National Safety Month Week Four: Slips, Trips and Falls
The focus topic of Week Four of National Safety Month is Slips, Trips and Falls. General Requirements for Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501) continues to rank first in OSHA’s annual Top 10 violations list. Further down the list are perennial Top 10 violation list items including Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053), Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451), and Fall Protection Training (25 CFR 1926.503). According to NIOSH, in 2020 805 workers died from falls and over 200,000 suffered injuries from fall-related accidents. In fact, the NSC reports that falls are responsible for 23% of non-roadway fatalities. According to research performed by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI):
Falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year, with same level falls accounting for nearly 1 million of those visits.
Slips and falls represents the primary cause of lost work days, 22% resulting in 31 days or more away from work.
Half of all deaths in the home are fall related, most are same level falls.
Risk of injury or death due to falls increase with age.
Per the CPSC, flooring contributes to nearly 21% of slips and falls.
How Can We Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls?
Slips, trips and falls at home and at the workplace are preventable. Below is are things you can do at work and at home to prevent slip, trip and fall injuries:
At Home:
1. Keep the floor and stairs clear of tripping hazards including toys and electrical cords
2. Be smart about your flooring materials – slippery tiles and throw rugs contribute to falls
3. Clean up spills immediately
4. Use correct size and type of ladder when needed, do not use furniture
5. Wear sensible footwear
At Work:
1. Practice good housekeeping and maintain clear walking paths including stairs
2. Identify fall hazards and take actions to mitigate fall risk
3. Use the correct size and type of ladder for work at height
4. Wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant treads
5. Ensure walking and working areas are well lit
Whether at work or at home, it is important to protect yourself and others from slips, trips and falls. Be aware of the hazards in and mitigate risks of your environment, pay attention to where you walk and step, and stop and think before climbing.