Preventing Falls/Slips/Trips Injuries

1. PreventingFalls/Slips/Trips Injuries

2. Why? Falls/Slips/Trips injuries are consistently one of the top three employee injury types in Georgia and Nationally. One out of Ten Georgia General Liability claims are Falls/Slips/Trips incidents.

3. RISK AVOIDANCE The best method to prevent many of these injuries and claims is Risk Avoidance. Eliminate or Control the hazard as soon as possible. Identify the Hazard. Warn of the Hazard until Corrected. Correct the Hazard Promptly. When in doubt, call in repair request!

4. Falls/Slips/Trips Accidentscan involve: • Food or liquid on the floor that is not properly cleaned up. • Shifting concrete or cracks in sidewalks. • Stairways with poor lighting or improper railings.

5. Human Factors leading to FSTs Poor housekeeping (allowing clutter to accumulate, not maintaining clean dry floors, etc.) Using improper cleaning methods (e.g.: incorrectly using wax or polish; or trying to clean up grease spills with water) Not using signage when slip or trip hazards exist Inattentive Behavior: walking, distractions (e.g.: using a cell phone, talking and not watching where you’re going, etc.) Taking shortcuts not using walkways or designated, cleared pathways; being in a hurry, rushing around Health and physical condition can impair a person’s vision, judgment and balance - Eyesight, visual perception - Age - Physical state, fatigue - Stress, illness - Medications, alcohol, drugs Behaviours actions you choose and control can contribute to a slip, trip, and fall injury if you set yourself up for one. Carrying or moving cumbersome objects, or too many objects, that obstruct your view, impair your balance and prevent you from holding onto handrails

6. Pitfalls Lack of Proper Maintenance Open and obvious Hazards Lack of Warnings Lack of Communication

7. Avoiding the Pitfalls Keep regular Maintenance Schedules. Document maintenance times in specific areas (e.g.: restrooms). Plumbing Problems or Roof leaks? Advise staff via email of larger or extended problem areas. Use Warning signs/cones/caution tape to block off area.

8. Caution! No Smooth or worn out shoe soles. Limit open toe shoes and heels to office areas only, if at all. Proper Footwear • Conditions • Floors - oily or wet • Considerable time • outdoors • Advantages • Properly fitted • Increased comfort • Prevent fatigue • Improve safety • Anti-slip

9. Potential Hazard? A rug at an entrance door has become frayed and is buckling. Remove or replace the rug in order to avoid the tripping hazard.

10. Make employees aware of potential hazards. Routine inspections prevent employee injuries and third party liability claims. Inspect your premises Loose floor tiles? Slippery floors? Improperly placed electrical cords? Plumbing problems? Leaks? Loose railings? Improper lighting? Routine Inspections – Involve Everyone

11. Be in Charge of Maintenance - Be Aware of Your Surroundings • Agency maintenance personnel are cleaning the premises. • A person slips and falls over the bucket they are using. • The bucket was in the middle of the walkway. The person sustains an injury.

12. Common Problem Could cause an incident: • Leak in the restroom. • Noticed by several employees but… • the hazard was not reported. • No sign left on the door. • No warnings. • Maintenance not notified until incident occurred.

13. Incident Investigation • Start immediately after patient care. • Document injured person’s information • (i.e.: Investigation Report). • Secure/Protect area until investigation • is completed. • Collect witness statements. • Photos if necessary. • Develop corrective action. Determine cause not blame.

14. Questions? Contact Information C. G. Lawrence, III, CSP, ARM-P Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 657-4457 Charles.Lawrence@doas.ga.gov