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Walking and Working Surfaces. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls on the Job. What’s the big deal about slips and falls?. 20% of all accidental deaths are related to slips and falls. A California Workers’ Comp study revealed that work surfaces are the most common agent for job related injury.
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Walking and Working Surfaces Preventing Slips, Trips, andFalls on the Job
What’s the big dealabout slips and falls? • 20% of all accidental deaths are related to slips and falls. • A California Workers’ Comp study revealed that work surfaces are the most common agent for job related injury. • Not only are slips and falls a work problem; they are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the home.
Basic Definitions • Slip - sliding of one or both feet ona surface • Trip - the motion of the foot is interrupted during a step. • Causes of Slips and Trips • Sudden change of floor conditions • Sudden change in floor elevation • Obstructions in the walkway
Preventing Slips and Trips • Be prepared for weather related problems • Wet surfaces • Ice/snow • Mud • Use slip resistant floor finishes and treatments • Keep aisles and walkways clear
The normal line of sight is 15 degrees below the horizontal. The center of gravity for the human body is normally about 3 inches above the mid-point of the person’s height. Some common injury areas are: Stairs Scaffolds Ladders Roofs Tile and concrete floors Focus points for Slip/Trip/Fall Injuries
Safety on Stairs • Stairs should be at the proper angle (30-35 degrees) • Handrails should be provided • Maintain at least 2 points of contact when walking on stairs • Do not store materials on stairs • Maintain good visibility
Safety on Ladders Contact Point • Inspect ladders before use - Do Not Use Unsafe Equipment! • Assure proper toe space • Ladder angle should be 75 degrees maximum. Base of ladder should be 1 foot from wall for every 4 feet of vertical distance from the floor to the contact point. 20’ Wall Ladder 5’
Safety on Ladders • Ladders should be on stable footing and straight ladders should be anchored to prevent tipping. • Straight ladders should extend 3½ feet above the contact point. • Do not stand on the top step of a step ladder. • Do not lean over or reach/stretch while on a ladder. • Maintain 3 points of contact when ascending or descending.
Elevated Areasand Platforms • Scaffolds, mezzanines, and roof areas present hazards • Persons falling from the area and objects falling form the area • Striking the workers below. • Basic precautions can minimize the hazards.
Elevated Area Safety • Use covers on wall and floor opening to prevent falls. • Use standard 42” guardrails on scaffolds and platforms. • When necessary, use fall arrest systems (harnesses, safety belts, etc.) or safety nets to minimize impact injury from falling.
Special Concernsfor Scaffolds • Scaffolds must be properly constructed and braced. • They must be level and on solid footing. • Planking must be the proper grade of lumber and must be overlapped properly. • Consult 29CFR1910.28 for scaffold specifications and requirements.
Summary Points • Slips, Trips, and Falls account for a substantial portion of all accidents / injuries. • Good housekeeping and common sense safety practices can eliminate most of the injuries. • Communication and use of the proper equipment and procedures are the key to a successful Slip/Trip/Fall prevention program.
