JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Face it, we usually know what to do to be safe, but we often ignore the correct procedure to save time or money or simply as a convenience. In fact, last spring 126 Airmen ignored the right thing to do, resulting in lost time for slips trips and falls!
According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry mishaps. This particular category of mishaps causes 15 percent of all accidental deaths and is second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most frequent type of reported injuries and have so far averaged approximately 25 percent of reported claims in any given fiscal year. Based on in-depth investigations and detailed analysis of reported claims, many of them could have been prevented.
Slips/Trips/Falls Checklist: Floors
Floors with grease, ice, water or any other substance that is slippery are hazardous, so remove any hazards, including spills, immediately.
If floors become wet, provide signage to indicate that wet floors present a hazard.
Employees' shoes should be checked for accumulated grease that could be picked up from floors.
Employees should wear non-slip footwear with a low heel.
Remove any materials that have been stored even temporarily on stairs or walkways.
Regular trash pickup helps eliminate the hazard of accumulating trash.
If hoses or cords cross walkways, remove them as they present a hazard.
If floors or stairs are uneven, repair them. If elevation changes occur, have them obviously marked.
Make sure that in carpeted areas the carpet is in good repair and tight to the floor without rips, tears, loose edges or thresholds.
Door mats should be made of slip-resistant, moisture-absorbent material.
They should be flat on the ground and clean.
Slips/Trips/Falls Checklist: Stairs
Stairwells should be kept thoroughly clean and completely unobstructed.
Stairs should be equipped with slip-resistant material. Stairwell handrails should be secured to the wall.
Slips/Trips/Falls Checklist: Lighting
All areas, including stairwells, should be fully illuminated. Additionally, an emergency lighting system should be operable.
Post emergency phone numbers where they are well-illuminated and clearly visible.
Slips/Trips/Falls Checklist: Exterior Areas
The parking area, adjacent walkways and stairs should be clean, free of all obstruction, well-illuminated and in excellent repair.
If seasonal snow falls and ice forms, these surfaces should be properly treated to remove the hazard. If sand or other similar absorbent material is used, have it removed as soon as
it is not needed.
Curbs should align flush to walkways, and walkways should be level and free of any obstructions.
Proper drainage should divert water from walkways and parking areas. Any changes in elevation level should be obviously marked.
As with interior stairwells, stairs should be equipped with a slip-resistant surface. Handrails should be sturdy and kept clean.