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Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention TrainingTraining

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Directorate of Construction

Danezza I. QuinteroSenior Safety and Health Specialist

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PurposePurpose

Provide information to assist in the recognition of slip/trip/fall hazards and methods for preventing DOL’s most common cause of injury

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What is the problem?What is the problem?

Slips, trips, and falls…

Are the leading cause of injury for DOL employees

Represent 32.1% of all DOL injuries and illnesses

89 slips/trips/falls at DOL in FY 2013

Causes of DOL Slips/Trips/FallsCauses of DOL Slips/Trips/Falls(FY 2013)(FY 2013)

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SlipsSlips

Loss of balance caused by too little friction between foot and walking surface.

Common Causes:

• Wet or oily surfaces• Highly polished or waxed floor surfaces• Occasional spills• Weather hazards• Loose, unanchored rugs or mats• Worn flooring or other walking surfaces

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Take a guessTake a guess

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TripsTripsLoss of balance caused by hitting an object or uneven walking surface

Common Causes:• Obstructed view• Poor lighting• Clutter• Uncovered cables• Open desk or file drawers• Uneven walking surfaces (steps, thresholds,

wrinkled carpeting) • Distractions

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What is wrong with this picture?

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What is wrong with this picture?

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FallsFalls Loss of balance and dropping to the

floor or other surface

Common causes:

• Slips

• Trips

• Intentional actions such as jumping from one level to another or from equipment

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What are Slips, Trips & Falls?What are Slips, Trips & Falls?

There are two types of falls:

Same Level

From Elevationmore common

more severe

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What is wrong with this picture?

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What is wrong with this picture?

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How How YOUYOU can avoid slips/trips/fallscan avoid slips/trips/falls

•Take your time•Pay attention•Adjust your stride to the task and weather conditions•Go around wet or slippery areas•Step carefully if you cannot avoid a wet or slippery area•Make wide turns at corners

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How How YOUYOU can avoid slips/trips/fallscan avoid slips/trips/falls

• Take care on stairs• Always use the

handrail• Do not carry

anything that prevents you from using the handrail

• Do not rush• Do not jump or skip

steps• Watch for

obstructions

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Do not engage in activities that distract your attention

Do not read, write, text, or dial while you are walking

Blackberry & Cellular Phones Blackberry & Cellular Phones

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How How YOUYOU can avoid slips/trips/fallscan avoid slips/trips/fallsWear footwear appropriate to the work environment and weather conditions

• Footwear should fit snugly and comfortably

• Keep footwear clean and in good condition at all times.

• Inspect regularly for any damage; repair or replace worn or defective footwear.

• Replace shoes or replace soles before they become worn smooth.

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Walk carefully and slowly when transitioning from one type of walking surface to another

Take extra care when you come indoors with wet shoes

Slow down and take small careful steps if the surface is uneven, cluttered, slippery or inclined

How How YOUYOU can avoid slips/trips/fallscan avoid slips/trips/falls

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Preventing Preventing slips, trips, and fallsslips, trips, and falls

•Follow good housekeeping practices•Clean up spills immediately•Mark spills and wet areas (interim)•Remove debris from floors•Remove obstacles and clutter from walkways and stairs •Secure mats, rugs and carpets

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Preventing Preventing slips, trips, and fallsslips, trips, and falls

•Close file cabinet or storage drawers•Do not let cables cross walkways•Keep working areas and walkways well lit•Report burned out light bulbs so they can be replaced•Do not leave boxes or other items in walkways or hallways

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Preventing slips, trips, and fallsPreventing slips, trips, and falls

Work with your facilities manager to change or modify walking surfaces

Maintain proper coefficient of friction on floors

– OSHA recommends 0.5– ADA recommends 0.6

Install matsRecoat or replace flooringUse abrasive floor coating as appropriate Metal or synthetic decking

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Maintain clear, tidy work areas free of clutter

Address hazards such as small spills and cluttered walkways immediately if you are able to do so safely

Use caution when entering/exiting vehicles and equipment and when climbing and descending ladders

Report hazards promptly

Preventing slips, trips, and fallsPreventing slips, trips, and falls

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What is wrong with this picture?

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What is wrong What is wrong with this picture?with this picture?

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How to Report a HazardHow to Report a Hazard

If you see a hazard that you cannot address, report it immediately

Frances Perkins Building Contacts:•Office of Worker Safety & Health x36670 •Customer Service x35001

QuestionsQuestions

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