Avoiding Slips and Trips
Avoiding Falls
DO NOT HURRY
Trips and falls frequently happen while people walk in a hurry because they often take shortcuts and they do not pay attention to what they are doing. We all have tried to jump over an obstacle instead of taking the long way around it to get to where we are going. These actions are unsafe. Learn how to maintain a slower rhythm and walk with assurance to avoid potentially dangerous shortcuts.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FOOTING
Avoid injuries by paying attention to where you are walking. Learning how to recognize thedangers and to avoid the potential risks saves time, money and injury. As we mentioned previously, resist the temptation to take shortcuts because shortcuts generally consist of objectsor routes not designed for walking and they frequently consist of unstable, unsafe, or slipperysurfaces.
CLEAN UP SPILLS
Slippery surfaces frequently do not appear dangerous until you happen to step on them, and thenit is too late. Clean up grease, water and other types of spills as soon as you notice them. Covericy places and greasy areas with sand or dirt or other types of absorbent material.
PRACTICE WALKING SAFELY
If you cannot avoid walking on slippery or wet surfaces, practice walking on them safely. Do
not try to run, jump or slide on these smooth surfaces. Instead, take short steps with the toes
pointed slightly outward. For additional balance, keep your hands at your sides (not in the
pockets) to steady you if you begin to fall. Remember that recently polished floors can also be
very slippery even though they do not appear particularly dangerous.
USE NONSLIP SHOES AND SURFACESWHENEVER POSSIBLE
If you work in an area that has slippery surfaces, such as a milking stable or a plant nursery with
a cement floor, use shoes that have nonslip soles. Ask the supervisor about the correct shoes foryour work. Keep the shoes free of grease and oil. In very long corridors, use mats to help to
help reduce falls.
MAINTAIN PROPER LIGHTING
Improper lighting can prevent you from seeing what is in your path, so replace the light fixtures
or bulbs that are not working. When you enter a dark room, always turn on the light immediatelyeven if you are only going to be in there for a moment. Keep aisles free of obstructions in placesthat are dimly lit.
PRACTICE SAFETY WHEN USING STAIRS
Steps can be very high or not high enough, creating the potential for trips and falls. It is very
easy to lose your balance while climbing steps, so walk slowly when going up or going down.
Be careful of worn out or broken steps, or of dim lighting that reduces your ability to see well.
Never run when going up or down the stairs and avoid skipping stairs. If you have to carry a
load while climbing stairs, carry it so it does not block your vision and keep a hand free, if at all
possible, to grasp the handrails mounted to the wall.
INSPECT THE LADDER
Inspect the ladder to make sure that the steps are in good condition and that they do not have
cracks or broken parts. If the ladder is a stepladder, equipped with a brace that closes the frame or locks when in position, make sure that the brace is securely locked before you begin to climb it. It is very important to check to see if the ladder is the correct height for the task - this will prevent you from having to reach up or to stretch out too far, which can cause you to lose your balance.
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Timber Products Manufacturers Association
951 East Third Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
phone (509) 535-4646 fax (509) 534-6106