Among the most frequent injuries and fatalities that occur at work, at home, and when traveling for leisure or vacation are slips, trips, and falls. There are numerous ways to prevent these occurrences.
Please read over this material and forward it to your loved ones.
Tips to Stay Safe
- Immediately notify your supervisor or fix anything you see that could cause you to trip or fall
- Wipe up spills and any slick surfaces. Avoid using cleaners that can cause the floor to become slick
- Remove any clutter, cords, wires, and empty boxes that could provide a trip hazard from the lobbies, staircases, and walkways
- Verify that the floor mats are flat and not creased or coiled
- When climbing and descending stairs, use handrails
- Make sure the ladder or stepladder is fully open before using it
- Verify that the ladder legs are stable on a level, non-slip surface and that the ladder extensions are fully fastened
- Before using a ladder, wipe off any slick surfaces from the feet, steps, or rungs
Falls are 100% Preventable
Planning ahead, evaluating the danger, and using the appropriate tools are crucial whether operating from a roof, scaffolding, or a ladder. Start by figuring out whether working at a height is absolutely required or whether there is another safe approach to complete the activity.
- Talk with coworkers about the task and decide what safety gear is required
- Ensure you have received the necessary training to operate the equipment and use spotters if necessary
- Check the work area for potential hazards before beginning the job
- Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment
- Check the weather forecast if you are working outside
- Never work in bad weather
- Wear fall protection if you are working six feet or higher
- Make sure stepladders have a locking mechanism to hold the front and back open
- Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
- Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and avoid standing higher than the third rung from the top
- Never lean or reach while on a ladder
- Have someone support the bottom
- Never use old or damaged equipment
- Thoroughly inspect for cracks or bent rungs
- Always place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface
Fall Hazards at Home
Are you a weekend warrior or a do-it-yourselfer? It is preferable to leave dangerous tasks to experts, such as installing roofs, gutters, or siding. Saving money isn’t worth taking the chance of a fatal or crippling fall.
When working on a project at work or home, the same rules apply:
- Follow all the above-mentioned ladder safety guidelines
- Keep the workspace clear of risks and clean up spills right away
- Read all equipment instructions and safety precautions
- Avoid wearing loose clothing that could become trapped in machinery
Despite the fact that thousands of injuries occur every year, we tend to believe that we are always safe on level ground.
- Falling is the leading cause of death for older adults, so fall-proof your home
- Keep floors and surfaces clutter-free
- Keep desk drawers and file cabinets closed
- Keep electrical cords out of traffic areas
- Install handrails on stairways
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Avoid standing on chairs, tables, or any wheeled surfaces
- Arrange furniture properly to create open pathways
- Maintain adequate lighting both inside and outside
Slips, Trips & Falls Key Statistics:
According to Injury Facts, falls at home and work claimed the lives of 46,653 persons in 2022. Among deaths from unintentional injuries, falls are the second most common.
In 2022, hundreds of thousands of workers suffered injuries severe enough to necessitate days off work, and 865 workers lost their lives in falls. According to Injury Facts, 144 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2022, proving that a worker does not need to fall from a high height to sustain fatal injuries. More than seven times as many fatal accidents occur among construction workers as in other industries, yet falls can occur anywhere, even in a “desk job.”
Approximately 6.9 million people sought care in emergency rooms in 2021 for injuries linked to falls. Although a fall can cause death or injury in an instant, you can ensure your safety both at work and at home by taking a few easy precautions.
For more information visit these links:
National Safety Council (NSC) Slips, Trips & Falls:
https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home
American Society of Safety Professionals:
solving-slips-trips-falls_011817-2-safestart_slips_trips_and_falls_guide_-asse.pdf (assp.org)
NSC Safety & Health Magazine:
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/14029-preventing-slips-trips-and-falls
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Slips, Trips and Falls for Young Workers:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/young-workers/slips-trips-falls/
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety:
Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls: OSH Answers (ccohs.ca)
BOTTOM LINE: YOUR SAFETY & HEALTH MATTER, BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB.
YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF DIRECT LINE.
