Slips, trips and falls cause the majority of general industry accidents, and a number of accidental deaths – more fatalities than all other accident causes but motor vehicles.
You can fall when walking, standing, or even sitting in a chair, but most occur while walking. Causes may include oil or water spilled on a floor, losing your footing on stairs or a gravel path, a slippery parking lot or a wet floor, or tripping over a loose wire.
Paying attention to the conditions around you and looking before you walk can help you prevent painful and disabling slips and falls.
Conditions to look for:
- Is the floor clean and level? Is it dry?
- If you are carrying something, can you see where you are going?
- Are there any “wet floor” warning signs?
- Are aisles and passageways clear?
- Do stairs have hand railings?
- Are ladders used safely?
- Is lighting adequate in all work areas, halls and stairways?
- Do employees wear appropriate footwear?
Basic and Recommended Practices
Complying with certain basic OSHA standards (for “Walking and Working Surfaces”) will go a long way toward preventing injuries from slips, trips and falls:
- Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition
- Keep floors clean and dry
- Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair with no obstruction across, or in, aisles that could create a hazard
- Provide floor plugs for equipment, so power cords need not run across pathways
- Provide warning signs for wet floor areas
- Keep exits free from obstruction
For more information on avoiding slips, trips and falls contact the ETS HR Department by calling 518-562-4673.
