| Instructions: Use this Safety Toolbox Talk to spark discussion within the employee group. Test knowledge retention with the associated quiz. |
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Introductory Comments
One of the top 10 hazards for OSHA is Slips, Trips and Fall
hazards. This can happen to anyone. OSHA maintains
general industry regulations on walking/working surfaces that guard against
hazards including clutter, protruding objects, and wet conditions. This hazard can
cause harm in a facility, regardless of title or job responsibilities.
• Slips: are more likely to occur when you hurry or run, wear the wrong kind
of shoes, or don’t pay attention to where you’re walking.
• Trips: are more likely to happen when you are in a hurry and don’t pay
attention to where you’re going.
• Falls: occur whenever you move too far off your center of balance. Falls
account for more workplace fatalities than any other reason.
(www.OSHA.gov).
Meeting Start Question
• Will holding onto railings when climbing or descending stairs, will reduce
your chances of slipping and falling?
• Can slip, trip, and fall hazards cause harm in a facility, regardless of title or
job responsibilities?
Critical Safety Point
Slips: Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or
snow. You can help avoid slips by following these safety precautions:
• Practice safe walking skills
• Take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under
you and point your feet slightly outward
• Clean-up or report spills right away.
Trips: To prevent trip hazards:
• Make sure you can see where you are walking.
• Don’t carry loads that you cannot see over
• Keep walking and working areas well lit, especially at night
• Keep the workplace clean and tidy and store materials and supplies in the
appropriate storage areas
Falls: To avoid falls consider the following measures:
• Don’t jump off landings or loading docks
• Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken
• Keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit
• Wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles
Common Injuries from Slips, Trip and Falls:
• Sprains, strains
• Bruises, contusions
• Fractures
• Abrasions, cuts
When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager. The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.