Reflective Questions the Presentations

Slips, Trips& Falls

Identification &

Prevention

Objectives

Costs of slips, trips & falls (STFs)

Definitions

Causes of STFs

Risk factors

Prevention/minimization

Costs of STFs

Slips, trips & falls can happen anywhere in your operation

Slips & trips can result in falls, possibly disability or death

Costs to employer & worker can be substantial

To the employer:

Loss of productivity & business

Increased industrial insurance premiums

Costs associated with training replacement worker

Costs of STFs

To the worker:

Lost wages & out-of-pocket expenses

Pain

Temporary or permanent disability

Reduced quality of life

Depression

Death

Costs of STFs

Frequency of STFs

Slips, trips & falls make up majority of general industry accidents (USDoL)

15% of all accidental deaths; 2nd leading cause behind motor vehicles

~12,000/year

One of most frequently-reported injuries

~25% of reported claims/year

Over 17% of all disabling occupational injuries result from falls

Most could have been prevented

STF Injuries

Sprains & strains

Bruises & contusions

Fractures

Abrasions & lacerations

Typical Injury Sites

Knee, ankle and/or foot

Wrist &/or elbow

Back &/or shoulder

Hip

Head

Definitions

Slip

Too little friction or traction between feet (footware) & walking/working surface, resulting in loss of balance

Definitions

Trip

Foot or lower leg hits object & upper body continues moving, resulting in loss of balance

Stepping down to lower surface & losing balance

Potential Trip Hazards?

Definitions

Fall

Occurs when too far off center of balance

Two types

Fall at same level

Fall to same walking or working surface, or fall into or against objects above same surface

Fall to lower level

Fall to level below walking or working surface