PPHSA Safety Meeting Series

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, Trips and Falls

A workplace fall can change everything
James Wright fell five storeys when a ladder broke at work. Now he lives and works in a wheelchair. Wright says, I wake up every day knowing a fall at work changed my life. Far too many workplace injuries are caused by slips, trips or falls. And all of them are preventable.

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In Canada some 60 thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about 15% of the lost-time injuries that were accepted by workers compensation boards or commissions across Canada.

Slips, Trips and Falls

How do falls happen?
Statistics show that the majority (60 percent) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 40 percent are falls from a height. Slips Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are: wet or oily surfaces occasional spills weather hazards loose, unanchored rugs or mats

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Trips Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are: obstructed or llmited view clutter in your way uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Falls from Heights Falls from elevated surfaces are generally less frequent - but in most cases more severe. Common causes of falls from elevated surfaces are: stairs / ladders / scaffolds loading docks/ramps vehicles and equipment buildings and other structures

Slips, Trips and Falls

Step 1: Recognition
Recognize that you can prevent falls and identify where the potential for them exists. All too often we recognize there is a problem or a potential problem only after someone falls. Dont rely on luck or good fortune to protect you. All workplaces have a risk of fall injuries. Before they can be controlled, fall hazards in your workplace must be identified. This can be done during workplace inspections. Complete an inventory of all fall hazards in your workplace. Start at grade level, and work to falls from heights. Classify your identified hazards by department or work area, or by fall classifi cation - noting the department and work activity. To complete the inventory, use a random selection of people: management/ supervision, JHSC members, office staff, etc. A good cross-section of people allows for those familiar with the work to provide specific input - and those not so familiar may spot hazards others may not notice.

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Step 2: Assessment
Assess fall hazards and set standards and expectations. The purpose of fall assessments is to reduce loss through a systematic evaluation of the identified fall hazards in the workplace. The fall assessment should evaluate all hazards identified to determine if risk elimination or control is required.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Step 3: Control
Control hazards by eliminating or reducing risk. Many hazards can be controlled at the source by safe work design, planning and good housekeeping. Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, will never be fully effective. When slips and falls cannot be eliminated, they can often be controlled along the path by highlighting, posting and guarding - all ways of making a hazard visible with signs, lighting, colour, etc. Step-by-step procedures and practices should be used for defined work Supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring that procedures and safe work practices are communicated and followed. All hazards can be reduced at the worker by education and training programs as well as the proper use of personal protective equipment. A company can control hazards if it: sets an expectation that each worker has a role and responsibility to help prevent slips and falls communicates the expectation to all staff sets the highest standards for housekeeping, lighting and visibility identifies and reinforces the supervisors role to enforce standards ensures standards for preventing potential causes of slips and falls are met provides equipment that is in good repair and is used properly makes workers aware of slip and fall hazards trains workers how to avoid slips and fall

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Slips, Trips and Falls

When it is impossible to eliminate a hazard and personal protective equipment is essential, you should: review regulations that apply to your industry and your company, ensuring that physical restraints, tie-off, working at height regulations and others are followed become informed on the availability of fall arrest equipment, the way to properly use it and how to maintain it prepare an emergency response plan that is specific to the worksite in the event a worker becomes suspended by their fall arrest equipment or in the event of an emergency such as a fire or severe weather

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Summary
Underestimating Slips and Falls The simple slip and fall turns out to be a complex safety issue that needs greater attention from industry. They are so prevalent and so costly that you would think employers would be on constant guard against them. In most industries, same level falls are the number one or two injury behind ergonomic or back injuries. Moreover, the slip and fall injuries reported are a small piece of what is really happening out there. If you follow modern accident causation models, then hundreds of slips and falls may be happening in organizations that are never reported. Contributing Factors People think slips and falls are not preventable, they just happen. Ironically, company officials can take a variety of very effective steps to reduce or eliminate slips and falls. Experts say a good first step is to stop blaming the victims. Many managers jump to the conclusion that slips and falls are the employees fault, the result of horseplay or not paying attention. In reality, slips and falls can arise from a complex set of causes that may have much more to do with management practices than employee behavior. For example, an employee tripping over an electrical cord may on the surface appear to be just a matter of carelessness. But a closer examination could reveal that building managers were doing a poor job of maintaining electrical systems. As a result, electrical outlets did not work and employees began running extension cords from the remaining outlets. By tracing the incident back to the root cause, you find out it is a maintenance issue and it was preventable.

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Human factors such as inattention, carrying objects, poor vision, bifocals and the use of over-the-counter medications can all contribute to slips and falls. Having an untreated cold can affect the semicircular canals in the ears, which are one of the feedback mechanisms we use for maintaining our internal balance. The elderly are particularly at risk for slips and falls. They dont see as well, their muscles are not as strong so they dont recover their balance as readily and their reaction time is slowed. With the workforce aging, there is even more incentive for companies to take a more proactive approach to preventing slips, trips and falls. Because of the many organizational, environmental and personal factors that contribute to slips and falls, attempts to prevent injuries with single remedies, such as slip-resistant shoes or improved maintenance, are much less likely to succeed than a comprehensive program that includes good design, maintenance, training, proper footwear, record keeping and other activities.

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Quiz Circle the correct answer.
(1) Wearing slip-resistant shoes or boots can prevent slips. True (2) False

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The base of a ladder should be six inches away from the wall for every four feet in height. True False

(3)

If you spot a spill, the first thing you should do is clean it up True False

(4)

If you must enter a dark area, go ahead if youre familiar with the area. You shouldnt need a flashlight. True False

(5)

Its okay to use a chair to reach a shelf as long as you dont pile things on the chair seat to help you reach higher. True False

(6)

Its okay to use the top two steps or runs of a ladder as long as someone is holding it. True False

(7)

Anytime you work at a height greater than six feet, you must use fall protection. True False

(8)

You must mark or cover any opening or hole in the floor. True False

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Safety Meeting Series

Background - Statistics
People are Falling. Statistics are not! In Ontario Alone 20% of all lost-time injuries 80 injuries every day 1 every 20 minutes
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039 & 041 (2001-05)

Source: WSIB EIW Aug. 2006

039 5Y Average Totals

# Claims 127 LTD Costs $3,039,958

LTD Days Lost Avg. Cost 13,877 $218,861 Average cost per claim: $43,772

041 5Y Average Totals

# Claims 119 LTD Costs $1,525,797

LTD Days Lost Avg. Cost 11,758 $103,946 Average cost per claim: $20,789

Slips

Wet or oily surfaces Occasional spills Weather hazards Loose unanchored rugs or mats Flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas
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Trips

Obstructed view Poor lighting Clutter Wrinkled carpeting Uncovered cables Bottom drawers not closed Uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces
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Falls

Stairs Ladders Scaffolds Loading docks/ramps Vehicles/equipment Buildings and other structures

Assessment
Assess fall hazards and set standards and expectations. Reduce loss through a systematic evaluation of the identified fall hazards in the workplace. The fall assessment should evaluate all hazards identified to determine if risk elimination or control is required.

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Areas of Control
Same level falls (Slips and Trips)
Best practice guides

Falls from heights (Falls)

Best practice guides

Control: Same Level

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Best Practices
Housekeeping surveys and inspections should be conducted for identifying and removing hazards. Clean and tidy workplace conditions result in lower accident rates. The company should have a safety policy setting accountabilities and responsibilities for good housekeeping. Flooring should be assessed for slip resistance. Pedestrian routes and circulation areas should be separate and distinguishable from work areas.
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Best Practices
Changes in floor levels should be identifiable. Use adequate and secure doormats or abrasion strips to prevent slipping. Adequate lighting should be provided for all areas. A procedure should be developed to quickly report and deal with liquid spills on the floor. Appropriate footwear should be worn for the type of process (tread design). Handrails should be added to prevent loss of balance on ramps.
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Best Practices
Loose or damaged floor coverings should be dealt with immediately. Cords from phones, typewriters, lights, computers, etc., should be tied down. Drawers to filing cabinets and desks should be kept closed when not in use. Walking surfaces should be routinely swept, vacuumed or cleaned. Polishes or sealers used on flooring should not reduce slip resistance.
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Best Practices
Barriers, signs, notices should be used to keep people away from areas being cleaned or polished. A procedure should be in place to ensure that outdoor pedestrian routes are regularly swept and salted/sanded during icy/frosty conditions. Ensure all staircases are fitted with handrails and where appropriate, that anti-slip tread is in good condition. The selection of safety footwear should incorporate the sole material and sole pattern that is appropriate for the type of work to be done.

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Controls: Heights

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Best Practices
Acrophobia is the medical term for the fear of
heights, a condition common to many people. A person suffering from acrophobia will be at particular risk if assigned to work in elevated environments. Slip and trip hazards must be recognized and removed. Clean and tidy workplace conditions result in lower accident rates. The company should have a policy that sets out accountabilities and responsibilities for good housekeeping.
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Falls from Heights

Flooring should be assessed for slip resistance. Pedestrian routes and circulation areas should
be separate from work areas. Changes in floor levels should be identifiable. Use adequate and secure doormats or abrasion strips to prevent slipping. Adequate lighting should be provided for all areas. A procedure should be developed to quickly deal with liquid contamination on the floor. Appropriate footwear should be worn for the type of process (tread design).

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Falls from Heights

Handrails should be added to prevent loss of balance. Loose or damaged floor coverings should be dealt with immediately. Cords from phones, typewriters, lights, computers etc. should be tied down. Drawers to filing cabinets and desks should be kept closed when not in use. Walking surfaces should be routinely swept or vacuumed. Polishes or sealers used on flooring should not reduce slip resistance.
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Falls from Heights

Barriers, signs, notices should be used to keep people away from areas being cleaned or polished. Ensure a procedure is in place ensuring that outdoor pedestrian routes are regularly swept and during icy/frosty conditions salted/sanded. Ensure all staircases are fitted with handrails and, where appropriate, anti-slip tread in good condition. Working outdoors may expose workers to ice, snow and rain which may contribute to slippery conditions.
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Falls from Heights

All elevated work surfaces should be well illuminated. All fall related incidents should be investigated, whether or not an injury has occurred. Investigations should review the adequacy of the fall protection system and be improved to prevent potential recurrence.

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Fall Protection Systems

Companies must distinguish between what system is needed for their application; either a fall arrest system or a travel restraint system. One typically uses a body harness, the other can use a safety belt. Never mix components from the two different systems. Proper training for workers is essential for any system in place. Ensure that the program includes individual fit testing of equipment.
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Fall Protection Systems

Workers who use a fall arrest or travel restraint system must perform a pre-use inspection of the system about to be used. Workers using fall arrest systems should not work alone. Daily pre-use inspections should be done by the worker and semi-annual inspections performed by a competent person in these type of systems.

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Fall Protection Systems

Information for every piece of equipment in a fall protection program should be documented; type of use, nature of environment, etc. All pieces of equipment, no matter how small are vital to the overall performance of the system. Inspections should be done routinely to ensure integrity of the fall protection system. Dates should be recorded.

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Fall Protection Systems

Rescue plan needs to be in place in case of an emergency. Free fall distance must always be kept to a minimum. Re-evaluate your fall protection program on a ongoing basis. Store equipment in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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Fall Protection Equipment

Full-body harness/Safety Belt Lanyards Shock Absorber Snap Hooks Rope/Lifelines Rope Grab Anchor Points Webbing Retractable Lifelines

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