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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

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

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

17. Fall restraint while Climbing Towers

18. OSHA 1910 Subpart D Regs.
1910 Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces Definitions.
General requirements.
Guarding floor and wall openings and holes.
Fixed industrial stairs.
Portable wood ladders.
Portable metal ladders.
Fixed ladders.
Safety requirements for scaffolding.
Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers).
Other working surfaces.

19. Any Questions?

20. 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

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