Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Date: 2025-09-26

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To understand the hazards associated with slips, trips, and falls and implement effective control measures to prevent these incidents in the workplace.

Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. Understanding the causes and implementing preventive measures are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height. [1] [1]

Key Points

• Good Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean and organized work environment is fundamental to preventing slips, trips, and falls. This includes cleaning spills immediately, marking wet areas, removing clutter, and ensuring walkways are free of obstructions. Without good housekeeping practices, other preventive measures will not be fully effective. [2] [2] [2] [2] [2]
• Flooring and Walking Surfaces: The quality and maintenance of flooring and walking surfaces play a significant role in preventing falls. Ensure floors are properly coated or replaced when necessary, and install mats or abrasive strips in areas prone to slips. Resilient, non-slippery flooring can also reduce foot fatigue and contribute to slip prevention. [2] [3]
• Proper Footwear: Wearing appropriate footwear is essential, especially in workplaces with oily or wet floors. Consult with manufacturers to select footwear with adequate anti-slip properties for the specific conditions. Properly fitting footwear also increases comfort and reduces fatigue, further improving safety. [3] [3]
• Awareness and Safe Walking Practices: Employees should be aware of their surroundings and practice safe walking habits. This includes taking your time, paying attention to where you are going, adjusting your stride to suit the walking surface, and keeping walking areas clear of obstructions. [3] [3] [3]
• Stairway Safety: Stairways pose a significant fall risk. Always use handrails, ensure adequate lighting, and avoid carrying loads that obstruct your view. Report any damaged or uneven steps immediately. [5]
• Ladder Safety: When using ladders, select the right type for the job and ensure it is in good condition. Set the ladder on a stable base at the correct angle, and always maintain three points of contact while climbing. Never overreach or carry heavy objects while on a ladder. [4]

Hazard Identification

• Wet or oily surfaces: Slips leading to falls, fractures, sprains, or head injuries. [1]
• Clutter and obstructions in walkways: Trips resulting in falls, bruises, fractures, or strains. [2]
• Poor lighting: Reduced visibility, increasing the risk of trips and falls, especially in stairways or uneven surfaces. [2]
• Uneven or damaged walking surfaces: Loss of balance, twisted ankles, and falls. [6]
• Unsecured rugs or mats: Tripping hazards leading to falls and potential injuries. [1]

Control Measures

• Implement a routine cleaning schedule: Regularly clean and dry floors, especially in areas prone to spills. [2]
• Ensure adequate lighting: Maintain sufficient lighting levels in all work areas and walkways. Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches promptly. [2] [2]
• Use anti-slip mats and runners: Place anti-slip mats in entranceways and areas where floors may be wet or slippery. [3]
• Repair damaged flooring: Promptly repair or replace damaged or uneven flooring to eliminate tripping hazards. [3]
• Provide proper signage: Use warning signs to indicate wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other potential hazards. [2]
• Cable Management: Cover cables that cross walkways to prevent tripping hazards. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear appropriate for the work environment. Inspect footwear regularly for wear and tear, and replace as needed. [3]
• Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against eye injuries from flying particles or debris, especially in construction or maintenance activities. [7]
• Gloves: Use gloves to maintain a good grip and protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and contact with slippery substances. [8]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker in a warehouse tripped over a box left in a walkway, resulting in a sprained ankle. The incident led to a review of housekeeping procedures and the implementation of regular inspections to ensure walkways are kept clear.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some specific slip, trip, and fall hazards in your work area?
2. What steps can we take to improve housekeeping in our department?
3. How can we ensure that everyone is wearing appropriate footwear for their job?

Emergency Procedures

1. In the event of a fall, assess the injured person and provide first aid.
2. Report the incident to the supervisor and complete an incident report.
3. Investigate the cause of the fall to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Slips, trips, and falls are preventable with proper awareness and control measures.
• Good housekeeping, appropriate footwear, and safe walking practices are essential.
• Report and address hazards promptly to maintain a safe work environment.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Inspect your work area for slip, trip, and fall hazards before starting work.
2. Report any hazards to your supervisor immediately.
3. Practice safe walking habits and wear appropriate footwear.

Remember: Safety First: Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls!

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

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