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Preventing
Weather Related Slips, Trips, and Falls
Winter weather
has arrived, creating snowy and icy conditions and leaving many
hazards.
Falls are a
leading cause of injury in all kinds of work places. They often
result in disabling injuries. GSFC is no exception, historically;
slips, trips, and falls have been our most common type of accident.
Winter weather conditions typically bring an increase in these incidents.
Here are some tips to help avoid slips, trips, and falls:
- If the Center
is closed, due to weather conditions, non-essential employees
are not to enter the Center until the announced opening time so
that road crews may complete snow and ice removal.
- Put safety
before fashion by wearing shoes or boots with slip resistant soles
and carry your work shoes with you.
- Remove as
much snow as possible before entering the building.
- Watch for
wet floors. If you encounter a wet surface, shorten your stride,
point your feet out, and don't cut corners, so you can make wider
turns.
- Walk, don't
run.
- Walk with
your arms by your sides for balance.
- Bending your
knees a little and talking slower steps can greatly reduce your
chances of falling.
- Watch where
you are walking.
- Use handrails
on stairs.
- Long, loose
pant cuffs present a tripping hazard.
- Use designated
sidewalks and walkways.
- If walkways
are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against
traffic and as close to the curb as possible.
- Remember-streets
and walkways may be slippery. Don't carry heavy packages which
may impair your sight and balance.
- Pay extra
attention walking from surface to surface.
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.
Call 6-5555 to report potential slip, trip, or fall hazards inside
a building. Use the sand-filled buckets at major entrances to the
buildings on icy spots.
Some weather
related tips of interest can be found at: http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/snowshov.html
http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/cold.html
http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/sledding.html
http://www.nsc.org/library/facts.eldfalls.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hot/winter/winter2.html
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