1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Revised 12/12/16

2. See something, say something, do something
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Target Audience
All UAF employees
Objectives
Increase employee awareness to recognize slip, trip, and fall hazards at UAF
Encourage employee participation in identifying, reporting, and preventing injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls
See something, say something, do something

3. Slips, Trips, and Falls Learning Objectives General
UAF slips, trips and falls
Costs of slips, trips and falls
Definitions
Circumstances associated with slips, trips, falls
Risk factors
Types of injuries
Prevention
Reporting

4. Slips, Trips, and Falls - General
Majority of general industry accidents are caused by slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are the second leading cause behind motor vehicle accidents
Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere in your work environment
Can result in permanent disability and even death

5. Costs of Slips, Trips, and Falls
To the employee
Lost wages
Pain and suffering, embarrassment
Temporary or permanent disability
Reduced quality of life
Death
To the employer
Loss of productivity
Costs for overtime or training for replacement worker
Increased insurance premiums

6. UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls
32% of all injuries at UAF are slips, trips
and falls
Average annual costs due to workman’s comp claims at UAF: approximately $282,000
Average annual total employee days away from work: 135 days

7. UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls (cont.)
In 2013, we had
65 reported slips, trips, and falls
47 outside, 12 inside, 6 were falls from equipment
28 of the 47 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present
In 2014, we had
40 reported slips, trips and falls
31 were outside, 9 inside
26 of the 31 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present

8. Definitions
Slip
Lack of friction or traction between footwear and walking or working surface that results in loss of balance

9. Definitions (cont.) Trip
Foot or lower leg hitting an object and the upper body continues to move forward resulting in loss of balance

10. Definitions (cont.) Fall
A fall occurs when you loose your balance or bodily support
Two types of Falls
Fall at same level
Fall to same walking or working surface, or
Fall into or against objects above the same surface
Fall to lower level
Fall to level below walking or working surface

11. Slip Circumstances Wet areas on walking surfaces
Dry products on walking surface
Freshly waxed surfaces
Icy walk ways
Transitioning from one surface to another
Sloped walking surfaces
Mounting and dismounting vehicles and equipment
Loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel
Improper tread on footwear

12. Trip Circumstances Uneven surfaces Sidewalk/curb drops
Wheelchair ramps and curbs
Uncovered cables, wires or extension cords across aisles or walkways.
Clutter or obstacles in aisles or walkways
Open file cabinet or desk drawer
Irregularities in walking surfaces
Damaged steps on stairways
Elevator not level

13. Fall Circumstances Slipping or tripping
Not utilizing fall protection when necessary
Improper use of ladders
Inattention to surroundings
Condition of ground surfaces - Icy, wet, uneven, cluttered with debris
Improperly mounting/dismounting of equipment or vehicles
Loss of balance
Unprotected edges

14. Risk Factors – Environmental Conditions
Icy Surfaces
Snow Buildup
on Stairs
Poor Lighting

15. Risk Factors - Environmental Conditions
Fog or misty conditions
Poor Housekeeping

16. Risk Factors – Human Carrying objects that
Obstruct your view
Do not leave a free hand
Lack of situational awareness
Texting and walking or listening to music
Talking on cell phones while walking
In a hurry or taking shortcuts
Failing eyesight or visual perception
Age
Physical/medical conditions

17. Risk Factors – Human (cont.)
Lack of Fall Protection Equipment
Improper Use of Ladders

18. Types of Slip, Trip & Fall Injuries
Back and neck injuries
Head injuries
Muscle injuries
Joint injuries
Broken bones

19. Prevention: Identify the Hazards in the Photos

20. Prevention – Hazards Identified
Snow on stairs creating an uneven surface
Water on floor
Cord in walkway
Broom sticking out
Stair tread pealed up

21. Prevention (cont.)
Use the on-line Unsafe Condition Report to report damaged walking surfaces (stairs, sidewalks, etc.)
Wear proper footwear with good traction
Use hand rails when using stairways
Complete required trainings
Be aware of your surroundings
Remove clutter from walkways
Utilize fall protection
Wear ice cleats

22. UAF Ice Cleat Program
Ice cleats are provided free of charge to all employees and students who request them
How to obtain ice cleats
Pick up at EHSRM office 1855 Marika Road
Bulk order 10 or more for your office using online order form (Sept. 1st – Nov. 15th)
Remote locations can order directly using loss prevention funding. Contact EHSRM for additional details.

23. Reporting Reminders
To report all accidents and injuries, use the online incident reporting link found on our website.
Use the online unsafe condition report to report any workplace condition or damage that might create a slip, trip, fall hazard.
To report icy conditions that need immediate attention, please contact Facility Services directly at or or
Remember if you report an unsafe condition you are automatically entered into a quarterly incentive award drawing!

24. Contact Information
Main Line
Ice Cleats
Kim Knudsen
Occupational Safety
Kim Knudsen