Slips, Trips and Falls...Oh My

Slips, trips and falls are the cause of the majority of workplace and classroom accidents.  These accidents can easily be prevented by taking a few safety precautions.  

Here a few ways of prevention for these incidents: 

• Focusing on the task of walking and being aware of your surroundings. Looking for stairways, curbs, speed bumps, changes in surfaces or elevations can all prevent these incidents. Most importantly, put your phone away when walking!

• Using ladders or stepladders properly and ensuring they are setup properly before use is critical to avoid falls from height. Ensuring the ladder is labeled and follow the directions on the labeling. Do not use chairs as a step ladder!

• Parking lots can contain many different hazards such as curbs, gravel, oil patches or a combination of these elements during inclement weather. If we are not aware of what others are doing and where we are walking, then slips, trips, and falls can occur.

• Using handrails when traversing up or down stairways is very important, especially during inclement weather or rain. Keep one hand free for the handrail when using stairways when feasible.

• Using caution when walking, take your time. Avoid rushing or hurrying, give yourself enough time and understand that your safety and the safety of others is very important.

• Wear the appropriate footwear for your working environment. 

• Reporting all unsafe conditions to your supervisor, Facilities Management or Business Continuity/Emergency Management in a timely manner, so the area or situation can be evaluated.

If you observe a potential slip, trip, fall hazard it can easily be reported by contacting your supervisor, a facilities staff member or by submitting a report online through the Safety Inspection Report QR code.