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PREVENTING SLIPS AND TRIPS
The
following safety module is intended to be used as a refresher safety awareness session and
is in no way to be used as a substitute for job training nor proper equipment use.
Many of the injuries that result from falls can be avoided. The key is to become aware
of the potential hazard and to avoid it whenever possible. Falls are the leading cause of
fatal injuries around the house as well as a major cause of most agricultural injuries.
 DON'T BE IN A
HURRY
Trips and falls often occur while people are in a hurry because they often take short cuts
and don't pay attention to what they are doing. We all have tried to jump across an
obstacle instead of walking "the long way around" to our destination. These
types of acts are unsafe. Learn to slow down and walk sure-footed by avoiding potentially
hazardous short-cuts.
PAY ATTENTION
TO YOUR STEP
Avoid injuries by paying attention to where you are walking. Learning to recognize hazards
and avoid potential hazards saves time, money and injury. As mentioned previously, resist
the temptation to take short-cuts because short-cuts are usually comprised of objects or
routes not designed for foot traffic and often consist of unstable, shaky or slippery
surfaces.
CLEAN UP SPILLS
Slippery surfaces often don't appear dangerous until you happen to step on them, and then
it's too late. Clean up grease, water and other forms of spills as you notice them. Cover
icy and greasy spots with sand or dirt or other types of absorbent material.
PRACTICE
WALKING SAFELY
If you cannot avoid walking on slippery or wet surfaces, practice walking safely across
them. Don't try to run, jump or slide across these slick surfaces. Instead, take slow,
short steps with your toes pointed slightly outward. For additional balance, keep your
hands at your sides (not in your pockets) to support you if you begin to fall. Remember
that freshly polished floors can also be very slick even though it doesn't usually appear
hazardous.
USE NONSKID
SHOES AND SURFACES WHEN AVAILABLE
If you work in an area that has slippery surfaces, such as a milking shed or concrete
nursery floor, wear shoes that have slip-resistant soles.
Ask your supervisor about the correct shoe for your job. Keep your shoes free from grease
and oil. On large walkways, use mats or rough grade coverings to assist in minimizing
falls.
MAINTAIN PROPER
LIGHTING
Inadequate lighting can camouflage what is in your way, so replace light fixtures or
bulbs that don't work. When you enter a darkened room always turn on the light first even
if you stay only for a moment. Keep walkways clear of obstructions in areas that have poor
lighting.
EXERCISE STAIR
SAFETY
Stairs can be too steep or are not steep enough, creating the potential for trips and
falls. Because it is very easy to lose your footing while climbing stairs, walk up and
down stairs slowly. Be cautious of worn or broken steps, or insufficient lighting that may
make it difficult to see properly. Never run up or down stairs and avoid skipping steps.
If you have to carry a load while climbing stairs, carry the load so it doesn't block your
vision and keep one hand free, if possible, to hold onto the wall railing.
INSPECT YOUR
LADDER
Check your ladder to ensure the rungs are in good condition and that it has no cracks or
broken parts. If the ladder is equipped with a spreader that locks the ladder frame into
position, make sure it is secured before you begin to climb. Most importantly, check to
make sure the ladder is the correct height for the task at hand - this will prevent you
from reaching too far forward or upward causing you to become off balance. |
