1.Slips, Trips, and Falls!
November 2010 Safety Meeting Presentation
Developed by: Karen Hsi , EH&S Student Intern
2.Why is prevention of slips, trips, and fallsimportant?
Constitutes majority of accidents in industries
Causes great economical loss
Amounts for a lot of pain and suffering
All which would be avoided if we:
- understand how fall accidents happen
- identify trouble areas
- eliminate or minimize hazards of falling
3.How do falls happen?
60% of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips
Slips too little friction or traction between the footwear and walking surface
Trips when foot collides with an object causing you to lose balance and fall
4.Common Causes…
For Slips:
Wet or Oily surfaces
Occasional spills
Weather hazards
Loose, unanchored rugs or mats
Flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas
For Trips:
Obstructed view
Poor lighting
Clutter in your way
Wrinkled carpeting
Uncovered cables
Bottom drawers not being closed
Uneven walking surfaces
5.How to prevent falls due to slips and trips?
Good Housekeeping
Quality of walking surfaces (flooring)
Selection of proper footwear
Appropriate pace of walking
Critical for preventing
slips, trips, and falls
6.Recent Slips, Trips, and Falls
3 slips, trips, and falls this year
Fall on UCOP sidewalk near BART station due to perforated tile
Trip on unsecure plastic floor covers
during remodeling/construction
Spaghetti wire trips causing rug burns, Xerox printer oil causing people to slip, Kitchen spills
After Hours… Be Cautious of Custodial Cleaning
7.What can you do to avoid falling at work?
Employers responsibility to provide safe environment
Employees can improve own safety:
Taking your time and paying attention
walking with feet pointed slightly outward
making wide turns at corners
having sufficient lighting for tasks
ensuring that things you are carrying/pushing do not prevent you from seeing obstructions and spills