Safety and Health Talks: Slips and Trips 2

OSHA regulations do not say what flooring is suitable for a given set of conditions, but there are standards from consensus groups, like ANSI, that advise about the best floors to choose for different conditions.

If you’re thinking about making some changes at home, like a new kitchen floor, or you’re involved in an office move, here are some ideas to keep in mind that can help prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Good working practice
Think about the kinds of exposures the floor is going to get – this will make dealing with slip and trip risks easier. Choose only suitable floor surfaces. To the extent possible, avoid very smooth floors in areas that will become wet/contaminated (such as kitchens and entrance halls).
Make sure there’s enough light. Plan for the pedestrian use and traffic routes and avoid overcrowding.

Cleaning and maintenance
Read up on how to use any safety and cleaning equipment provided. How you clean and what equipment you use has to be suitable for the kind of surface being treated. You may need to get advice from the manufacturer or supplier. Most have websites with a lot of detail about how to care for their product.

Let’s say that you help at home by cleaning the floors. Don’t create additional slip or trip hazards while you’re cleaning. Do any maintenance work right away (you may need to get outside help or guidance). Like everything else we do, inspect, test, adjust, and clean at all the right intervals.

Lighting at an office or at home (or at a mine) should let you see obstructions, potentially slippery areas etc, so you can work or live safely. Replace, repair or clean lights before lighting becomes too dim for safe work.

Floors shouldn’t have loose finishes, holes and cracks, worn rugs and mats etc. Take care in the choice of floor if it is likely to become wet or dusty like a shop or garage where you work. Look on the internet and find advice when choosing a floor for difficult conditions.

Obstructions and objects left lying around can go unnoticed and cause a trip. Try to keep your work areas tidy. Cardboard should not be used to absorb spillages as this itself presents a tripping hazard. Kitty litter can be very useful for oil spills in your garage/shop.

Footwear can play an important part in preventing slips and trips. Particularly in a mining environment, an aggressive tread and a sole of the right material can help you reduce the slipping you may be subject to.

Thanks for the share R!