Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Meeting Topics Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction Safety Meeting Topics Slips, Trips and Falls

Session Objectives By the end of this training session, you will understand: The causes of slips and trips The costs associated with these accidents Factors increasing the risk of slips and trips Tips for avoiding slips and trips at the workplace

Introduction According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents. 15% of all accidental deaths are attributed to slips, trips and falls. 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls.

Definitions of Slips, Trips & Falls Friction: The resistance encountered when an object (foot) is moved in contact with another (ground). Friction is necessary in order to walk without slipping. Slip When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance.. Fall Occurs when you are too far off your center of balance. Trip When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance. Can lead to: When you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (Misstep) and lose your balance, e.g., stepping off a curb.

Common Locations for Falls Doorways Ramps Cluttered hallways Areas with heavy traffic Uneven surfaces Areas prone to wetness or spills Unguarded heights Unstable work surfaces Ladders Stairs

Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Common Injuries from Falls Sprains and strains Bruises, contusions Fractures Abrasions, cuts Knee, Ankle, Foot Wrist, Elbow Back Shoulder Hip Head

Costs of Slips, Trips and Falls Slips, trips & falls can happen anywhere in a working operation Slips & trips can result in falls, possibly disability or death Costs to employer & worker can be substantial Indirect costs exceed the direct costs

Costs of Slips, Trips and Falls To the employer: Loss of productivity & business Increased industrial insurance premiums Costs associated with training replacement worker

Costs of Slips, Trips and Falls To the worker: Lost wages & out-of-pocket expenses Pain Temporary or permanent disability Reduced quality of life Depression Death

Factors Increasing the Risk of STF’s Poor lighting Glare Shadows Bulky PPE (includes improper footware) Distractions Fog or misty conditions Poor housekeeping Uneven working surfaces Inadequate or missing signage Lack of awareness training

Factors Increasing the Risk of STF’s Failing eyesight &/or visual perception Age Physical condition & fatigue Stress or illness Medications, alcohol & drug effects

STF’s are Preventable Design of workplace & work processes Design workplace & processes to prevent potential exposures to slip & trip hazards Good housekeeping Maintain clear, tidy work areas free of clutter Safe walking practices Follow safe walking practices & routes Wearing proper footwear Wear proper footwear with good traction Fall restraint devices for the lineworker

Fall restraint while working in a Bucket Body Harness tied-in with Lanyard connected to the Truck Boom Lanyard

Fall restraint while working in a Bucket Body Harness tied-in with Lanyard connected to the Truck Boom

Fall restraint Climbing Wooden Poles Using a ‘pole choker’ while climbing

Fall restraint while Climbing Towers

OSHA 1910 Subpart D Regs. 1910 Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces 1910.21 - Definitions. 1910.22 - General requirements. 1910.23 - Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. 1910.24 - Fixed industrial stairs. 1910.25 - Portable wood ladders. 1910.26 - Portable metal ladders. 1910.27 - Fixed ladders. 1910.28 - Safety requirements for scaffolding. 1910.29 - Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers). 1910.30 - Other working surfaces.

Any Questions?

Key Points to Remember Slips, trips and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents Walking / working surfaces account for 55% of slips, trips and fall injuries Slips, trips and fall incidents can happen anywhere STF’s are preventable by identifying and mitigating the hazards that cause them OSHA provides walking and working surface Regulations in 1910 Subpart D

Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Meeting Topics Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction Safety Meeting Topics Slips, Trips and Falls