WATCH YOUR STEP

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WATCH YOUR STEP

• SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS IN AGRICULTURE

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Learning Objectives

• Look at the injury statistics
• Know the contributing factors, types of falls,
  and types of injuries
• Make yourself aware of prevention strategies
• Recognize slip, trip, fall hazards on the farm
  /workplace

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Fall Statistics

• One of the most frequent types of injury
  incidents
• 2nd to motor vehicle collisions
• Over one million people suffer from a fall each
  year in the workplace
• Annually
• 300,000 disabling injuries
• 1,400 Deaths

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Types of Injuries

• 20 of falls result in multiple body part
  injuries and the rest include isolated body part
  injuries
• Common Injuries
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Bruises
• Concussions
• Soreness and Pain

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How Falls Happen

• Same level falls
• Slips Losing traction between footwear and
  walking surface
• Trips Foot collides with object causing a lose
  of balance
• Falls from an elevated surface

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Contributing Factors

• Poor housekeeping and lots of clutter
• Poor lighting in walkways and work areas
• Carrying oversized object that obstruct vision
• Wearing the wrong footwear
• Walking too fast or running
• Distractions
• Not paying attention

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Same Level Falls

• More Frequent
• Usually Less Severe
• Weather, liquids and chemical spills can all
  contribute to slips on walking surfaces
• Trips can also occur when you dont see an object
  or surfaces are uneven

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Same Level Fall Hazards on the Farm

• Manure in feed lots, pens, or isles
• Muddy conditions or loose gravel
• Loose hay
• Spilled grain
• Fresh oil spills or grease
• Working in low level light conditions
• Uneven surfaces or rough terrain
• Severe weather ice, snow, rain

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Elevated Falls

• Elevated
• Occur less often
• More severe than same level falls
• 60 occur at 10 ft or less above walking /
  working surface
• Falls from vehicles, loading docks, equipment,
  ladders, buildings, and other elevated structures

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Elevated surfaces on the Farm

• Haymow or lofts
• Below ground pits or open trenches
• Loading docks
• Bank barns
• Equipment platforms / surfaces
• Grain bins or silos
• Steps / ladders

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Methods to Prevent Falls

• Keep floors dry and clean
• Remove clutter
• Clean livestock pens regularly
• Remove dirt, mud and debris from surfaces
• Mark permanent isles or travel paths
• Inspect the farm regularly for fall hazards
• Train employees
• Schedule maintenance

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Working in Changing Weather Conditions

• Use proper footwear
• Take short steps or shuffle, and try to ensure
  your torso stays balanced over your feet
• Keep your hands out of your pockets
• Utilize handrails, grab bars, fence line or solid
  object for stability
• Create a secondary travel path
• Use caution around livestock watering areas

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Methods for Elevated Surfaces

• Proper Housekeeping
• Well designed traffic patterns
• Be aware of changes in surface elevation
• Provide adequate lighting in work areas
• Utilize railings for surface changes over 4 feet
  in height
• Cover floor openings when not in use
• Always be cautious and alert to surroundings

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Portable Ladders

• Use only approved American National Standard
  Institute step and extension ladders
• Should be set at a 41 ratio between height and
  distance from the wall
• Make sure surfaces are level and solid
• Ensure no damage to the ladder before mounting
• Extension ladders should extend 3 rungs above
  elevated surface
• Never stand on top step of a step ladder

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Farm Vehicles Equipment

• Dont allow extra riders
• Observe safety rules in owners manual
• Make sure equipment is shut off and in park
  before dismounting
• Keep surfaces clean and dry
• Check for uneven ground when dismounting from
  last step

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Farm Vehicles Equipment

• Face the equipment when mounting or dismounting
• Use three points of contact when mounting or
  dismounting
• Never jump off of steps
• Ensure steps, hand holds, and railing are in good
  condition
• Avoid trying to carry objects when mounting or
  dismounting

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Protection Devices

• At high elevations protective devices should be
  used
• Proper devices include
• Cages / Rest Platform
• Lifeline Lanyard
• Safety Harness
• Safety belt limit line
• Device should ensure maximum protection without
  restricting work

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Recognize the hazard
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Recognize the hazard

• Hay Barn
• Snow and ice
• Loose hay
• Extension cord across travel path
• Changing light conditions

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Recognize the hazard
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Recognize the hazard

• Feed lot
• Snow, ice, and frozen manure
• Variety of elevation changes
• Contrast in light and shadows

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Recognize the hazard
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Recognize the hazard

• Hay Loft
• Multiple obstructions getting on and off ladder.
• Loose hay of floor
• Loose or uneven floor boards
• Changes in light causing shadows

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Recognize the hazard
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Recognize the hazard

• Unloading Grain
• Loose grain on ground.
• Changes in elevation with the ramp.
• Tools laying against the auger.
• Potential to fall into auger

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Summary

• Slips and Falls are sources of the most common
  injuries on a farm.
• Take necessary steps to reduce hazards.
• Know your farm and the hazards that exist.
• Its important to properly train workers.

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References

• Coping with Slips, Trips, and Falls in Farming
  Enterprises
• http//www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1269/ANR-1269.
  pdf
• Ladders, Lifting and Falls
• http//www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/2326
  .pdf
• Preventing Work Place Falls
• http//www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/3307/3307-1593/3307-159
  3_pdf.pdf

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For More Information

• OSU Ag Safety Health
• The Ohio State University
• Ag Engineering Building
• 590 Woody Hayes Drive
• Columbus, Ohio 43210-1057
• Email jepsen.4_at_osu.edu
• Phone [phone]
• Website agsafety.osu.edu

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This project was supported by the USDAs National
Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural
Health and Safety Education Grant Program- grant
number 2012-46100-20144.