>Physical Hazards

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls can occur anywhere. Therefore, to minimize their risk, you must understand their risk factors. These include:

Obstacles on the floor - extension cords, boxes, dirt and dust, etc.

Spills and slippery surfaces - when a liquids (water or oil) and solids (dust or ice), coat a surface they decrease the amount of traction you have, therefore making it easier to slip and fall.

Visibility - This risk factor usually combines with the previous two risk factors in that, if there are obstacles or slippery surfaces and you can't see them, you will likely make contact with them, increasing your risk of falling.

Preventing Slips and Trips

CLEAN up floor spills immediately.

PUT salt or sand on ice

WEAR shoes with good traction. Discard worn out shoes.

REMOVE obstacles from walkways.

KEEP floors and walking surfaces free of clutter.

EXERCISE care when walking on wet floors (e.g. wet kitchen floor) and icy walkways.

USE non-slip mats under loose area rugs.

DO NOT LEAVE trash, clutter, obstacles, or torn rugs in walkways or on the floor.

Rules for Preventing Slips and Trips

Slips and trips can be prevented by following simple rules such as:

Spills - Clean up the floor immediately and following your clean-up procedures. If the spill is a toxic chemical, use safety procedures recommended in the material safety data sheet.

Ice / Snow - Put salt or sand on ice and snow.

Area Rugs - Use non-slip mats under loose area rugs.

Wet areas - Place warning signs.

Lighting - Ensure good visibility; change burned-out bulbs.

Stairs - Keep them free from clutter. Do not store materials on the steps.

Foot Wear - Wear shoes with good traction. Throw out old and worn shoes or boots.

Housekeeping - Keep floors and walking surfaces free of clutter, trash, obstacles or torn rugs in walkways or on the floor.

Trash and scrap - Clean up and dispose in proper containers.

Hand tools - Take them back to the storage area - do not leave them around on the floor. Be careful not to run electrical cords across aisleways when you're using the tool.

Boxes and drums - Store on a firm foundation and stack them properly to prevent them from falling.

Cables and hoses - Bundle them and store in the designated area.

Empty containers and pallets - Store in the designated area. Single pallets may be better stored on their ends, leaning pallets against a wall.

Broken glass - Clean up using proper tools and hand protection. Dispose in a container with hard walls that cannot be punctured by broken glass pieces.