SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

1. SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS The Number One Cause of Occupational Injuries And Illnesses

2. FALL HAZARDS • Where are the hazards? • What types of hazards are there? • Are the hazards new?

3. INJURY PREVENTION • You take hundreds of steps every day, but how many of those steps do you take seriously? • By taking a few minutes to understand how slips, trips, and falls happen, you can prevent needless and painful injuries.

4. Extension Cords Phone Wires Computer Wiring Expansion Joints Stairs and Steps Loose Carpet Wet Surfaces Oily Surfaces Brick Pavers Sidewalk Cracks Door Thresholds Loose Floor Tiles Heaved Concrete Frost, Snow, or Ice Electrical Plugs Open Drawers Speed Bumps Entry Door Mats KNOWN CAMPUS HAZARDS

5. Inattention Poorly Lit Areas Uneven Terrain Change of Surface Materials Unlevel Stairstep Makeshift Ladders Out of Control Sudden Change in Direction Access Ramps Curbs Storm Drains Black Strips Poor Housekeeping Stones and Pebbles KNOWN CAMPUS HAZARDS

6. Gravity Center of Gravity Balance Friction Speed Momentum Inertia Mechanics of a Fall

7. SLIPS!! :to slide along smoothly resulting in a sudden mishap. • Weather conditions may cause the floors to be wet or the ground to be icy. • Watch where you are stepping and use caution on wet floors and ice.

8. TRIPS!! :to catch the foot on something so as to stumble. • Damaged steps or misplaced items are major factors in trips. • Make sure that steps you use often are in good shape and that items (that do not belong on the steps) are out of the way. • Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.

9. FALLS!! :to descend freely by the force of gravity. • Eliminate the hazard when possible (i.e. broken chair, unstable ladder, etc...) • Practice good judgement - Don’t lean back in chairs, don’t climb on unstable shelving or tables.

10. FALL PREVENTION • Wear suitable attire • Keep environmental conditions in mind • Know where you are going before you start, and there is a clear path • Environmental awareness is the greatest deterrent to falls…pay attention to surroundings

11. FALL PREVENTION • Use proper equipment for climbing • Don’t “walk around blind” • Practice good housekeeping • Never stand on or use the top two steps of a stepladder for climbing

12. FOOTWEAR • Use good judgement with regard to footwear. • Be certain footwear is in good condition and appropriate to your job function and outside weather condition.

13. WHAT CAN YOU DO? • If something is creating a potential slip, trip, or fall hazard---fix it (clean it up - move it). • Place signs to warn others of the potential hazard. • If you can not fix it - Place a work order so that Physical Plant is aware of the problem. Ouch!!

14. Notify Supervisor • Employees should immediately report all work related injuries to their supervisor. • College procedures requires that injuries be reported to Safety and Security and Human Resources immediately. • Place a work order or report unsafe conditions to get the problem fixed.

15. OTHER HAZARDS Prevent a potential injury by cleaning up spills and wet floors. Keep isles and walkways clear of clutter or obstructions. Pick up objects and move extension cords to eliminate the potential for injury.

16. What To Do? • Take a quick assessment of possible injuries • Report the incident to your supervisor and Safety and Security (7747) • Make contact with Human Resources

17. THE END