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Understanding the Hazards of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Fall Protection

The Problem

Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. These incidents don’t just result in physical harm—they come with high costs, both financial and emotional, for workers and employers alike. Despite being preventable, slips, trips, and falls continue to be a significant safety issue across all industries, particularly in construction, where falls account for 40% of fatalities. Today, we’ll explore these hazards and discuss practical steps to prevent them.

Identify the Hazards

  • Types of Falls:
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    • Falls from Heights (80%): Such as ladders, scaffolds, or roofs.
    • Falls on the Same Level (20%): Caused by slippery floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces.
  • Contributing Factors:
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    • Wet or oily surfaces.
    • Poor housekeeping (clutter, cables, or debris).
    • Uneven flooring or stairs without proper handrails.
    • Failure to use personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) when working at heights.
  • Beyond the Workplace:
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    • Slips, trips, and falls also frequently occur at home and in public areas, demonstrating the importance of constant vigilance.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To prevent slips, trips, and falls, everyone must adopt proactive safety habits:

  1. Hazard Recognition:

    • Identify potential hazards such as wet floors, misplaced cords, or uneven walkways.
    • Conduct regular site inspections to address risks promptly.
  2. Fall Prevention:

    • Use proper fall protection equipment (e.g., harnesses, guardrails, or safety nets) when working at heights.
    • Ensure all employees are trained in fall protection protocols.
  3. Housekeeping:

    • Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords, and debris.
    • Clean up spills immediately and post wet floor signs when necessary.
  4. Safe Work Practices:

    • Always use handrails on stairs.
    • Avoid carrying items that block your view or impair your balance.
    • Ensure proper lighting in work areas to highlight hazards.
  5. Beyond the Workplace:

    • Apply the same vigilance at home and in public spaces: watch for wet floors, use handrails, and stay mindful of potential trip hazards.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. In one instance, a worker slipped on an oily floor that hadn’t been cleaned or marked. The fall resulted in a fractured wrist and significant downtime for the employee and the company. This incident could have been avoided with proper housekeeping and awareness of the hazard.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Be aware of and report potential slip, trip, and fall hazards.
  • Use fall protection equipment as required for your tasks.
  • Practice good housekeeping by keeping your work area clean and free of clutter.
  • Apply these safety measures both at work and in your personal life.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Conduct regular inspections to identify hazards and address them promptly.
  • Provide proper fall protection equipment and ensure it is maintained.
  • Train employees on fall prevention strategies and OSHA regulations.
  • Foster a culture of safety that encourages hazard reporting and proactive risk management.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Have you ever experienced or witnessed a slip, trip, or fall? What caused it, and how could it have been prevented?"
  • "What specific actions can we take as a team to improve fall prevention in our workplace?"

Encourage employees to share their experiences and ideas for improvement.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to making our workplace safer by identifying slip, trip, and fall hazards every day and addressing them immediately. Starting today, take a moment before each task to evaluate your surroundings and ensure they are free of hazards.

Wrap-Up

Slips, trips, and falls can happen to anyone, but they don’t have to. By working together and committing to proactive safety measures, we can significantly reduce these incidents. Thank you for your attention, and let’s make safety a priority every day.

Standards Overview

  • OSHA Requirements:
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    • Fall protection is mandated for any height over 6 feet in construction and 4 feet in general industry (OSHA 1926 Subpart M and OSHA 1910 Subpart D).
    • Employers must identify and address workplace hazards that contribute to slips, trips, and falls.
  • OSHA has consistently ranked fall protection violations as the most-cited safety standard.

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OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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