Slips and Fall Prevention: Controlling the Leading

Source of Workers Compensation Claims

Scott Schwaller, Loss Control Specialist

United Heartland

Agenda

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls Best practices to prevent slip and fall

accidents. Floor Maintenance Housekeeping Footwear selection & programs Awareness Walking on Snow & Ice

Slips, Trips, & Falls

Slip and fall accidents account for 47% of all IACP losses.

• According to the U. S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents.

15 percent of all accidental deaths (≈12,000/year), second leading cause behind motor vehicles

One of the most frequent types of reported injuries – about 25% of reported claims per fiscal year

Over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Uncovered & exposed electrical cords

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Floor mats that have been kicked up

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Spills

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Floor covering transitions

Cracks & damage on sidewalks

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Curbs Vehicle curb stops Wheel chair ramps

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Snow & Ice build up

Causes of Slips, Trips, & Falls

Footwear, footwear, footwear.

Wear sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles and low heels; no leather soles, open toe, platform, high heels or flip flops.

Crocs

Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls

Keep floors clean & dry Avoid contaminated areas Implement a footwear policy Implement a slip-resistant shoe program Keep walkways clear of objects Lighting in work areas, hallways, and parking

lots

Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls

Secure loose cords, wires, and tubing Eliminate outdoor surface irregularities Eliminate indoor surface irregularities Keep stairs clear and in good condition Prepare for snow & ice Slip, Trip, & Fall awareness campaign

Floor Maintenance

Wet floor signs Mop ½ of a hallway Scrubbers can contain water Utilize dry mopping Avoid waxing floors De-grease and scrub kitchen floors Add slip resistant coating

Floor Maintenance

Entry Ways Use walk off mats Slip resistant

flooring with water drain off

Floor Maintenance

Outdoor Surface Maintenance Eliminate wheel stops if possible. Paint all curbs, wheel stops, and changes in

elevation with yellow paint Patch, fill, or slope all surface irregularities

such as cracks, holes, or changes in level in walkways greater that ½”

Floor Maintenance

Indoor Surface Maintenance Condition of carpet Condition of mats Secure edges of mats Condition of floor tile Patch and fill cracks in walkways greater than

¼” Highlight trip hazards

Housekeeping

Housekeeping in everyone's responsibility Your mom doesn’t work here so please clean up

after yourself. Foster a culture for good housekeeping

Footwear Selection & Programs

Establish a policy organization wide. Slips & falls don’t just happen to direct care

workers. Commitment to safety comes from the top down!

Clearly identify expectations for appropriate footwear

Footwear Selection & Programs

Implement a slip resistant shoe program (voluntary or mandatory)

Some vendors have liability benefit programs Slip Grips - http://www.slipgrips.com (available

through Lehigh) Shoes for Crews - http://www.shoesforcrews.com SRMax - http://www.srmax.com StarGrip – http://www.redwingshoes.com/ (available

through Red Wing – they do not have $5,000 indemnity benefit)

Which are Appropriate?Depends on where you are

Appropriate Footwear for Work

Slip resistant sole Shoe covers (and

protects foot Provides good support Does not contribute to

falls Comfortable

Awareness Campaigns

Slip, Trip, & Fall bullet points Training Post contact information for maintenance,

and housekeeping departments Penguin campaign

Snow & Ice

Be prepared! Have a snow removal plan Distribute winter weather notifications Bins of sand & salt Shovels at each entry way Wear appropriate winter footwear

Snow & Ice

Minimize how much you carry. Provide carts or rolling bags Avoid areas with hanging icicles Kick off snow and ice 3 points of contact Walk like a penguin

Planning for Winter Fall Protection

Allow extra time Consider your route No shortcuts! Use railings Wear appropriate footwear

Extra Protection for Winter Walking

Footwear should have a good traction sole

Ankle length boots provide support

Traction devices (YakTraks™) work well and are removable

Ladders

Training (proper usage & selection) Supervision/observation/feedback Inspection (rung and side rail

conditions) Belt-buckle rule 3-point of contact 4/1 ratio Tie off Proper height Non-skid feet Climbing cage/rest platforms Ground person Don’t carry materials up ladder Capacity Construction material

Resources

National Floor Safety Institute http://www.nfsi.org/

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries http://www.lni.wa.gov/

Slip Grips - http://www.slipgrips.com (available through Lehigh)

Shoes for Crews - http://www.shoesforcrews.com

SRMax - http://www.srmax.com

StarGrip – http://www.redwingshoes.com/