Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Date: 2025-12-03

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To identify and mitigate tripping hazards in the workplace, adhering to safety regulations and best practices to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. Maintaining a safe work environment requires identifying and addressing potential hazards that can lead to these incidents.

Hazard Identification

Identifying potential slip, trip, and fall hazards is the first step in preventing these incidents. Regular inspections and awareness of surroundings are crucial.

• Cluttered walkways with scrap lumber, broken bricks, pieces of drywall, strap-bands and packaging.: Tripping, falling, cuts, and bruises. Difficulty using material-handling equipment, leading to manual handling and increased risk of injury. [7]
• Wet or oily surfaces due to spills, weather, or leaks.: Slips and falls, potentially leading to fractures, sprains, or head injuries. [2]
• Uneven walking surfaces, including unmarked steps, damaged flooring, and wrinkled carpeting.: Trips and falls, resulting in injuries ranging from minor sprains to severe fractures. [6]
• Poor lighting in work areas and walkways.: Reduced visibility of hazards, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. [6]
• Ice, snow, slush and wet surfaces during winter conditions.: Slips and falls, potentially leading to serious injuries, especially when working at heights. [5]
• Unprotected floor and roof openings, including skylights.: Falls through openings, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. [8]

Control Measures

• Implement good housekeeping practices.: Regularly clean up spills, remove debris, and keep walkways clear of obstructions. Secure mats, rugs, and carpets to prevent tripping hazards. [6]
• Maintain walking surfaces in good condition.: Repair or replace damaged flooring, ensure steps are uniform, and address uneven surfaces promptly. Use non-slip coatings or mats in areas prone to wetness or oil. [4]
• Provide adequate lighting.: Ensure all work areas and walkways are well-lit. Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches promptly. Use flashlights in dark areas where fixed lighting is insufficient. [6]
• Use proper signage and warnings.: Mark spills and wet areas with caution signs. Use bright paint to create warning signs on covers for floor and roof openings. [6]
• Ensure proper guarding of openings.: Install guardrails around floor and roof openings. Use protective covers that are securely fastened and identified with warning signs. [8]
• Practice safe mounting and dismounting of equipment.: Always face the equipment, maintain three-point contact, and avoid jumping down. Clean footwear and ensure steps and footholds are clean and dry. [1]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear shoes with good support and slip-resistant soles. Avoid sandals, bare feet, and high heels. Ensure footwear is appropriate for the work environment and conditions. [3]
• Gloves: Wear gloves to maintain a secure grip on objects and equipment, especially in cold or wet conditions. Insulated gloves are necessary when handling cold materials to prevent contact frostbite. [5]
• Eye Protection: Wear eye protection at all times when there is a risk of eye injury from debris or other hazards. Ensure eye protection does not impair visibility. [7]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the most common slip, trip, and fall hazards you have encountered on the job site?
2. What steps can we take to improve housekeeping in our work areas?
3. How can we ensure that floor and roof openings are properly guarded?

Emergency Procedures

1. In the event of a fall, immediately assess the injured person's condition and provide first aid.
2. Report all incidents, including near misses, to the supervisor and safety department.
3. Investigate the cause of the fall to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Slips, trips, and falls are preventable with proper hazard identification and control measures.
• Good housekeeping, proper footwear, and adequate lighting are essential for preventing these incidents.
• Report all hazards and incidents immediately to ensure a safe working environment.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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