Control Strategies to Prevent Slips and Falls

Control Strategies to Prevent Slips and Falls

Walking and Working Surfaces

Select flooring that:

Promotes a safe environment.
Is rugged and durable.
Will not split or crack.
Resists stains, cuts and gouges.
Provides a high degree of traction when wet or dry.

The choice of flooring is an important component in the slip-and-fall prevention program. Slip-retardant flooring is constructed from several materials including vinyl, rubber, ceramics and epoxy resins, and through the application of texture and/or applied grit.

Look for superior stain and moisture resistance. In some products such as sheet vinyl flooring, the seams can be chemically or heat welded to seal out moisture.
For such areas as operating and emergency rooms, choose products that provide a complete moisture barrier.
In areas where a wide range of chemicals and reagents are present, such as laboratories, use flooring with the highest stain resistance.
For service areas prone to frequent spills–such as trauma and surgical recovery rooms, child care centres, kitchens and laundry areas–use flooring with moisture-barrier properties that provide resistance to mould and mildew
The American Association of Textile and Colorists Standards recommend carpeting and adhesive with anti-microbial properties.
Carpeting should have vinyl backing technology and constructed with a low-level loop to facilitate wheels and foot traffic.
By absorbing surface moisture, carpeting reduces the slipping hazard. To some extent, carpet also cushions falls...

2The slip resistance of the floor is maintained by using appropriate cleaning practices

Floors not only must be kept clean, they must be cleaned according to best practices. Residues and contaminants that are not removed during cleaning remain trapped in flooring and clog the pores. This build-up, combined with wear, will reduceslip resistance. Other factors such as climate and pedestrian traffic will help determine the frequency of cleaning

Effective floor cleaning requires the proper use of equipment. Consider the following measures to minimize the risk when wet cleaning a high traffic area.

Follow recommendations from floor manufacturers and chemical suppliers on the regime needed to keep the floor safe and in good condition
Prevent people from walking on a cleaned floor until dry
When cleaning large areas, always leave a dry path.
Schedule cleaning during low-traffic periods.
Use warning signs to identify a wet floor; remove them when the floor is dry.
Train, supervise and equip housekeeping staff to ensure effective and safe cleaning
Augment scheduled housekeeping with spot cleaning and mopping of spills

Maintain floor cleaning equipment as per manufacturers’ recommendations

3. Ensure the floor area is free of visible contamination from solid or liquid spills

Engage JHSC members, managers and other key individuals to assess slip and fall hazards.
Develop a preventive maintenance plan.
Develop a housekeeping plan.
Develop an inspection schedule for high-traffic and problem areas. Include in management and JHSC inspection
Ensure a system is in place to respond quickly to reported hazards and emergency spills.
Maintain equipment to prevent leaks.
Install suitable matting systems at each entrance.
Protect building entrances from wet weather conditions.
Check flooring during monthly workplace inspections and record results on the inspection report.
Post signs to remind staff and visitors entering a building to thoroughly clean footwear during wet weather conditions.
Keep walkways, high-traffic areas, parking lots and entrances clear and clean during winter weather.
Provide dry standing places or non-slip mats in wet areas.
Install non-slip work surfaces in areas where wet processes are used, or wet conditions are present.
Provide heating at entrances to rapidly dry the floor.
Ensure salt and/or sand are available at entrances or in parking lots.
Ensure drainage is adequate and prevent water from accumulating in pools.
Make sure high-traffic and problem areas are well lit.

Encourage workers to use appropriate slip-resistant footwear.

4. The slip resistance of the floor is appropriate for the type of activity

When the slip-resistance feature of floor material is incorporated into the purchase and construction process, the probability of slip and fall incidents will decrease

Maximize surface roughness and slip resistance of the existing floor surface by:

Increasing the surface micro-roughness
Applying floor sealant
Using non-slip mats
Maintaining floors and drainage to maximize slip resistance
Recommending non-slip footwear

Acid etching, sand blasting or coarse diamond grinding can increase the surface roughness of an existing floor. These methods, however, can destroy or permanently alter other desirable characteristics of the floor, such as appearance, chemical resistance, durability and ease of cleaning. Flooring treated by these methods may develop unacceptable pattern staining through differential wear. Jointing and expansion joints may be affected, compromising the floor’s integrity. As well, some of these techniques may be temporary and require frequent application of potentially harmful products (HSE 09/03).

Application of non-slip materials or any modification to the surface will affect the cleaning regime. Follow manufacturers’ recommendations. Any benefits from an increase in the surface roughness will be lost if contamination build-up occurs. Changes in cleaning methods must be based on a risk assessment that considers any potential change in slip resistance.

The use of anti-slip strips may offer limited improvement, but strips should be placed very close to one another, and should be maintained.

Some flooring material such as terrazzo and smooth vinyl may not be appropriate for use in specific areas (see Appendix F).

If a new floor is required, install a more slip-resistant material with higher surface roughness and higher coefficient of friction (COF). The purchase agreement should include specifications regarding slip-resistant qualities such as surface micro-roughness and COF greater than 0.5. Any seams or corners in vinyl type flooring should be heat welded to secure flooring material in place

5. Ensure floor is cleaned properly

The efficiency of a floor cleaner depends on the cleanliness of the mop and bucket and the type of cleaning solutions used. To reduce the amount of cleaning residue left on the floor, it is important to:

Use the correct concentration of floor cleaner.
Change the cleaning solution frequently.
Change or clean the mop, as it becomes dirty.

Soapy residue left on a floor creates an extreme slipping hazard, especially when water is added in areas such as washrooms and tub rooms.

The efficiency of a floor cleaner depends on the cleanliness of the mop and bucket and the type of cleaning solutions used (Quirion 2004). To reduce the amount of cleaning residue left on the floor, it is important to:

Use the correct concentration of floor cleaner
Change the cleaning solution frequently
Change or clean the mop as it becomes dirty

Soapy residue left on a floor creates an extreme slipping hazard, especially when water is added in areas such as shower and tub rooms.

To minimize the risks when wet cleaning a high-traffic area:

Follow recommendations from floor manufacturers and chemical suppliers.
Train, supervise and equip housekeeping staff to ensure effective and safe cleaning.
Schedule cleaning during low-traffic periods.
Clean large areas in sections, keeping a dry path through the area.
Use warning signs to identify a wet floor, and remove them when the floor is dry.
Prevent people from walking newly cleaned floors until they are dry.
Add spot-cleaning and mopping of spills to scheduled housekeeping.
Maintain floor cleaning equipment as per manufacturer’s recommendations (for example, mops, buckets, and polishers).
Ensure cleaning staff use water resistant or non-slip footwear.
Consider using a dry mop system.

6. Design ramps and steps to eliminate the risk of slips and falls

Ensure a barrier-free path of travel.
Ensure the maximum gradient (slope) of the ramp is no greater than 1:12 (height to distance).
Install handrails and guardrails where necessary–ramps longer than 1.8 m/6 ft. require handrails on both sides with a minimum distance of 1.5m/5 ft.. between handrails.
On ramps, install a level landing area with a minimum space of 1.5 m/5 ft. by 1.5m/5 ft. at intervals of not more than9 m/30 ft., or where there is a change in direction.
Ensure that slopes do not contribute to slip and fall hazards.
Enclose outdoor ramps made from wood to prevent slippery build-up of ice and snow.
Coat concrete structures with slip-resistant material.
Provide good visual cues and signs for all sudden changes in level, particularly at single steps and at the top and bottom of ramps.
Repair uneven or damaged surfaces.
Ensure that slip-resistant strips will not cause trips or catch walkers, wheelchairs, etc.

Install ladders or stairs where workers frequently need to access areas or equipment located above or below floor level; e.g., roofs, generators

7. Provide appropriate lighting

Good lighting is necessary to ensure floors and floor conditions are clearly visible to all

Illuminate floor surfaces, exits and walkways.
Eliminate shadows and glare to increase safety.
Ensure lighting is maintained in good condition.
Encourage staff to report deficiencies and have a plan in place to respond to needs such as replacing bulbs, etc.
Ensure emergency lighting is operational at all times

8. Design flooring to reduce the risk of depthperception challenges

The fact that some people lack a good sense of depth-perception must be considered as a slips and falls factor in choosing the design, colour or pattern of the floor

Consult with a flooring supplier on depth-perception issues before purchase.
Choose floor patterns that suit the type and volume of traffic flow, and do not distract the eye.
Avoid dark coloured flooring.
Consider changes in type and colour of floor materials.

Ensure there are no differences in height when moving from one type of floor to the next

9. Establish standards in the workplace to ensure all floors and walkways are free of obstruction

Materials and equipment that block walkways can lead to slips and falls

Make sure articles such as trolleys, wheelchairs, medical equipment, mechanical lifts, laundry carts, waste, trailing cables, floor sockets, etc., do not present a safety hazard.

Practice good housekeeping.
Remove cords and cables crossing floors, stairways, doorways, etc.
Provide sufficient and suitable storage facilities.
Consider storage requirements as part of any redevelopment project and equipment purchase planning.
Mark out walkways, working areas and storage locations and make sure they are kept free of obstruction.
Analyze workflow and design to make sure waste and equipment do not build up in aisles or walkways.
Ensure tasks are planned and handled to eliminate or minimize barriers

10. Ensure ladders are in good condition, used correctly and stored safely

Using the right ladders, properly, ensures easy and safe access to work areas

Inspect ladders before use–check for loose rungs, sharp edges, splinters, bent rails or rungs.
Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task selected–e.g., made of wood or metal; appropriate height.
Ensure that the feet of ladders are slip-resistant, firm and on a level footing.
Secure the top of straight, extension ladders.
Place straight ladders at an angle of 1:3 or 1:4 (1 m out from the wall or structure for every 3 or 4m up).
Extend ladder at least 1 mabove the higher surface when climbing onto a roof or other elevated place.
Climb ladders one step at a time and maintain a three-point contact (two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands) on the ladder at all times.
Place the ladder in a position that avoids over-reaching.
Use warning signs or a second person for traffic control.
If the ladder is used at an entrance or exit of a building, ensure someone directs pedestrians and vehicles.
Ensure the legs of stepladders are fully extended and in the locked position.
Do not stand on top of a stepladder.

Always use a stepstool–not a chair, box or loose object–when reaching overhead

11. Carry out safe work practices in a way designed to minimize slip and fall hazards

A balance is needed between demands placed on workers, their ability and ergonomic needs

Slips and falls are often the result of poor work practices. To minimize them:

Review all injury and incident investigation reports to identify management system failures and poor employee work practices.
Make sure you have a process in place to identify hazards before introducing any new work procedures or practices.
Schedule tasks to minimize repetition, awkward positions or sustained postures. This will reduce ergonomic hazards.
Match the job demands with the physical capabilities of the individual worker.
Provide adequate lighting for assigned tasks.
Ensure all tasks requiring pushing, lifting or carrying objects or equipment are performed according to accepted ergonomic practices.

Schedule tasks to ensure that workers can work at a safe pace without rushing

12. Control slip and fall hazards in office areas

Good work practices include engineering and work practice controls to prevent slips and falls

Office and administrative areas can pose significant hazards for slips and falls. Correcting hazards in these areas will prevent injuries. Remind employees to:

Close all drawers completely after every use.
Never run in a work area.
Ensure pathways are clear before using them.
Always keep aisles and exits clear.
Avoid excessive bending, twisting and leaning backward while seated.
Keep electrical cords and wires away from walkways.
Always use a step ladder for reaching overhead.
Never use chairs or stools as a ladder.
Clean up spills immediately.
Report loose carpeting or damaged flooring.
Carry nothing that obscures vision.
Wear stable shoes with non-slip soles.

Exercise extra caution when exposed to adverse weather conditions, be sure of footing and wear proper footwear

13. Control slip and fall hazards in shower and bathroom areas

Good work practices include engineering (ventilation, equipment design) and administrative (training, policies, procedures, inspection, department audits) controls to prevent slips and falls. Keep in mind that a slip retardant floor is not completely slip proof, which means care and attention to any areas susceptible to slips and falls is so important

Wear shoes or shoe covers that provide traction when used in the shower.
Keep these areas clear of obstructions.
Store shower chairs in designated storage area after use.
Ensure that grab bars are appropriately positioned.
Keep clothing and other materials off the floor.
Make sure there are no excess deposits from bath soap or cleaning solutions used to clean the floors.
Check that areas are well-ventilated to make sure that floors dry quickly.
Test floors to see if they will resist slips before using them.
Ensure that floor material is made of slip retardant material
Maintain slip retardant texture of flooring.
Ensure drains are properly sloped to prevent water from pooling.

14. Control slip and fall hazards in dietary and laundry areas

As in the other areas, good work practices include engineering and work practice controls to prevent slips and falls. Frequent and effective cleaning and maintenance of floors will reduce slip and fall incidents

Wear shoes that resist oil and grease.
Ensure that flooring provides good traction.
Clean up spills immediately.
Ensure drains are regularly cleaned and positioned to allow proper drainage.
Ensure that the flow of work tasks eliminate or reduce the risk of water and condensation dripping from material and food.
Consider providing matting or textured flooring in the dish area.
Monitor activities and take steps to eliminate excess spillage and /or build up of oil and grease.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance of the specific floor surface.
Follow manufacturer’s and or chemical supplier recommendations for appropriate use of floor cleaning products

15. Control slip and fall hazards at entrance areas

Approximately 80 – 85 % of dirt in a building comes from the outside. Entrance mats will help to eliminate

Use mats at the entrance to reduce snow, salt, gravel, dirt and dust from getting into the building.
Ensure that mats do not cause a tripping hazard. A permanent entry matting system with a textured surface is a good option to protect workers and clients. The initial investment may be high, but this could save money on the care and replacement of temporary mats.
Ensure the area is kept clean, dry and well ventilated.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance of floors.