FHM TRAINING TOOLS
This training presentation is part of FHM’s
commitment to creating and keeping safe
workplaces.
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that are specific to your industry.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
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These materials have been developed based on applicable federal laws and regulations in place at the time the materials were created. The program
is being provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to provide OSHA compliance certification,
regulatory compliance, a substitute for any "hands on“ training required by applicable laws and regulations, or other legal or professional advice or
services. By accessing the materials, you assume all responsibility and risk arising from the use of the content contained therein.
©2010 Grainger Safety Services, Inc.
Learning Objectives
Objectives:
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Recognize the major causative factors for slips,
trips, and falls
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Be familiar with strategies implemented in the
workplace to reduce the possibility of these
accidents
Agenda
Agenda:
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Definitions and causes
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Preventive measures
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Your responsibilities
►Section 1
Definitions
and Causes
What is a Slip?
Occurs when there is too little friction between a
person’s feet or shoes and the walking surface:
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Pedestrian on icy sidewalk
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Hotel guest on newly waxed tile floor
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Maintenance mechanic on shop floor
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Busboy on wet kitchen floor
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Delivery person descending
a flight of stairs
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Construction worker
on a sloped roof
Causes of Slips
Common causes of slips:
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Spills and splashes of liquids and solids
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Unsuitable footwear
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Loose mats on polished floors
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Inclement weather
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Change from a wet to a dry surface
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Unsuitable floor surface
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Dusty floors
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Sloping surfaces
What is a Trip?
Occurs when a person’s foot contacts an object
and they are thrown off balance:
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Electrician tripping on electrical wires
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Roofer tripping over the air-gun hose
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Waiter tripping on an uneven floor mat
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Construction worker
tripping on debris pile
Causes of Trips
Common causes:
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Loose or worn flooring or covering
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Holes and cracks in the floor
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Uneven outdoor surfaces
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Changes in surface level
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Cables and cords
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Carrying heavy or large objects
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Other obstructions
What Causes a Fall?
Two basic types of falls:
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Same-level falls: High frequency – low severity
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Elevated falls: Lower frequency – high severity
The Costs of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Over one million workers annually:
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Thousands of injuries are fatal
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Back is frequently injured
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Wrists, elbows, shoulders,
ankles, knees, and hips are also
frequently injured
►Section 2
Preventive
Measures
Preventing Slips
Approach to remove factors that cause slips:
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Ensuring proper amount of traction
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Providing signs to alert workers
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Using floor mats
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Improving visibility
Preventing Slips
Work practices and housekeeping:
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Prompt response to spills
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Using barricades
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Arrange alternative traffic
patterns around wet floors
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Wear proper footwear
Preventing Trips
Prevention of trips can be reduced by:
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Position equipment to avoid across walking paths
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Use cable covers
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Prevent mats and rugs from curling
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Improved lighting
Preventing Trips
Housekeeping is a critical element:
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Designate travel routes
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Keep them free of obstacles
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Cordless tools eliminate
trip hazards
Preventing Falls
Falls occur from:
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Ladders
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Scaffolds
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Elevated work platforms
►Section 3
Your Responsibilities
Workplace Factors
Workplace injury is minimized by:
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Proper design and construction
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Signage
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Housekeeping
Carrying Materials
Carrying materials increases risks:
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Affects balance
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Distracts attention
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Obstructs vision
Plan:
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Route before carrying materials
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Walk route without materials
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Use “buddy system”
Your Responsibilities
Your responsibilities:
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Identify hazards
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Maintain hazard free workplace
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Select proper footwear
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Use appropriate ladders,
scaffolds, and work platforms
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Follow fall protection
requirements
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Do not obstruct field of vision
Additional Information
Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Circular 869 of the Agricultural and Biological
Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida. 2001
Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules
OSHA Publication 3124, (2003)