Overview

1. SLIPS / TRIPS / FALLS(S/T/F)Presented by: Matt Arnold, GSPSenior Loss Control & Safety Representative

2. Overview • Slips, trips and falls are the most common types of injuries in the horticulture industry for both workers and customers. • Discuss preventing slips, trips and falls in the winter months. • Snow removal tips to reduce your liability of slip and or fall claims. • Discuss common slip, trip and fall hazards and what can be done to prevent them. • Ladder Safety

3. Hortica Statistics Hortica claims: 603 total S/T/Fclaims from (Oct 31, 2010 thru Oct 31, 2011) • Some of the common causes: • S/T/F from a different level • S/T/F from debris on floor • S/T/F on snow or ice • S/T/F on water or algae • S/T/F on water hose • S/T/F on raised walkway or incline • S/T/F off premises (typically snow removal) • Liability Claims • 22% of all claims were due to S/T/F • More than 55% of total costs of all liability claims • WC Claims • Almost 20% of all claims due to S/T/F • More than 30% of total cost for all WC Claims

4. Nationwide Statistics • OSHA states falls cause 15% of all workplace accidental fatalities • In 2010 the total # of cases involving days away from work was 933,200 according to the BLS • Deaths from Slips/Trips/Falls can occur to anyone in any industry • Bureau of Labor Stats (BLS) • # of occupational fatalities due to falls

5. Fatal Falls Here are a few of the most interesting from OSHA website: • 10/18/2010 - Worker was riding in golf cart.  He stepped out while it was still moving, fell, and hit his head. • 11/3/2010 - Worker was riding on top of plywood that was on the forks of a rough terrain forklift.  Worker fell off the plywood and was run over by the forklift. • 11/5/2010 - Worker was standing on the lifted forks of a fork truck to repair a down-spout on a grain bin.  Worker lost balance and fell approximately 6 feet, striking his head on the concrete pavement. • 10/28/2010 - The worker tripped on a median curb, fell backwards and struck his head on a car. • 11/30/2010 - Worker fell from a 9-foot high unguarded mezzanine while working. • 12/11/10 - Worker carrying out trash fell off loading dock and hit head.

6. Fatal Falls (con’t) • 4/1/11 - A department store worker died after tripping over the leg of fixture and hitting his head on the tiled floor. • 5/13/11 - Worker using an aerial lift to cut down a 72-foot tree was killed when the tree top swung back and hit the lift bucket, causing the worker and bucket to fall 52 feet. • 6/14/11 - Worker fell from tree after cutting himself with chainsaw while trimming tree branches. • 6/22/11 - Worker fell backward and hit head on floor while pulling a pallet jack. • 7/17/11 - Worker buffing floors died after he slipped and hit his head on the floor. • 12/31/10 - Store worker died after falling off ladder and hitting his head. • 2/11/11 - Worker was on a roof shoveling snow and fell through a skylight.

7. Definition: Slips & Trips Slips • Occur when there is too little traction between the walking surface and a persons footwear • Common Causes: • Wet surface • Oily surface • Icy surface • Muddy surface Trips • Occurs when the foot comes in contact with an object causing a person to lose balance thus resulting in a fall • Common Causes; • Wrinkled carpet/rugs • Extension cords across walkways • Uneven walking surfaces • Poor lighting • Display items in the walkway

8. Definition: Falls • Occur when a person loses balance and cant regain it. • Common Hazards: • Ladders • Stairs • Holes in walkways • Loading docks

9. Winter Safety Team Create a team of employees responsible for looking out for winter safety hazards. Have the team members check the property periodically throughout the day. Use a checklist for documentation. • Items to watch for: • Daily melt • Icy/slippery areas • Make sure exits are clear • Make sure warning signs are displayed • Rugs/runners aren’t over saturated • Use salt and sand when needed

10. Winter Safety Take small steps with toes pointed slightly out and “waddle” Walk slowly Wear boots or shoes with good tread Avoid worn soled shoes, flip flops, and heels Don’t put your hands in your pockets Wear snow cleats for added traction Avoid steps and ramps if possible

11. Winter Safety (con’t) Don’t carry large loads Use handrails if possible When exiting a vehicle don’t jump out Use 3 points of contact and always have a good grip before lifting one foot off the ground Take the clearest path even if it is a little farther Be aware of “BLACK ICE”. Use your toe to check the surface. Avoid if slippery.

12. Snow Removal – Reducing Liability • Have a contract with all clients (commercial or residential) • Sample contracts are available on the web and through many associations • Include hold-harmless language in your favor • Make sure you have a lawyer look over the final contract • Maintain detailed documentation of weather logs and service logs

13. Snow Removal Contract Things to think about including: • Property Information • Rates (Plowing, removal, equipment, etc.) • Scope of services • Property damages • Hold harmless statement • Term of contract • Payment information • Obstruction clause (vehicles, equipment , etc.) • Snow pile area(s) • Emergency equipment (clearing?) fire hydrants, connection points, etc.

14. Snow Removal – Site Plans: What’s Beneath the Snow?? • What to include: • Where pile snow? • Obstacles – medians, fuel tanks (LPG tanks), etc. • Where fire hydrants/equipment are located • Sidewalks • Where exits are located • Any shrubs or landscape to be careful of • And so on…..

15. Snow Removal Training All snow removal operators should receive training annually – before the season and throughout the season. Tailgate training is perfect for during the season. All training needs to be documented. If it isn’t documented it didn’t happen! Yes, this includes your most seasoned employees.

16. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry - Algae

17. Pressure wash the floor on a regular basis Use a bleach solution or other chemicals to remove the algae Improve the drainage in the area Keep the area dry How to Prevent Algae & Slips due to Algae Buildup

18. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Raised Surfaces

19. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Raised Surfaces (con’t)

20. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Raised Surfaces (con’t)

21. How to Prevent Raised Surface Trip Hazards Ensure there is proper lighting in the area Raise or lower one of the surfaces • Mark the face and top of raised surfaces (yellow paint) • Post signage in the area

22. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry - Hoses

23. How to Prevent Trip Hazards From Hoses • Keep hoses under tables • Install more hoses to prevent large coils • When done watering immediately put hoses away • Install hose reels • Water in the early morning and late at night

24. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Box Straps/Debris on Floor

25. How to Prevent Trip Hazards From Box Straps/Debris on Floor • Place trash cans at each workstation and periodically through out the facility • Remind employees safety is everyone’s responsibility and to pick up any debris they see • Have one person dedicated to keeping the facility clean • Have employees cut straps and not just slide them off the boxes

26. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Water on Floors

27. How to Prevent Slip Hazards From Water on the Floor • Mop up or squeegee large puddles periodically • Place rugs/runners at entrances (8-12 feet long). Have extras for when they become too saturated. • Use fans to dry the area • Post signs • Improve drainage • Don’t walk through puddles (prevent spreading of water)

28. How to Prevent Slip Hazards From Water on the Floor (con’t) If condensation from coolers creates water hazards a drain tarp can be used Have umbrella bags Apply a non-slip paint in the wet areas Install adhesive non-slip strips on wood steps and ramps to increase traction when wet

29. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry –Foliage on the Floor

30. How to Prevent Slip Hazards From Foliage on the Floor • Place trash cans at each workstation and periodically through out the facility • If possible have employees cut flowers over trash can and not let foliage fall on the floor • Remind employees safety is everyones responsibility and to pick up any debris they see • Have one person dedicated to keeping the facility clean

31. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Extension Cords on Floors

32. How to Prevent Trip Hazards From Extension Cords • Install UL cord protectors • If on the floor for a short period cords can be taped • Keep cords along walls and out of main walkways • Have plenty of lighting

33. Common S/T/F Hazards in the Horticultural Industry – Merchandise on Floor

34. How to Prevent Trip Hazards From Merchandise on the Floor • Keep all merchandise on shelves • Only place larger items on the floor • Allow enough walkway space for carts • Have proper lighting • Periodically walk the store area to ensure customers haven’t placed items on the floor

35. LADDER SAFETY • Two common types of ladders • Step Ladder • Extension Ladder

36. Pre-Inspection Ladders should be inspected for the following before each use: Rungs are free from oil, grease, and dirt. All fittings are tight. Locking devices are in place. There are no structural defects and the support braces are intact. The non-skid feet are in place

37. General Rules For ALL Ladders • Always maintain 3 points of contact • When climbing or descending a ladder, always face the ladder • Carry tools on a belt, or raise and lower them with a hand line. • Never try to move, shift, or extend the ladder while it is in use.

38. General Rules For ALL Ladders (con’t) • If using a ladder near walkways or doors, place warning cones, signs and/or barriers to prevent the ladder from being accidentally bumped and to warn employees not to walk under the work since items could be dropped or fall from the elevated work area. • Always watch for overhead power lines • Never attempt to “fix” a ladder

39. BELT BUCKLE RULE When using a ladder DO NOT lean so far that your belt buckle goes past the ladder rungs.

40. Step Ladders Ladder should be placed on a solid flat surface. Locking arms need to be locked Never climb higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder Always face the ladder Never use a stepladder while folded up

41. Extension Ladders • Never climb past the third step from the top on a straight or extension ladder. • The base of an extension ladder should be out one foot for every 4 feet high the ladder is. • The top of the ladder should extend 3 ft above any platform you want to access. • The ladder should be tied off at the top

42. Ladder Training Topics should include: Load ratings Types of ladders Correct selection of ladder Safety rules Inspection procedures What to do with defective ladders Ladder storage All employees should be properly training in safe ladder use and your company policies regarding ladders

43. What to do if you S/T/F Protect your head, neck, and back Spread the fall out over your body (preferably your side or butt) Don’t try to catch yourself (break the fall) with your hands. This can easily sprain or break your wrist.

44. What to do if you S/T/F (con’t) • Toss anything you are carrying to use your arms to regain balance • Twist or roll to prevent landing on: • Face • Knees • Elbows • Back • Wrists

45. Train Your Employees!! • Remind employees to watch our for and correct hazards immediately with proper training. • Topics to include: • Common hazards – what to look out for • Preventative measures • Company procedures • Good housekeeping • Ladder safety • Proper footwear

46. Questions