SLIPS, TRIPS

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SLIPS, TRIPS FALLS

• Marge Hackbart, RN
• Occupational Health Nurse
• USAG-Kaiserslautern
• April 2008

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FACTS

• Slips, Trips and Falls are the largest cause of
  accidents in all work sectors
• Represent about 15 of lost time injuries
• Account for over 50 of reported injuries to the
  public
• Most cases are preventable
• Effective solutions are everyones responsibility.

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• SLIPS AND TRIPS
• Defined as a fall that happens on the same level
• Accounts for 60 of reported falls

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SLIPS

• Happen when there is too little traction between
  the walking surface and the footwear.
• Causes
• Wet or oily surfaces
• Spills
• Weather hazards
• Loose flooring
• Walking surfaces that lack traction

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TRIPS

• Happen when the foot collides with an object
  causing the loss of balance.
• Causes
• Poor lighting or obstructed view
• Clutter in the walkway
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Uncovered cables or objects stretched across the
  walkway
• Bottom drawers not being closed
• Not paying attention
• Your momentum can increase the potential for
  injury

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PREVENTION

• The most important level of prevention is Good
  Housekeeping
• Mark and clean up spills and debris
• Keep walkways free of clutter
• Maintain good lighting
• Cover cables that cross walkways
• Close cabinet and storage drawers

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• The second level of prevention is Flooring
• Free from wrinkles or uneven surfaces
• Rugs with slip resistant backing or mats
• Abrasive strips or paint-on coating for traction
• Metal or synthetic decking
• Resilient, non-slip flooring prevents or reduces
  foot fatigue

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• The third level of prevention is Footwear
• Should fit properly and be comfortable
• Should be made meet the specifications of the job
• No footwear has anti-slip properties for every
  condition consultation with the manufacturer is
  highly recommended
• Can help prevent fatigue which, in turn, improves
  employee safety

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AVOIDANCE

• Safety is everybodys business!!
• Employers
• Provide safe work environment
• Adequate natural and artificial lighting
• Fixed, stable and level floors
• Safety and Health signs
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Consult the workforce about needs
• Have a good Health and Safety Management Plan
• Identify problem areas
• Set targets for improvement
• Outline specific responsibilities
• Ensure that policies are enforced and documented
• Risk assessments should be reviewed and updated
  periodically

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• Good Risk Management Practice
• Where possible aim should be to Eliminate the
  risk at the source
• The next preferred risk management option is
  Substitution (an alternative method of work)
• With the next being Separation (barriers to keep
  people away from the risk area)
• Final prevention measure is Protection (use of
  PPE).
• Be aware that reductions in the occurrence of
  slips and trips can often be gained with little
  or no cost

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• Employees
• Take your time Pay attention
• Walk at a suitable pace for task and surface
• Walk with feet pointed slightly outward
• Have sufficient lighting have clear line of
  sight

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FALLS

• Happens when the persons balance is disturbed
  and the pulling force of gravity pulls you to the
  ground

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CAUSES

• Leaning or twisting

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• Stretching
• Bending

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• Poor supporting structure
• Makeshift supports

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• Incorrect use of ladders

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• No use of climbing safety belts

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PREVENTION

• Use the proper equipment
• Plan ahead
• Follow proper use instructions and safety
  warnings
• Keep center of gravity supported
• Follow ladder safety rules
• Inspect before use
• Place 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height
• Secure on stable ground
• Have someone hold the base of the ladder
• Never use the top rung
• Look for logical solution Get Help

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REFERENCES

• Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and
  Safety 1999
• Preventing Work-Related Slips, Trips and Falls
• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
  2001
• Preventing Slips and Trips at Work
• Health and Safety Executive Info. Services, UK
  2003
• A Guide to Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
• Krames Health Safety Education 2002
• US Navy Safety Center Website
• http//safetycenter.navy.mil