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Slips, Trips & Falls
20% of all workplace injuries in Ontario are caused by slips, trips and falls
Learn how to prevent them!
Each year there are about 17,000 lost-time injuries due to falls in the workplace*
65% of all fall-related injuries are from "same level"*
One in five lost-time injuries result from falls*
Every year about 20 people die in Ontario because of workplace falls*
80 workers are injured every day because of a fall - that's one every 20 minutes*
An average WSIB claim is $11,771; factor in other costs like lost productivity and staff replacement, and the cost can be as much as four times more - approximately $59,000 per injury*
(Source: *WSIB "Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace")
The Costs Financial – WSIB costs
The average slip and fall costs $2000 but there have been claims that have added up to $80,000 – direct costs like health care and lost wages
Indirect includes employee morale, lost productivity, replacement costs, admin costs
Emotional costs – trauma, depression, effect on personal life
Why?
Statistics show that the majority of slips and falls happen due to loss of traction between the shoe and walking surface, or inadvertent contact with an object
Statistically Speaking HWCDSB spent
$650,000 in WSIB claims costs for the year ending 2013
High costs due to fractures, head injuries, surgeries, etc
Slips and Falls always a major reason.
For example – Elementary School Teachers:
2010: 50% of all injuries
2011: 46% of all injuries
2012: 50% of all injuries
2013: 38% of all injuries
Elementary Teachers
It’s Legislated: OHSA The Occupational Health and Safety Act states
specifics about slips and falls:
11. A floor or other surface used by any worker shall;
(a) be kept free of,
(i) obstructions
(ii) hazards, and
(iii) accumulations of refuse, snow or ice; and
(b) not have any finish or protective material used on it that is likely to make the surface slippery
R.R.O. 1990 Ont. Reg. 851, Sec.11
More OHSA 15. A cover on an opening in a floor, roof or other
surface shall be,
(a) Secured in place; and
(b) Constructed to meet the structural requirements for loads due to the use of floors and roofs as set out in the Building Code.
R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 851 Sec. 15
21. Where natural lighting is inadequate to ensure the safety of any worker, artificial lighting shall be provided and shadows and glare shall be reduced to a minimum
R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 851 Sec. 21
General Duty Clause An employer shall:
“take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”
OHSA, Sec. 25(2)(h)
A supervisor shall:
“take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”
OHSA, Sec. 27(2)(c)
A worker shall:
“report to his or her employer or supervisor any contravention of this Act or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which
he or she knows”
OHSA, Sec. 28(1)(d)
I.R.S. Superintendents
Principals
Health and Safety Reps
Teachers
Educational Assistants
Custodians
Clericals
Types of Injuries Caused By Slips and Falls Sprains & strains
Bruises & contusions
Fractures
Abrasions & lacerations
Typical Injury Sites Knee, ankle and/or foot
Wrist &/or elbow
Back &/or shoulder
Hip
Head
Definition: Slip
Too little friction or traction between feet (footwear) & walking/working surface, resulting in loss of balance
Definition: Trip
Foot or lower leg hits object & upper body continues moving, resulting in loss of balance
Stepping down to lower surface & losing balance
Definition: Fall
Occurs when too far off center of balance
Two types
Fall at same level
Fall to same walking or working surface, or fall into or against objects above same surface
Fall to lower level
Fall to level below walking or working surface
The case of Ted the Teacher What Factors may have lead to Ted’s accident?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN2gpRcFKAQ
Hazard: Wet or greasy floors
Dry floors with wood dust/powder
Uneven walking surfaces
Loose, buckled or frayed carpet
Transition from one floor to another
If it poses a tripping hazard – what could be done to resolve this?
Damaged steps, no railings
Missing or Uneven Floor Tiles
Sloped walking surfaces
Footwear
Clutter!
Electrical Cords or Cables
*Extension Cords should never be a permanent solution!!
Furniture
Desk drawers
Filing cabinet
Weather hazards Snow, Ice Rain
School grounds
Slow Down! Rushing
Fatigue
Heavy Load
How to Identify & Assess Slip and Fall Hazards Health and Safety
Inspections
Slip/Fall Checklist
Observation
Hazard reporting/Near Misses
Accident reports
Weather conditions
Tasks performed in workplace
Seek input/suggestions from staff
Cleaning processes
Rate the hazards identified by assessing likelihood and severity of harm – prioritize based on these ratings
Reassess on an ongoing basis
Avoiding Slips and Falls: Controlling the Hazards At the “Source” along the
“Path” and at the “Worker”
Engineering, Administrative, Safe Work Practices & PPE
Create Good Housekeeping Practices
Reduce Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Avoid Creating Obstacles in Aisles and Walkways
Create and Maintain Proper Lighting
Wear Proper Shoes
Control Individual Behaviour
Creating Good Housekeeping Practices Plan Ahead
Assign Responsibilities
Implement a Program
Reduce Wet or Slippery Surfaces Parking lots
Sidewalks
Hallways
Stairs
Floors in general
Problem Areas?
Avoid Obstacles in Aisles & Walkways Keep work areas, store
rooms clear
Avoid stringing cords/cables across pathways
Storage of student belongings
Close drawers/file cabinets
Bring home teaching material not being used
Proper Lighting Walkways, staircases,
hallways well lit
Keep poorly lit walkways free of clutter
Repair fixtures, switches if they malfunction
Wear Proper Shoes HWCDSB Footwear Safety Procedure
The following footwear is considered inappropriate for all employees: Bare feet or socks without shoes; Flip flops or beach wear; Plastic moulded or “croc’ style shoes; and Shoes with heels greater than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm).
Many staff have requirements specific to their area i.e. Tech – toe caps, EAs – closed toe
Winter time: Footwear with soles resistant to slippery surfaces must be worn
Communication/Reminders to staff
Use Proper Ladders Don’t take shortcuts (i.e. chair)
Use proper step stool/ladder (i.e. “Grade 2”)
Check for stability
Non-slippery surface
Don’t overreach
Never stand on the top of the ladder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5kiz7GhJt0
Control Individual Behaviour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGnO_OqEq5E
The hardest to control
Human nature to let your guard down, take shortcuts, “distracted walking” (cell phones)
Ultimately up to each individual to plan, stay alert, and pay attention!
To increase awareness: it’s not just putting up a poster – it’s talking to workers and telling them about the hazards in their workplace
Do staff know how/who to report hazards to? (IRS)
Go Home Safely
