Text Box: OSHA's regulations regarding ladders in general industry can be found in standards:                29 CFR 1910.25 - Portable wood ladders              29 CFR 1910.26 - Portable metal ladders              29 CFR 1910.27 - Fixed ladders OSHA's regulations regarding stairways in general industry can be found in standards:                29 CFR 1910.21(b)(8) - Walking-Working Surfaces: Definitions              29 CFR 1910.24 - Fixed industrial stairs

 

· At UWSP, in 2005, slippery surfaces such as water, ice and grease were the #2 cause of worker's compensation claims and falls on the same level were the #4 cause 

· According to OSHA, slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of workplace
accidents.  In 2002, 37% of workplace injuries were slips, trips and falls.

· Falls, fatal and nonfatal, are a serious safety concern in the workplace, taking 715 lives and causing 313,335 injuries involving a work absence every year.

· Same level falls, like slips and trips, make up 65% of fall injuries.

· Most slip, trip and fall incidents are preventable with general precautions and safety measures. 

· Falls can cause serious injuries such as severe head injuries, back injuries,
paralysis, broken bones, sprains and strains to muscles and even death.  

· Trying to catch your balance when you slip or trip can cause sprains and strains to muscles or joints and permanent back injuries, even if you don’t fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Thank you for taking the time to learn about safety and health and how to prevent future injuries!  

 

Preventing Injuries from
 Slips, Trips & Falls

Text Box:                 · all areas of employment should be kept clean and sanitary                 · the floors shall be kept clean and dry and where wet processes used,                 · they shall be kept as dry as practical                 · aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair                 · permanent aisles and passageways shall be marked Text Box:                · the floor of every workroom shall remain as dry as practical                · if wet processes are used, proper drainage and dry standing places (mats,                   platforms) shall be provided Text Box:               · every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by a standard railing constructed                  in accordance with paragraph (e) of 1910.23               · every ladder floor opening or platform shall be guarded with a standard toeboard on all                  exposed sides (except at the entrance to opening)                          · any floor hole that could be walked into must have standard railing or toeboard                  surrounding it               · for infrequently used floor holes, such as trapdoors, a cover that is of standard strength                  and construction shall be used; when the cover is not in place, the opening shall be                  constantly attended by someone or shall be protected by removable standard railings Text Box: Falls from elevation Text Box: Because there are numerous causes of slips and trips, prevention takes various measures including housekeeping and storage measures, footwear requirements, appropriate work practices, maintenance of walking and working surfaces and employee education and awareness.        Text Box: Some conditions that create slip hazards include: Text Box: Some conditions that create trip hazards include: Text Box: Cluttered office space can create hazards Text Box: · Housekeeping · Change in elevation · Poor lighting · Footwear · Personal factors · Environmental factors · Task factors Text Box: Slip resistant safety shoes Text Box: Old shoes and high heels may increase the risk of slips, trips and falls  Text Box: Display "Wet Floor" signs. Text Box: Use anti-slip mats. Text Box: · Housekeeping · Wet or slippery surfaces · Footwear · Poor lighting · Personal factors · Environmental factors · Task factors Text Box: Footwear plays a large role in the prevention of slips, trips and falls.  The slickness of the sole and type of heal may cause accidents.  Employees who work in environments that could cause foot injuries are required to wear protective footwear per OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.136.  Jobs that are likely to require safety shoes include, but are not limited to:                               · carpenters                             · welders                             · plumbers                             · maintenance mechanics                             · grounds workers operating heavy machinery or tools                             · power plant maintenance workers. There are numerous types of safety shoes, including waterproof, slip-resistant, static dissipative, puncture resistant and steel toed.  Care of the shoes is also important - footwear should be inspected before each use for damage, as shoes wear, their effectiveness may be reduced.                      For more information on protective footwear:                             Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA)                             Safety Footwear (CCOHS) Off the job, footwear also poses a hazard.  Wearing shoes that have worn soles or too high of a heel can cause slip, trip and fall incidents.  Anticipating walking surfaces and environmental conditions and wearing shoes that reflect those conditions will help prevent accidents.