Don’t Slip Up And Take A Fall

Falls are among the most common workplace incidents, and can cause some of the most serious injuries.

While we commonly think of falls from heights as the most serious, falls from the same level can also cause severe injury and death.

Most workplace falls are the result of slipping or tripping.  Here are some guidelines for preventing falls:

• Keep your work area free of clutter and obstructions.  Tripping over stored materials, scrap or equipment is a common cause of falls.
• Make sure traffic areas are clear.  Air hoses, phone cords and power cables should not run across walkways.  Instead, fasten them overhead or run them through conduits.
• Floor surfaces should be maintained to prevent tripping hazards.  Report problems such as loose tiles and torn carpets.
• Close desk drawers and cabinet doors right away so someone does not fall over them.
• Clean up spills promptly.  If you cannot do so, barricade the area and report the spill.  Even a splash of coffee on a tile floor or a puddle of water in the entryway can cause a serious fall.