Take Steps To Prevent Falls!

Trips and falls cause many serious injuries and deaths in the workplace and off the job.

There are two main categories of falls.  A slip occurs when a person’s foot encounters a slippery surface; the foot slides out from underneath the body and the person falls to the ground.

A trip occurs when the person’s foot encounters an obstacle so the foot stops moving but the body keeps going forward.  Slips and trips can occur either on the same level or from a height.

Here are some reminders about preventing tripping accidents:

• Arrange your work area to eliminate tripping hazards and to leave traffic areas clear.  Keep equipment and furniture out of walkways.
• Cables, cords and hoses are frequent tripping hazards.  Reroute them around traffic areas. 
• Keep clutter cleaned up.  Properly dispose of clutter and scrap material before they create a tripping hazard.
• Help maintain flooring in good condition.  Report any dangerous defects such as loose tiles and frayed carpet so they can be repaired.