Workplace TrainingSlips, Trips & Falls

The Problem

Every time you take a step – you are at risk for a potentially serious slip, trip or fall.

One of leading accidents in the workplace Account for 20% of all nonfatal injuries Affect people of all occupations Three reasons for risk:

Lack of safety awareness Unsafe conditions Unsafe behaviors

Cost of Carelessness

Minor bumps and bruises Serious injuries that carry even a higher

price Pain – may persist beyond your workday Disability – may lose mobility, making simple

daily tasks difficult. May never fully recover, resulting in long-term disability

Medical Appointments – take up time and cost money

Lost income Lost leisure time

Your Role

Preventing accidents and injuries requires teamwork

You and coworkers need to cooperate with employer to identify, report and correct unsafe conditions and behaviors

Make a commitment to yourself to develop an awareness of potential hazards

Report them to the safety committee

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Stay Focused If you find yourself not paying attention to your

task STOP what you are doing BREATHE deeply or stretch for a few moments REFOCUS on your immediate surroundings

Short Breaks Help Each time you find yourself not concentrating

on the task at hand stop and refocus Take a short 30-60sec break Stand up and stretch Snack on fresh fruit or vegetables during break.

Drink some water

More You Can Do

Rest Your Body and Mind Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep each night Relax throughout the day by stretching, eat lunch

outside, walk around the building on break Vary tasks and activities – this allows your

muscles to relax and it gives your mind a break Manage Your Stress

Stress and fatigue dull the senses and can fill your mind with worry which increases risk for accidents

Take 3-4 deep breaths Get some brisk exercise Set job priorities Spend time with family or friends away from work

Drugs, Alcohol, Medications

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol dull your mental sharpnessDevelop a false sense of security and take

unnecessary chances

Drugs, Alcohol, Medications

Medications

Find out about side affects that could affect judgment, balance, vision or coordination

Be aware that over the counter drugs such as antihistamines can affect performance

Making the Work Place Safer(Being Aware of Unsafe Conditions and Behaviors)

Hazards Remedies

Wet surfaces Slippery floors Walking too fast or not paying

attention to surface Uneven Surfaces

Any changes in surface areas Loose surfaces

Poor Lighting

Bad Weather Conditions Rain, ice, snow or mud on a

parking lot, sidewalk, loading dock

Clean up/fix/report problems Clean up spills right away Slow down, shorten stride

Mark or fix surfaces Add contrast color and signs Repair or report loose surface

Be careful Change or report burned out light

bulbs Pay particular attention to poorly lit

areas Wear the right shoes

Wear slip resistant shoes Report problem areas such as icy

sidewalks, debris on walkways, etc.

Hazards Remedies

Wrong tools for the Job Poor Housekeeping Big loads

Carrying a load that is too big, too heavy, too bulky to be carried safely because it makes you feel off balance or prevents you from seeing in front of you

Not enough time Worrying about being late Being in a hurry

Use proper tools for the job

Clean clutterCarry smaller loads

◦ Use a cart or hand truck◦ Ask for help

Slow Down

Workplace TrainingBack Injury Prevention

The Problem

Can occur anywhere, anytime 4 out of 5 adults will suffer from back

pain at some point in their life Back injuries are the leading result of

accidents to workers under age 45 20% of all reported occupational injuries

and illness are due to back injury Total estimated annual cost ranging from

$20-50 billion

The Consequences

Pain – can be very painful without any visible sign of injury

Lost income Emotional stress – may lead to feelings of

uselessness, depression and fear that the pain or injury will never go away

Disability – may lose mobility, making simple daily tasks difficult. May never fully recover, resulting in long-term disability

Decreased social activity

Your Role in Prevention

Eating balanced meals Exercise regularly

Doing these help you to feel better and heal faster!!

Be sure to consult your health-care provider before starting an exercise program

Causes of Back Pain

Poor Body Mechanics Way the entire body adjusts to

keep its balance as you move and rest

Weak and Fatigued Muscles Rob the back of its support and

are more likely to be injured when they are stressed

Extra Weight Settles in the abdomen and

hips, straining the back by exaggerating the curve of the lower spine

Causes of Back Pain

Improper Footwear May cause back pain or

injury Lack of Exercise

Decreases blood circulation and reduces muscular strength

Can slow coordination and affect your reflexes

Poor Posture Improper sitting, standing,

or lying down can lead to back problems

Reduce Risk: Maintain Good Posture

Good Posture = sitting or standing up straight with shoulders centered over hips, giving the spine the support it needs

Poor posture weakens the back, making it susceptible to injury from sudden twists or careless lifts

Practicing good posture, strengthens the large muscles that support the spine, relieving stress on the smaller less efficient muscles

Reduce Risk: Ergonomics

Ergonomics = improving the fit between your body and an activity.

You can adapt your workplace, living conditions, and personal habits to reduce the bending, twisting and excessive reaching that may cause stress on your back

Back Injury Prevention Tips

Three essential requirements for maintaining a healthy back

◦ Stay healthy and maintain the best possible mental and physical condition

◦ Exercise to strengthen and stretch back muscles

◦ Avoid risk factors for back injury

Change Your Habits

You can prevent back injury by adopting the following habits

Place objects often used within arm’s reach, between knuckle and shoulder height

Avoid reaching across an extended space Modify work habits that result in unnecessary motions When talking on phone use a speakerphone, headset,

or shoulder rest or rearrange your writing position to free one hand (do not cradle the receiver between your shoulder and ear)

Modify your work station to match your height Avoid repetitive or sustained bending over

Its your body take care of it!Questions?