PREVENTING SLIPS AND FALLS

Slips, trips and falls cause 18 percent of workplace injuries and 15 percent of work-related deaths. What can you do to prevent these accidents?

Maintain Flooring

OSHA requires all permanent places of employment, except where domestic, mining or agricultural work only is performed, to have floors that are clean and, as far as possible, dry. They must also be free from protruding nails, splinters, holes or loose boards.

Some floors become more slippery with age. Most floors become more slippery if they are not regularly cleaned, so avoid letting dirt and grease build up. Train employees to use the proper cleaning solutions. If you use cleaning contractors, make sure they know how to clean your floors and regularly inspect them.

Prevent Water Buildup

Slip, trip and fall hazards increase on wet or snowy days, as people track water indoors. To keep floors dry:

· Check entry mats and runners regularly; when they become saturated, replace or wet-vacuum them, using a grounded adapter.

· Consider installing mats that lie flush with the floor and have a receptacle to catch water.

· Keep mops and cleaning supplies near entrances or places where water is used.

· Use hazard signs to warn of wet or slippery conditions and other obstacles that could impede foot traffic.

Maintain Parking Lots and Sidewalks

A high percentage of slips and falls occur in parking lots and on sidewalks. Routine maintenance can decrease the odds of accidents:

· Make sure roofs and eaves have appropriate drainage so water flows away from walkways.

· Inspect and repair cracked or uneven paving. Irregularities of a quarter inch to a half inch are large enough to trip on.

· Inspect and clean storm drains to make sure water flows freely; openings on grates should be one inch or less.

· Check that utility covers lie flush.

· Use contrasting colors to highlight speed bumps, utility covers and drains.

· Regularly sweep parking lots and walkways to eliminate leaves and other debris.

Be Aware of Stair and Ramp Hazards

Stairs and ramps pose special hazards.

· Ensure stairwells, ramps and any areas with elevation changes have adequate lighting.

· Install handrails 30 to 34 inches above the leading edge of stair treads.

· Use slip-resistant paint to coat walkways and ramps that may become slippery.

· Block off hazardous areas.

Use of Proper Footwear

Proper footwear can greatly minimize slip hazards. Employees working in areas that can become wet or slippery should avoid shoes with leather or smooth soles or high heels. Closed-toed shoes that can be laced and tightly tied with slip-resistant soles provide the best traction and safety. Employers can require employees to wear non-slip footwear when working in wet or slippery conditions. To ensure compliance, consider reimbursing employees for this expense.

Maintain Premises

Routine maintenance and simple upgrades or repairs can greatly reduce slip-and-fall hazards. Regularly check your premises for the following:

· Are aisles and passages clear and wide enough for easy passage? If not, remove clutter or obstructions.

· Can you clearly see any level changes, steps or obstructions? If not, upgrade lighting and/or install reflective safety striping.

· Do electric cords snake across areas where people walk? If so, additional outlets (including floor outlets) can reduce this hazard.

Any time an employee works at a height of six feet or more above ground level (construction industry) or four feet or more in general industry, he/she needs additional protection, which is beyond the scope of this article. For more information or other recommendations on preventing slip-and-fall accidents, please contact the PCOC Insurance Program department of Jenkins Insurance Services at (877) 860-7378.

Pest Control Operators of California
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