals and the

use of over-the-counter medications can all contribute to slips and falls. Having

an untreated cold can affect the semicircular canals in the ears, which are one of

the feedback mechanisms we use for maintaining our internal balance.

The elderly are particularly at risk for slips and falls. They dont see as well, their

muscles are not as strong so they dont recover their balance as readily and their

reaction time is slowed. With the workforce aging, there is even more incentive

for companies to take a more proactive approach to preventing slips, trips and

falls.

Because of the many organizational, environmental and personal factors that

contribute to slips and falls, attempts to prevent injuries with single remedies,

such as slip-resistant shoes or improved maintenance, are much less likely to

succeed than a comprehensive program that includes good design, maintenance,

training, proper footwear, record keeping and other activities.


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Quiz Circle the correct answer.

(1) Wearing slip-resistant shoes or boots can prevent slips.

True False

(2) The base of a ladder should be six inches away from the wall for every

four feet in height.

True False

(3) If you spot a spill, the first thing you should do is clean it up

True False

(4) If you must enter a dark area, go ahead if youre familiar with the area.

You shouldnt need a flashlight.

True False

(5) Its okay to use a chair to reach a shelf as long as you dont pile things on

the chair seat to help you reach higher.

True False

(6) Its okay to use the top two steps or runs of a ladder as long as someone

is holding it.

True False

(7) Anytime you work at a height greater than six feet, you must use fall

protection.

True False

(8) You must mark or cover any opening or hole in the floor.

True False


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Background - Statistics

People are Falling.

Statistics are not!

In Ontario Alone

20% of all lost-time

injuries

80 injuries every day1 every 20 minutes

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039 & 041 (2001-05)Source: WSIB EIW Aug. 2006

039 5Y Average Totals# Claims LTD Costs 127 $3,039,958

LTD Days Lost Avg. Cost

13,877 $218,861

Average cost per claim: $43,772

041 5Y Average Totals# Claims LTD Costs

119 $1,525,797

LTD Days Lost Avg. Cost

11,758 $103,946

Average cost per claim: $20,7893


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Slips

Wet or oily surfaces

Occasional spills

Weather hazards

Loose unanchored rugs

or mats Flooring or other walking

surfaces that do not have

the same degree of

traction in all areas

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Trips

Obstructed view

Poor lighting

Clutter

Wrinkled carpeting

Uncovered cables

Bottom drawers

not closed

Uneven (steps,

thresholds)walking surfaces

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Falls

Stairs Ladders

Scaffolds

Loading

docks/ramps

Vehicles/equipment

Buildings and other

structures

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Assessment

Assess fall hazards and set standards and

expectations.

Reduce loss through a systematic evaluation of the

identified fall hazards in the workplace.

The fall assessment should evaluate all hazards

identified to determine if risk elimination or control

is required.

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Areas of Control

Same level falls (Slips and Trips)

Best practice guides

Falls from heights (Falls)

Best practice guides

Control: Same Level

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Best Practices

Housekeeping surveys and inspections should be

conducted for identifying and removing hazards.

Clean and tidy workplace conditions result in

lower accident rates.

The company should have a safety policy setting

accountabilities and responsibilities for good

housekeeping.

Flooring should be assessed for slip resistance.

Pedestrian routes and circulation areas should be

separate and distinguishable from work areas.

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Best Practices

Changes in floor levels should be identifiable.

Use adequate and secure doormats or abrasion

strips to prevent slipping.

Adequate lighting should be provided for all areas.

A procedure should be developed to quickly report

and deal with liquid spills on the floor.

Appropriate footwear should be worn for the type

of process (tread design).

Handrails should be added to prevent loss of

balance on ramps.

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Best Practices

Loose or damaged floor coverings should be dealtwith immediately.

Cords from phones, typewriters, lights,

computers, etc., should be tied down.

Drawers to filing cabinets and desks should be

kept closed when not in use.

Walking surfaces should be routinely swept,

vacuumed or cleaned.

Polishes or sealers used on flooring should not

reduce slip resistance.

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Best Practices Barriers, signs, notices should be used to keep

people away from areas being cleaned or

polished.

A procedure should be in place to ensure that

outdoor pedestrian routes are regularly swept and

salted/sanded during icy/frosty conditions. Ensure all staircases are fitted with handrails and

where appropriate, that anti-slip tread is in good

condition.

The selection of safety footwear should

incorporate the sole material and sole pattern that

is appropriate for the type of work to be done. 25

Controls: Heights

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Acrophobia is the medical term for the fear ofheights, a condition common to many people.A person suffering from acrophobia will be atparticular risk if assigned to work in elevatedenvironments.

Slip and trip hazards must be recognized andremoved.

Clean and tidy workplace conditions result inlower accident rates.

The company should have a policy that sets outaccountabilities and responsibilities for goodhousekeeping.

Best Practices

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Flooring should be assessed for slip resistance.

Pedestrian routes and circulation areas shouldbe separate from work areas.

Changes in floor levels should be identifiable.

Use adequate and secure doormats or abrasion

strips to prevent slipping. Adequate lighting should be provided for all

areas.

A procedure should be developed to quicklydeal with liquid contamination on the floor.

Appropriate footwear should be worn for thetype of process (tread design).

Falls from Heights

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Handrails should be added to prevent loss ofbalance.

Loose or damaged floor coverings should be dealtwith immediately.

Cords from phones, typewriters, lights, computersetc. should be tied down.

Drawers to filing cabinets and desks should bekept closed when not in use.

Walking surfaces should be routinely swept or

vacuumed. Polishes or sealers used on flooring should not

reduce slip resistance.

Falls from Heights

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Barriers, signs, notices should be used to keeppeople away from areas being cleaned orpolished.

Ensure a procedure is in place ensuring thatoutdoor pedestrian routes are regularly sweptand during icy/frosty conditions salted/sanded.

Ensure all staircases are fitted with handrailsand, where appropriate, anti-slip tread in goodcondition.

Working outdoors may expose workers to ice,snow and rain which may contribute to slipperyconditions.

Falls from Heights

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All elevated work surfaces should be wellilluminated.

All fall related incidents should be investigated,whether or not an injury has occurred.

Investigations should review the adequacy ofthe fall protection system and be improved to

prevent potential recurrence.

Falls from Heights

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Fall Protection Systems

Companies must distinguish between what

system is needed for their application; either

a fall arrest system or a travel restraint

system. One typically uses a body harness,

the other can use a safety belt. Never mix

components from the two different systems.

Proper training for workers is essential for

any system in place.

Ensure that the program includes individualfit testing of equipment.

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Workers who use a fall arrest or travelrestraint system must perform a pre-use

inspection of the system about to be used.

Workers using fall arrest systems should not

work alone.

Daily pre-use inspections should be done by

the worker and semi-annual inspections

performed by a competent person in these

type of systems.

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Information for every piece of equipment in a

fall protection program should be

documented; type of use, nature of

environment, etc. All pieces of equipment, no

matter how small are vital to the overall

performance of the system.

Inspections should be done routinely to

ensure integrity of the fall protection system.

Dates should be recorded.

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Fall Protection Equipment

Full-body harness/Safety Belt Lanyards

Shock Absorber

Snap Hooks

Rope/Lifelines

Rope Grab

Anchor Points

Webbing

Retractable Lifelines

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Rescue plan needs to be in place in case of

an emergency.

Free fall distance must always be kept to a

minimum.

Re-evaluate your fall protection program on a

ongoing basis.

Store equipment in a clean, dry place away

from direct sunlight.

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Documents

Safety Meeting Series Slip Strips and Falls