In Canada over 42,000 workers are injured annually according to (CCOHS) due to fall accidents. That total combined for “Time Loss Injuries is approximately 17% that Workers Compensation Board or Commissions in 2011.
Statistics show that the majority (66%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 34% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on “falls on the same level” (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in the Safety Belts, Harnesses, and Lanyards document since each type of fall requires different features in a fall prevention program.
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 •flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas
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 view •poor lighting •clutter in your way •wrinkled carpeting •uncovered cables •bottom drawers not being closed •uneven walking surfaces. (Gravel, Stairs, etc.)
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
cleaning all spills immediately marking spills and wet areas mopping or sweeping debris from floors removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat always closing file cabinet or storage drawers covering cables that cross walkways keeping working areas and walkways well lit replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches
Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.
Flooring
Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip prevention measures.
Footwear
In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall accidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers’ is highly recommended. Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. And always ensure your footwear is compliant with the current CSA Standards. (CSA Standard Z195-09 “Protective Footwear”).
What can you do to avoid falling at work?
You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:
taking your time and paying attention to where you are going adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing walking with the feet pointed slightly outward making wide turns at corners You can reduce the risk of tripping by:
keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions keeping flooring in good condition always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light Ensuring that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc