What are some common slip, trip and fall hazards?
Examples of common causes for slips, trips and falls in the workplace are provided below:
Housekeeping and Maintenance Practices
- Accumulation of clutter and waste.
- Improper storage of material and equipment.
- Spills.
- Extension cords, conduits, cables, and hoses across walking surfaces.
- Loose and unsecured floor mats, carpets, and coverings.
- Damaged or missing flooring materials.
- Stairs and ramps with loose or missing handrails.
- Inadequate lighting.
Walking and Working Surface Conditions
- Slippery, wet or icy walking surfaces.
- Uneven walking surfaces.
- Surface changes such as carpet to tile or level to sloped.
- Surface protrusions or depressions such as thresholds, cover plates, and gratings.
- Work Practices
- Wearing inappropriate footwear for the task.
- Carrying items that obstruct view.
- Rushing to complete work.
Personal Behavior
- Wearing improperly fitted, loose, or undone footwear.
- Cutting through areas not designated or intended as walkways.
- Horseplay and running in the workplace.
- Not paying attention.
What safe work practices and tips can I use to prevent slips/trips/falls?
- Clean up spills promptly
- Don’t walk and text at the same time.
- Use handrails on stairways.
- Avoid carrying loads that obstruct your view.
- Use two hands to climb\descend ladders and maintain three-points of contact.
- Maintain good housekeeping practices - remove clutter from aisles and walkways.
- Do not run cords through aisles or in stairwells (use safety cones and extension cords covers if this cannot be avoided).
What preventative measures should I take during winter?
- Wear proper winter footwear with rubber soles.
- Stay on designated walkways, which have been cleared and maintained.
- Do not take shortcuts across grassy or sloped areas.
- Walk do not run.
- Exercise caution when entering/exiting vehicles as the ground may be slippery.
- Avoid using exterior stairways, use interior stairways where possible (and hold the hand rails).
- If applicable, use the tunnel system until weather conditions change and icy conditions are reduced.
What should I do if I notice a slip, trip or fall hazard?
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All slip, trip and fall hazards should be reported immediately to your supervisor. If your immediate supervisor is not available report the hazard to the next level of supervision.
- Slip, trip and fall hazards requiring action by Facilities should be reported by calling 403-329-2602 (or Security Services at 403-329-2345), identifying this as a safety hazard.
- Do not wait for someone else to report the hazard.
Why should slip, trip and fall hazards be reported immediately?
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Immediate reporting of the hazard allows for prompt corrective action.
- Reduces the risk of injuries.
- Ensures a safe and healthy workplace.
What will my supervisor do?
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Your supervisor is required to take corrective action immediately. This may require isolation of the hazard until arrangements can be made for its correction.