Trips,

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Trips,
Slips,

Falls
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What well cover

• Definitions
• The cost of slips, trips falls
• What OSHA says
• Causes
• Factors that increase the risk of incidents
• Prevention

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What are slips, trips falls?
A slip occurs when there is too little traction
or friction between the shoe and walking surface.
A fall occurs when you are too far off balance.
A trip occurs when a persons foot contacts an
object in their way or drops to a lower level
unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown
off-balance.
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What are slips, trips falls?
There are two types of falls
Same Level
From Elevation
When you fall to thesurface you are walking on.
Same level falls are more common.
When you fall to a level below the one you are
walking on. Falls from elevation are more severe.
Caused by
Caused by

• Slips
• Trips

• Ladders
• Stairs
• Platforms
• Loading docks

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Slips, trips falls occur frequently
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips,
trips and falls are the most common occupational
accident.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that
  253,440 employees suffered injuries falling in
  the work environment in 2007. Of these
• 68 suffered injuries falling at the same level
• 32 suffered injuries falling to a lower level
• Over 17 of disabling work injuries were caused
  by falls.

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Slips, trips falls occur frequently

• 15 of accidental deaths are caused by falls,
  second only to motor vehicle accidents

Many of these incidents could have been prevented
with general safety precautions
Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of
injuries to State of Wisconsin employees
work related and non-work related
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At UWSP

• In Fiscal Year 2009
• Slips, Trips, and Falls accounted for 34 of all
  Workers Compensation Claims (33/96)
• Slippery surfaces such as water, ice or grease
  were the 2 cause of workers compensation claims
• Falls at the same level were the 3 cause of
  claims
• Slips, Trips, and Falls Claims resulted in
  74,734 of workers compensation expenses
• The largest fall claim cost 39,640.
• 2 fall incidents resulted in 95 days of lost time
  and 105 restricted work days (data from calendar
  year 2008)

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The cost of slips, trips falls
Slips, trips and falls can occur almost anywhere
atthe worksite and the incidents often have
serious outcomes, resulting in debilitating
injuries and even death.

• pain (from bruises, sprains, strains or
  fractures)
• lost wages
• temporary or permanent disability
• reduced quality of life
• depression
• inconvenience

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What OSHA says
Because slips, trips and falls can occur almost
anywhere and have various causal factors, OSHA
has numerous standards that address slip, trip
and fall safety for different industries. CFR
1910 Subpart D covers all walking-working
surfaces for general industry.

• CFR 1910.22 General requirements specifies
  that
• all areas of employment should be kept clean and
  sanitary
• the floors shall be kept clean and dry and where
  wet processes are used
• aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in
  good repair
• permanent aisles and passageways shall be marked

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What OSHA says

• CFR 1910.141 (a)(3) "Sanitation" furthur
  specifies that
• the floor of every workroom shall remain as dry
  as practical
• if wet processes are used, proper drainage and
  dry standing places (mats, platforms) shall be
  provided
• CFR 1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and
  holes states that
• every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by
  a standard railing
• every ladder floor opening or platform shall be
  guarded with a standard toeboard on all exposed
  sides (except at the entrance to opening)
• any floor hole that could be walked into must
  have standard railing or toeboard surrounding it

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Causes of Slips

• Wet spills or contamination on floors water,
  mud, oil, grease, food, etc.

• Dry contamination on floors dusts, powders,
  wood, lint, plastic, etc.

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Causes of Slips

• Highly polished floors especially marble,
  terrazzoor ceramic tile
• Freshly waxed floors
• Transitioning from onesurface to anothere.g.,
  carpeted to a smoothsurface

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Causes of Slips

• Sloped walking surfaces
• Loose, unanchored mats or rugs
• Loose tiles or floorboards that can shift
• Wet, muddy or greasy shoes

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Causes of Slips

• Ramps without skid or slip resistant surfaces
• Metal surfaces such as platforms, construction
  plates or covers on sidewalks or roads

Metal has lower traction than many other
surfaces, so it can become very smooth with wear,
becoming even more hazardous when wet or frosty.
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Causes of Slips

• Mounting and dismounting equipment such as
  trucks, trailers, lawn mowers and other heavy
  equipment
• Climbing up and down ladders

Add water, mud or grease to any of these surfaces
and they become even more of a hazard.
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Causes of Slips

• Environmental factors rain, frost, snow, ice or
  humid surfaces
• Uneven surfaces or terrain
• Irregular surfaces, such as gravel or bricks

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Causes of Trips

• Uncovered cables, wires or extension cords
  (temporary wiring)
• Clutter, obstacles in walkways
• Open cabinets or desk drawers

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Causes of Trips

• Changes in elevation, e.g. unmarked steps
• Carpets or mats that are not lying flat or have
  rolled up edges
• Missing or uneven floor tiles
• Irregular walking surfaces

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Causes of Trips

• Non-uniform or irregular stepsvarying tread
  depth, varying height or otherwise uneven

• Damaged steps

Each year there are over 3 million disabling
stair fall accidents, including over 4000 deaths.
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Causes of Trips

• Accumulated waste materials or debris
• Trailing cables, pallets, tools, etc. in
  walkways
• Objects protruding from walking surface
• Uneven surfaces
• Sidewalk/curb drops

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Causes of Trips
There are also numerous common triphazards in
parking lots and garages.

• Speed bumps
• Tire bumpers
• Wheelchair ramps

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Conditions increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls
Conditions in the surrounding environment can
have a huge impact on slip, trip and fall
hazards.

• Loud noise or distraction
• Temperature, humidity or precipitation
• Traffic type or volume

• Poor lighting
• Glare
• Using bulky equipment or awkward PPEs

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Conditions increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls
Task factors also have an impact on the risk for
accidents.

• Object carriedCarrying too much at one time or
  carrying awkward objects
• Pushing or pulling objects
• Change in elevation or direction while walking

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Conditions increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls

• Age
• Body shape, size and mass
• Gait dynamics
• Physical condition, illness
• Psychological factors, stress and distractions
• Medications, alcohol or drug effects
• Visual perception, eyesight

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Human factors increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls
Human behaviors have an impact on the risk for
accidents.

• Carrying too much at once or carrying awkward
  objects, preventing you from
• Seeing where you are going
• Holding onto railings
• Keeping your balance

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Human factors increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls

• Inattentive walkingUsing a cell phone, reading,
  talking and not watching where you are going
  while walking (distracted walking)
• Taking shortcutsNot using clear pathways or
  designated walkways
• Being in a hurry

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Human factors increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls

• Poor housekeepingAllowing clutter to
  accumulate, not cleaning up spills in a timely
  manner
• Using improper cleaning processesOver-using wax
  or polish on floors, using water to clean up a
  grease spill
• Failing to use signs whenslip, trip and fall
  hazardsare present

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Human factors increasing the riskof slips, trips
and falls
Use of footwear not suitable for work
environment or environmental conditions.
Old, worn-outshoes
Smooth surfaced soles
High heels
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Slips, trips and falls are preventable!

• Modify workspaces and work practices to reduce
  hazards avoid distractions!
• Practice good housekeeping
• Wear proper footwear
• Use ladders and stairs with caution
• Practice safe walking procedures

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Tips to prevent injuries from falling

• Strength training with weight bearing and
  resistive exercise works for all age groups.
• Practice exercises designed to help improve
  balance.
• Exercise at least three days a week to improve
  strength, flexibility and balance.
• Choose low-impact exercises, such as yoga, tai
  chi and Pilates to avoid stress on joints.
• Stretch daily to improve flexibility and
  mobility.

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Workspace and work practice design

• Have adequate ventilation to prevent grease and
  condensation build up on floor
• Have adequate lighting to keep work areas, aisles
  and walkways well lit

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Workspace and work practice design

• Modify work processes to reduce splatter, spill
  or release of dusts, particles, oils or liquids
  onto floor via
• Ventilation
• Enclosures
• Work surfaces with raised edges
• Drain offs
• Perform regular check-ups and maintenance on
  machinery to avoid leaks

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Workspace and work practice design

• Highlight step edges and transitions with
  anti-skid paint
• Make sure stairways have sufficient lighting and
  handrails
• If stairway is not often used and not always
  lit, make sure access to light switches is
  readily available at both top and bottom or
  stairwell

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Workspace and work practice design

• Use anti-slip coating and tape where applicable

Ramp with anti-skid coating and highlighted edges.
Stairs with anti-skid coating and highlighted
edges.
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Workspace and work practice design

• Use anti-slip mats where slip hazards are
  present or where wet processes are used

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Workspace and work practice design

• Use drainage or false floors where needed
• Use slip-resistant floor in high risk areas like
  entrances

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Workspace and work practice design

• Highlight slip and trip hazards for better
  visibility

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Housekeeping

• Keep walkways, aisles and stairs clear of
  clutter
• Cover or secure cords, cables, wires or hoses and
  keep them away from high traffic areasBetter
  yet, use cordless tools
• Make sure rugs lay flat and secure

A warehouse with clear, well-defined walkways.
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Housekeeping

• Close desk, cabinet and file drawers after use
• Keep floors around the workspace free of cords,
  boxes, materials, papers and other objects

An clutter-free, organized office space.
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Housekeeping

• Keep floors free of mud, water, grease and
  debris
• Clean up spills immediately
• Block off contaminated area and continue to use
  caution signs while the floor is drying

Note Be sure not to overuse Wet Floor or
Caution signs, if they become a part of the
scenery, they may not be taken seriously when
there really is a hazard.
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Housekeeping

• Clean surface areas regularly as recommended,
  following appropriate cleaning and drying
  procedures
• Repair or replace any damaged flooring as
  necessary

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Safe Walking Procedures

• Pay attention to your surroundings, look where
  you are going and pay attention to slip and trip
  hazards
• Walk, dont run take your time
• Dont read, write or work while walking
• Use handrails while ascending and descending
  stairs, take your time and dont skip steps
• Bring a flashlight with you if you are going into
  a dim area

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Safe Walking Procedures

• Before you lift anything, check to make sure your
  path is clear and your view is not obstructed
• Utilize carts - dont carry anything that you
  cannot see over or around
• Carry small loads close to your body
• Use the elevator if you are going to another
  level and are carrying something that requires
  you to use both hands

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Safe Walking Procedures

• Walk cautiously when you transition from one
  walking surface to another
• Slow down and take small steps when a surface is
  cluttered, uneven or at an angle
• Wear stable non-slip shoes

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Safe Walking Procedures
If you must walk on a slippery surface

• Wear non-slip footwear
• Pay attention to the surface you are walking on
• Take small, slow steps
• Point your feet out slightly to keep your center
  of balance under you
• Use handrails or other stable objects you can
  hold onto

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Safe Walking Proceduresin Winter

• Wear appropriate footwear for winter walking such
  as boots, shoes with substantial soles,
  overshoes, etc.
• Slow down and heighten awareness of your
  surroundings. Take your time when walking on
  potentially slippery surfaces.
• Walk in the clearest path available. The main
  walkways on campus are cleared first. Not all
  paths are cleared immediately, so take the extra
  time to walk on paths that are clear. 
• Salt is provided in certain entrances of UWSP
  buildings to be utilized for outside
  entrances/walks. Custodial Department will salt
  entrances, but this salt is available for all to
  use as needed.
• When entering buildings, knock off as much snow
  remaining on your shoes as possible.
• Contact Buildings and Grounds Department at x4219
  to report any areas that are in need of attention
  for snow clearing and/or salting/sanding. After
  400 if no answer, contact Protective Services at
  x3456.

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Mounting Dismounting Equipment Safely

• Make sure your shoes are clean of any mud, snow,
  grease or any other slippery substance
• Make sure the step, foothold or platform that you
  will be using is also clean, free of defects and
  properly secured
• Always face the equipment when mounting or
  dismounting
• Have a firm hold with your hands and step up,
  placing your foothold under the arch

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Mounting Dismounting Equipment Safely

• Keep three points of contact at all times

• Do not jump off while dismounting step down
  carefully while facing the equipment

- one hand, two feet- two hands, one foot
Three points of contact
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Ladder Safety
Follow the same procedure for ascending and
descending ladders as for mounting and
dismounting equipment

• Make sure footwear is clean and dry
• Make sure ladder is safe and the
• rungs are clean and dry
• Face the ladder at all times
• Maintain three points of contact
• Place your foot on the step or rung under the
  ball of your foot

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Ladder Safety

• Inspect ladders before using
• Set up ladders or step stools on firm, solid
  ground
• Use the right height ladder for the job
• Use a 4-to-1 ratio when setting up a single or
  extension ladderFor example place a 12 foot
  ladder so that the bottom is 3 feet away from the
  object the ladder is leaning against
• If the ladder is set up in passageways or areas
  with traffic, secure the ladder and block off the
  area

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Ladder Donts

• Do not climb higher than the third rung from
  the top on extension ladders, or the second
  tread from the top on stepladders

Dont attempt to use a broken or damanged ladder
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Ladder Donts

• Dont modify a ladder to make
• it the correct height

• Never lean too far to the sides, keepyour hips
  in the center of the ladder

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Ladder Donts

• Dont use ladders near power lines or electrical
  hazards, even dirty or wood ladders can conduct
  electicity

• Dont use a ladder thats not set up with a four
  to one ratio or not on a solid base

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If you find yourself falling

• Roll with the fall dont reach out.
• Bend your elbows and knees and use your legs and
  arms to absorb the fall.
• Protect the vulnerable parts of your body, like
  the head, neck and spine.
• Dont move if you think youve hurt yourself.
  Wait for help.

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Rules of Thumb
If you drop it, pick it up. If you spill it,
wipe it up. Go where you are looking, and look
where you are going. There is always time for
safety !
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