Slips, Trips and Falls

Next to traffic accidents, falls kill more people than any other kind of accidents. These occur at home, on the job or elsewhere, away from home. Falls become costly accidents when you consider, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and lost production. At work (office), most falls are from slips and trips at floor level, not falls from high places.

AVOID SLIPS
Always keep an eye out for hazardous walking conditions. Below are some of the common hazards to watch out for:

Hidden Steps: When turning a corner or stepping outside, look out for steps that may not be obvious.

Smooth Surfaces: Be extra careful on rainy days when entering facilities the smooth floors may have mats but they can become saturated with water in a hurry and cause a mean fall. Sometimes when you enter a large door on a hot day, into an air-conditioned area you may have condensation on the floor this too is also a slipping hazard.

Carpets: Any rug, large or small, that hasn't been tacked down or doesn't have a rubber mat under it may slip when stepped upon.

Loose Flooring: Use caution when walking over loose tiles, bricks, pavement or floorboards. Check your floors to make sure they are in good shape.

Wet Spots: Don't wait for a small spill to dry itself. It only takes a second for a serious accident to happen.

Oil and Greases: Have rags and degreasers ready whenever you use oily materials. Don't let grease accumulate on a shop floor, throw oil-dry or something that will absorb it.

Icy Spots: Spread sand on icy walkways during the winter. Always walk slowly on any icy surface.

AVOID TRIPS
Good housekeeping means safety, make it a habit. Here are some things to look for around your work area:

Furniture: Arrange furniture in the office to avoid an obstacle course of potential falls.

Materials: It's hazardous to store materials in hallways and aisles. Always use closets and cabinets.

Untidy Floors: Any small thing; a pencil, piece of fabric, machine part can cause a big fall.

Drawers: Keep them closed, even when you think it's unlikely someone would bump into them.

Stairs: Keep stairs clear to prevent a serious accident.

AVOID FALLS: Set the safety example for others.

Wear Good Shoes: Nonskid soles are a "safe" choice. Keep shoes in good repair. Rubber heels are best, high heels or platforms offer less stability. The upper shoe should give the ankles support. Keep laces tied.

Avoid "Makeshifts": Don't substitute a stack of boxes for a sturdy, properly balanced stepladder.

Get Help: Carry only what you can handle and keep your balance. Make sure you can see where you are headed, if not get help.

Sit 4-Square: Keep all four legs of your chair on the floor at all times. Make sure that your chair is in good
repair.

If you should fall, you can reduce your chance of injury by falling the right way.

Relax: Try not to stiffen and tense your muscles.
Absorb: Let your arms and legs give like a spring to absorb the impact of the fall.
Roll: Move with the direction of the fall to minimize injury.