Can You Spot The Slip-And-Fall Hazards?

Can You Spot The Slip-And-Fall Hazards?

Some slip, trip and fall hazards are obvious, but many are

difficult to spot. Each of the following pictures have at least

one slipping or tripping hazard. Can you spot them all?

Obviously, the floor is wet, and

that’s a slipping hazard, but it’s

not the only one. The paint in

this location was not treated

with an additive to improve its

wet slip resistance. As a result,

the paint was extraordinarily

slippery when wet.

In addition, the nutrient solution used to water and

fertilize the plants also promoted algae growth on the

concrete floor, rendering it unusually slippery as well.

The carpeting in this area has

excellent slip resistance, but the

subtle change in elevation would be

invisible if the straight edge were

removed.

Changes in elevation in walkways

create tripping hazards and should

be avoided whenever possible.

When they are unavoidable, they

should be clearly marked.

A contrasting, non-slip mat or rug would help to highlight

the level change. A handrail is another good way to

visually identify a change in level, even when one is not

required by codes and standards.

Slopes in walkways should

be limited to less than one

inch in twelve, or 8.3%. In

order to achieve this limit,

the sloped area in this

photograph should be

six feet long.

A six-inch curb height may

seem too high, but would

conform to most applicable

codes.

The warped stair riser is the

obvious hazard here. Stair

risers should be level, and

stairs need to be kept in

good repair.

In this case, the cupped stair

riser accumulated a puddle

of water. The water froze,

causing a fall and a

permanent injury.

The ramp in this idyllic scene

lacks a handrail. Since loose

sand is likely to create a

slipping hazard on the ramp,

a slip resistant textured

surface is advisable. This

ramp is also steeper than the

1:12 limit.

Finally, the gaps between the

floorboards of the ramp create

another tripping hazard.

Can You Spot The Slip-And-Fall Hazards?

Thank you for viewing. If you need help analyzing a slip-and-

fall case, please contact us here at Warren.