Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Everyone needs a system to protect themselves no matter what type of fall is likely to happen in our industry. Increased prevention of slips and falls should be a primary safety objective in all our daily routines.  Fatal incidents can be prevented and so can minor slips and falls. With good safety habits, routines, and hazard assessments in place, most of these preventable incidents can be eliminated.  Assess your work site each day, stay alert, and monitor the work site throughout the day for conditions that may result in an incident of this type.

Starting the day with everything in order is crucial.  Previous crews should do their housekeeping.  Your shift should pick up where they left off.  Watch out for materials and hazards that may be become trouble spots which could cause slips and falls.

It’s even more important to be aware of your surroundings when working outside to avoid being caught by the elements of ice or water covered surfaces.

Avoiding Common Slips and Falls

• • Ensure proper lighting in corridors, stairwells and on the work site.
• • Check for proper handrails and guardrails.
• • Always keep at least on hand free to grip railings or handrails.
• • Do not allow or take part in any on-site horseplay.
• • No running in walkways or on stairs.
• • Watch for doors opening the wrong way – change the doors, or post danger notices and have all staff informed.
• • Change the location of wires, electrical equipment, furniture, and other materials so they are not in the way. Tripping over cords and wires is particularly common.
• • Maintain good general housekeeping at all times.
• • Evaluate the conditions of your worksite at all times to avoid being caught by surprise.