Achievement: Slip, Trip, and Fall PI Project

Slip, Trip and Fall

Mazen M. Abu -Saada , MT, CPHHA

HAZMAT Committee Chairman

Laboratory Safety Officer

Laboratory Radiation Safety Officer

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Quality Analyst

The National Safety Council (NSC) indicates that slips and falls are the single most common reason for an emergency room visit. The most frequent types of injuries to occur from a slip, trip or fall are injuries to the back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and/or knee. In general, joint injuries tend to be most common.

Per the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), an average slip and fall injury costs roughly $28,000, which in turn puts financial strain on both individuals and companies where such injuries can occur. Slips and falls are the third largest cause of workplace injuries. Within North America, slips and falls lead to approximately 104 million lost workdays each year and end up costing approximately $36 billion dollars each year.

Slip:

When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance.

Fall:

Occurs when you are too far off your center of balance.

Trip:

When you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (misstep) and lose your balance, e.g., stepping off a curb.

When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance.

Common Causes of Slip, Trip and Fall:

Causes vary considerably and can include one or more of the following:

•        Wet floor or slippery surfaces

•        Cluttered work areas

•        Mats or rugs which become unanchored or loose

•        Poor lighting

•        Obstructed view

•        Uncovered cables or wires in walkways

•        Drawers not being closed

•        Human factors

•        Footwear not suitable for the environment (inappropriate footwear)

•        Lack of training and/or knowledge about slips/trips & falls

•        Extension Cords

•        Computer and Telephone Cords

Believe it or not, approximately 70 percent of slips, trips and falls occur on level walking surfaces. Training employees on methods to prevent, as well as be aware of slip, trip and fall hazards is essential to reducing the likelihood of becoming a statistic. Common sense also plays an important role in preventing slips, trips and falls.

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates some very good floor safety recommendations, some of which include:

•        Good housekeeping, keep floor surfaces clean and dry.

•        Keep working areas and walkways well lit and clear, i.e., halls and stairwells.

•        Use appropriate footwear.

•        Keep your workplace clean and tidy and prevent obstructions.

•        Ensure that wet-floor warning signs are posted in and around wet floors.

•        Quality of walking surfaces: Ensure that walkway surfaces are in good repair.

•        Minimize carpet and matting trip hazards.

•        Maintain and eliminate uneven floor surfaces.

•        Report and clean up spills immediately.

•        If you see a potential hazard, report it immediately.

Common types of injuries:

•        Sprains, strains

•        Bruises, contusions

•        Fractures

•        Abrasions, cuts

Commonly affected body parts:

•        Knee, ankle, foot

•        Wrist, elbow

•        Back

•        Shoulder

•        Hip

•        Head