SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

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SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

• The Number One Cause of Occupational Injuries And
  Illnesses

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FALL HAZARDS

• Where are the hazards?
• What types of hazards are there?
• Are the hazards new?

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INJURY PREVENTION

• You take hundreds of steps every day, but how
  many of those steps do you take seriously?
• By taking a few minutes to understand how slips,
  trips, and falls happen, you can prevent needless
  and painful injuries.

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KNOWN CAMPUS HAZARDS

• Extension Cords
• Phone Wires
• Computer Wiring
• Expansion Joints
• Stairs and Steps
• Loose Carpet
• Wet Surfaces
• Oily Surfaces
• Brick Pavers

• Sidewalk Cracks
• Door Thresholds
• Loose Floor Tiles
• Heaved Concrete
• Frost, Snow, or Ice
• Electrical Plugs
• Open Drawers
• Speed Bumps
• Entry Door Mats

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KNOWN CAMPUS HAZARDS

• Inattention
• Poorly Lit Areas
• Uneven Terrain
• Change of Surface Materials
• Unlevel Stairstep
• Makeshift Ladders
• Out of Control

• Sudden Change in Direction
• Access Ramps
• Curbs
• Storm Drains
• Black Strips
• Poor Housekeeping
• Stones and Pebbles

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Mechanics of a Fall

• Friction
• Speed
• Momentum
• Inertia

• Gravity
• Center of Gravity
• Balance

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SLIPS!! to slide along smoothly resulting in a
sudden mishap.

• Weather conditions may cause the floors to be wet
  or the ground to be icy.
• Watch where you are stepping and use caution on
  wet floors and ice.

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TRIPS!! to catch the foot on something so as to
stumble.

• Damaged steps or misplaced items are major
  factors in trips.
• Make sure that steps you use often are in good
  shape and that items (that do not belong on the
  steps) are out of the way.
• Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.

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FALLS!! to descend freely by the force of
gravity.

• Eliminate the hazard when possible (i.e. broken
  chair, unstable ladder, etc...)
• Practice good judgement - Dont lean back in
  chairs, dont climb on unstable shelving or
  tables.

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FALL PREVENTION

• Wear suitable attire
• Keep environmental conditions in mind
• Know where you are going before you start, and
  there is a clear path
• Environmental awareness is the greatest deterrent
  to fallspay attention to surroundings

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FALL PREVENTION

• Use proper equipment for climbing
• Dont walk around blind
• Practice good housekeeping
• Never stand on or use the top two steps of a
  stepladder for climbing

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FOOTWEAR

• Use good judgement with regard to footwear.
• Be certain footwear is in good condition and
  appropriate to your job function and outside
  weather condition.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• If something is creating a potential slip, trip,
  or fall hazard---fix it (clean it up - move it).
• Place signs to warn others of the potential
  hazard.
• If you can not fix it - Place a work order so
  that Physical Plant is aware of the problem.

Ouch!!
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Notify Supervisor

• Employees should immediately report all work
  related injuries to their supervisor.
• College procedures requires that injuries be
  reported to Safety and Security and Human
  Resources immediately.
• Place a work order or report unsafe conditions to
  get the problem fixed.

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OTHER HAZARDS
Prevent a potential injury by cleaning up spills
and wet floors. Keep isles and walkways clear of
clutter or obstructions.
Pick up objects and move extension cords to
eliminate the potential for injury.
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What To Do?

• Take a quick assessment of possible injuries
• Report the incident to your supervisor and Safety
  and Security (7747)
• Make contact with Human Resources

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THE END