08/10/2016
SLIP, TRIP & FALL HAZARDS
HAVE I CONSIDERED IT ALL
WHEN ASSESSING THE RISK OF SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS?
What questions can I ask and observations can I make at my work site that will help me identify slip, trip & fall hazards better?
Due to a recent series of safety events involving slips and falls, our team of employees are humbly reminded that these incidents can happen to anyone of us within split seconds. Before any job task, let’s take the time to have a brief, visit to the worksite maybe even with our supervisors, co-workers or site auditors to assist us in identifying slip, trip and fall hazards. Some questions may include;
- What am I about to do that may cause me or others around me to slip? To trip? Or to fall? (e.g.frequent lifting, posture/balance, climbing up ladder)
- What objects/situations/conditions are currently in my view that may cause me or others around me to slip? To trip? Or to fall? (e.g. spills, cords laying around, blocked aisles, greasy floors, freshly waxed/polished floors, uneven walking surfaces, sloped surfaces, loose/eroded floors, missing tiles, damaged carpeting/mats no handrails, clutter, open drawers, ice/frost/sleet/snow, dusts/powders/wood, plastic wrapping)
- What are the materials, facilities and work equipment involved in this task that may cause me or others around me to slip? To trip? Or to fall? (e.g. lubricants, oils, heavy scrap metal, piping, wet/oily/muddy shoes, metal surfaces, dark areas, surface transitions – carpet-to-tile or grid-to-concrete )
- What behaviors can put me at risk? (e.g. stepping over objects, texting/reading while walking, squatting or leaning while working, cell phone/radio use)
- Can I reduce or eradicate the risk? (e.g.change shoes, add skid resistance, improve housekeeping, use proper mats, remove spills, snow, ice, oil, grease, mud, keep floor clear and clean, improve lighting, “eyes on path”)