PROPER FOOTWEAR FOR THE JOB

Wearing the wrong type of footwear increases your chances of becoming involved in a slip, trip and fall accident.

The correct selection and use of footwear is one of the most important actions you can take for preventing slips, trips and falls!

Did you know that poor footwear is often the cause of serious falls? Footwear such as sandals, flip-flops, clogs, crocks and very high heels may be a fashionable option, but when worn in the wrong environment, can be very dangerous. Slips, trips and falls in the classroom, hallways, office areas and outdoors on school grounds are one of the most frequently reported (and expensive!) claims faced by school districts. Choosing correct footwear is the first step to preventing these types of accidents and their subsequent consequences.

Guidelines for Selecting Personal FootwearChoose footwear that is appropriate to your occupation, working environment and feet. Make sure that the footwear you select is comfortable, but also conducive to preventing you from slipping in your work area as well as adverse weather conditions. Footwear that presents a high probability of slipping and falling includes:

• Leather soles/high heels: Choose footwear with slip-resistant soles and a low heel.

• Soiled or contaminated soles: Clean or remove mud, oil or any other traction-reducing material from shoe/boot soles.

• Footwear that has worn out soles: Replace this footwear immediately as slip-resistance is greatly reduced.

• Sole material that is inappropriate for the work surface/floor conditions: Avoid leather soles on wet floor surface conditions. Choose lower heels for work operations and tasks, etc.

• Also be aware of pant cuffs that are too long. They can catch on objects and cause you to trip.

Additionally, when purchasing new footwear, consider these tips from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists:

• Do not try on shoes when your feet are hurting.

• The best time to try on shoes is in the mid-afternoon. When trying on shoes wear the hosiery or socks that you would normally wear.

• Always have both feet measured because your feet may not be the same size. When choosing shoes, the length, width and depth of the shoes are important to consider.

• Make sure that there is enough room at the front of the shoes (about 1 cm of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe) to allow for natural movement of your toes when walking. Also make sure there is enough room so that you can comfortably wiggle your toes.

• Try on both shoes, properly laced, and walk around the store. Walk over varying surfaces of the floor to further check the fit of the shoe.

• Don’t break in new shoes. Shoes that fit well should feel comfortable.

• Keep in mind that as you get older, your feet tend to get larger, so have them measured periodically.

Ten Steps for Preventing Slips, Trips and FallsIn addition to wearing appropriate footwear, keep the following eight steps in mind for preventing Slips, trips and falls.

1. DON’T BE IN A HURRYTrips and falls often occur while people are in a hurry because they often take short cuts and don’t pay attention to what they are doing. Attempting to jump across an obstacle instead of walking around it is an example of an unsafe short cut. Learn to slow down and walk sure-footedly by avoiding potentially hazardous short cuts.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR STEPAvoid injuries by paying attention to where you are walking. Learning to recognize hazards and avoiding potential hazards saves time, money and injury. As mentioned previously, resist the temptation to take short cuts because short cuts are usually comprised of objects or routes designed for foot traffic and often consist of unstable, shaky or slippery surfaces.

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Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Technical Services Division Two Pierce Place • Itasca, IL • 60143-3141

Jamie Dunn P: 630.285.3964 • jamie_dunn@gbtpa.com www.gallagherbassett.com

3. CLEAN UP SPILLSSlippery surfaces often don’t appear dangerous until you happen to step on them—and then it’s too late to stop the consequences of your actions. Clean up grease, water and other spills as you notice them. Cover icy and greasy spots with sand, dirt or other types of absorbent materials. If you are unable to clean up a spill, report it to the maintenance staff or your supervisor immediately.

4. PRACTICE WALKING SAFELYIf you cannot avoid walking on slippery or wet surfaces, practice walking safely across them. Don’t try to run, jump or slide across these slick surfaces. Instead, take slow short steps with your toes pointed slightly outward. For additional balance, keep your hands at your sides (not in your pockets) to support you if you begin to fall. Remember that a freshly polished floor can also be very slick even though it doesn’t usually appear hazardous.

5. USE NON-SKID SHOES AND

SURFACES WHEN AVAILABLEIf you work in an area that has slippery surfaces, wear shoes that have slip-resistant soles. Keep your shoes free from grease and oil. On large walkways, use mats or rough grade coverings to assist in minimizing falls.

6. MAINTAIN PROPER LIGHTINGInadequate lighting can camouflage what is in your way, so replace light fixtures or bulbs that don’t work. When you enter a darkened room, always turn on the light first, even if you stay only for a moment. Keep walkways clear of obstructions in areas that have poor lighting.

7. STAIR SAFETYStairs that are too steep or not steep enough can create the potential for trips and falls. Because it is very easy to lose your footing while climbing stairs, walk up and down stairs slowly. Be cautious of worn or broken steps, objects left on the steps, and of insufficient lighting that may make it difficult to see properly. Never run up or down stairs and avoid skipping steps. If you have to carry a load while climbing stairs, carry the load so it doesn’t block your vision, and keep one hand free, if possible, to hold onto the wall railing.

8. INSPECT YOUR LADDERCheck your ladder to ensure the rungs are in good condition and that it has no cracks or broken parts. If the ladder is equipped with a spreader that locks the ladder frame into position, make sure it is secured before you begin to climb. Most importantly, check to make sure the ladder is the correct height for the task at hand. This will prevent you from reaching too far forward or upward, which could cause you to become off balance.

9. NEVER USE MAKESHIFT

LADDERS!Never use chairs, furniture, boxes or other makeshift platforms in place of a ladder.

10. CORDS AND CABLESRe-route cords and cables that may be present across aisles, in front of desks or along walkways. Other options include covering cords that run across an aisle with a protective bridge or hanging loose cables from pre-gummed hooks.

A Guide to Prevent School District Personnel Slip, Trip, & Fall Injuries

In 2015, there were 45,100 recorded nonfatal injuries resulting in days off in the education and health services fields alone due to a slip, trip or fall.

Every year 4,000 deaths result from slip, trip, and fall accidents. This equates to all passengers on a jumbo jet dying from a crash every month. There are 6 –10 million injuries reported annually in the United States representing 20% of all injuries. The Bureau of National Statistics reports 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people from slip, trip, and fall incidents and these are the second leading cause of death. Lastly, did you know that the average person takes over 18,000 steps per day? Walking can be a very simple task but evidently, has contributed to much death, pain, suffering, and wasted dollars.

Hazards Which Can Contribute To Slip, Trip, Fall Accidents

Weather• Ice

• Snow

• Rain

Walking surfaces• Uneven

• Unfamiliar

• Slippery or wet

Elevated walkways • Stairs

• Ladders

• Catwalks

• Scaffolds

Illumination• Poorly lit

• Glare

• Night

False sense of urgency• Unsafe speed

• Taking short cuts

• Unfocused

Specific tasks• Carrying or transferring loads

• Working near a water source

• Entering or exiting a vehicle

• Improper footwear

Location Of Slip, Trip, Fall Accidents

General Building Areas:• Office and store rooms

• Food service and cafeteria

• Engineering, custodial, and boiler room

• Entrances, parking lots, and sidewalks

• Stairs and hallways

• Classrooms

• Shops—auto, woodwork, metal

• Labs—science, home economics, computer

Special Events:• Gymnasium, bleachers & locker rooms

• Auditorium and theater

• Ball fields and playgrounds

• Fitness area

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Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Technical Services Division Two Pierce Place • Itasca, IL • 60143-3141

Jamie Dunn P: 630.285.3964 • jamie_dunn@gbtpa.com www.gallagherbassett.com

Prevention

Wear proper footwear:• As recommended by department

• Slip resistant soles over shoes

• Keep shoes clean—free of mud, oil, grease and ice

Adjust gait for walk surface:• Keep one hand free for balance

• Always maintain a safe speed and never run

• Point your feet out

Observe area first and use caution

if you note the following:• Poor housekeeping

• Storage in aisles or on stairs

Other safety measures:• Ensure proper illumination—slow down

when light is limited

• Use appropriate surface coating, mats, throw rugs, runners or stair treads

• Proper placement of electrical cords and hose

• Practice smart equipment or furniture storage, layout, or design

• Be sure exits are marked clearly and are visible

Basic Safety Guidelines• Take short steps and slow down

• Make wide turns at corners

• Clean up spills immediately or mark a spill

• Take the pathway provided and be sure it is clear

• Make sure you can see over the load you are carrying

• Turn on lights, replace bulbs, repair fixtures

• Keep area clean and clear of clutter

• Fix loose carpeting of stair treads

• Fasten throw rugs, mats, and runners, or use slip-resistant materials

• Use appropriate climbing equipment

• Follow the 4:1 rule when using a ladder

• Have someone support the base of the ladder when possible

• Always close file cabinets and drawers

• Keep all chair legs on the floor at all times

• Always use handrails on stairways, steps, and entrances

A Guide to Daily Classroom Usage & CareDesigning Your Classroom Layout Know the location of data, computer and electrical outlets:

• Minimize extension cord usage

• Keep cords and cables out of aisles and areas of high foot traffic

• Avoid placing large moveable items near windows and doors

Selecting Classroom Furniture

Avoid using old household furniture:• Fabrics are highly flammable

• Consider material fire proofing

Household furniture may contain

hidden hazards such as:• Pet Dander

• Germs

• Sharp objects (Staples, tacks, etc.)

Classroom Electrical SafetyBe sure the total power (wattage) rating for the equipment plugged into any surge protector does not exceed the capacity listed on the device. (Multiple Computers or Appliances )

Never install extension cords in a permanent fashion or inside ceilings, under carpet or within walls. Use extension cords for temporary use only.

Classroom Electrical Hazards

Overloading Outlets:• Avoid octopus outlets & cube taps

• Only use UL approved surge protectors

• Evaluate the need for additional outlets

Small Appliances• Place greater strain on the facility’s

electrical system

• Older and outdated models can pose a significant fire hazard

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)• Designed to detect ground faults within

electrical outlets

• Must be installed on any outlet within 6 feet of a water source

Classroom Storage• Keep items at a minimum of 18 inches from

the ceiling

• Keep overhead storage to light and small items within bins or buckets

• Avoid keeping books at high levels to prevent injuries

• Ask for assistance when needed

• Ask for a step ladder

• Avoid standing on tables and chairs

• Promote safe work practices

• Avoid the accumulation of combustible materials like old classroom projects and toys

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Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Technical Services Division Two Pierce Place • Itasca, IL • 60143-3141

Jamie Dunn P: 630.285.3964 • jamie_dunn@gbtpa.com www.gallagherbassett.com