5 Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips, & Falls [Infographic]

In the workplace, slip, trip, and fall hazards put workers’ safety at risk and cost employers nearly $70 billion a year in workers’ compensation claims, regulatory fines, productivity, and other administrative expenses. Organizations that take proper safety precautions can keep workers safe and facilities in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Slips, trips, and falls can be prevented by taking certain measures to keep work areas organized and walkways clean from debris and clutter.

Definitions:

• Slips happen when there is insecure footing resulting in a loss of balance.
• Trips happen when there is a loss of balance resulting from contact with an object.
• Falls happen when there is a failed or missing support. Slips and trips can lead to falls which can happen on the same level or from one to another.

Statistics:

In 2016, 849 work fatalities were from slips, trips, and falls (up 6% from 2015).

In 2014, 261,930 workers missed one or more days of work from falls (798 worker fatalities from falls).

In 2017, fall protection general requirements resulted in 6,072 violations (#1 on OSHA’s Top 10 list since 2011). Fall protection training requirements resulted in 1,523 violations (#9 on OSHA’s Top 10 list).

In 2014, 42,480 work injuries from ice, sleet, or snow required at least one day away from work (34,860 were due to falls on the same level).

From 2011-2016, fatal work-related falls to a lower level increased 26 percent.

The private construction industry saw 255 (2011), 279 (2012), 291 (2013), 345 (2014), 350 (2015) and 370 (2016)—a 45 percent increase.

From 2011-2016, 836 fatal injuries were from falls from ladders.

55 percent of slip, trip, and fall injuries are due to slippery conditions.

1 in 6 lost-time work injuries are from slips, trips, and falls.

Slips, trips, and falls account for between 12 and 15 percent of workers’ compensation claims. These injuries result in an average 11 days away from work.

Common Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls:

• Floor Contamination
• Objects Obstructing Walkways
• Floor Irregularities and Damage
• Weather Conditions
• Lighting Inadequacies
• Stairs and Railings
• Stepstools and Ladders
• Floor Mats and Runners
• Unprotected Edges and Openings

 Top 5 Prevention Tips:

1. 5S System: Maintain good housekeeping and organization of tools and equipment in workspaces and walkways to prevent injuries. Implement the 5S System: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.
2. Floor Marking: Guide workers through the workspace and warn pedestrians of hazards. Use floor marking, wayfinding, and safety tape throughout the workplace.
3. Safety Signs and Labels: Inform workers of contaminated areas, mark tools and equipment for storage, and track cleanliness in the workplace.
4. Spill Containment: Help clean up areas where spills have occurred to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Keep spill control and containment products on-hand, ready for use.
5. Facility Lighting: Improve pathway and exit visibility to help workers avoid slip, trip, and fall hazards. In an emergency, proper lighting can guide workers to safety.

Infographic Source: www.graphicproducts.com