Preventing Slips & Trips

According to Injury Facts 2012 Edition, falls account for more than 8.7 million emergency room visits in the U.S. each year. Grainer, a leading safety product distributor, offers five tips for creating a safer environment at work and at home.

1) Follow good housekeeping practices. “Proper housekeeping is a routine,” Grainger says, citing several simple steps for keeping on track:

• Plan ahead. Know what needs to be done, who is going to do it and how the work area should look when the work is completed. 
• Assign responsibilities. While individuals should clean up after themselves, it may be necessary to assign the task to a specific person or group. 
• Move items in cabinets so that things used most often are on lower shelves, about waist level. 
• Keep objects off the floor. Pick up papers, books, shoes, boxes or other things that are on the floor. 

2) Reduce wet or slippery surfaces.
Most injuries occur on parking lots or sidewalks, or in food preparation areas and showers. To reduce the hazards:

• Keep parking lots and sidewalks free of debris and in good repair. 
• Use adhesive striping material or antiskid paint outdoors and antiskid adhesive tape indoors. 
• Use moisture-absorbent mats with beveled edges in entrance areas. Make sure they have backing material that will not slide on the floor. Use proper area rugs or mats for food preparation areas. 
• Put a nonslip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of showers and tubs. Install grab bars inside the tub. 

3) Avoid creating obstacles in aisles and walkways.
”Obstacles, clutter, materials and equipment in aisles, corridors, entranceways and stairwells also contribute to trips injuries,” Grainger explains. Keep these tips in mind:

• Keep all work areas, passageways, storerooms and service areas clean and orderly. *Close file cabinets and drawers after use. 
• Coil or tape wires such as cables, air hoses, extension cords, lamp and phone cords next to the wall. Do not string materials across hallways or designated aisles. 
• Always keep objects off stairs. Fix loose, broken or uneven steps and make sure that the carpet is firmly attached to every step. 

4) Create and maintain proper lighting.
Poor lighting in the workplace or at home can contribute to incidents.

• Use proper illumination in staircases, ramps, hallways, basements, construction areas and dock areas; keep poorly lit walkways clear of clutter and obstructions. 
• Keep work areas well lit and clean. Keep areas around light switches clear and accessible. 
• Repair fixtures, switches and cords immediately if they malfunction. 
• At home, place a lamp close to the bed where it is easy to reach. 

5) Wear proper shoes. “Shoes play a big part in preventing falls,” Grainger says. “Pay attention to the slickness of the soles and the type of heels; tie shoelaces correctly. At work, educate employees on the appropriate footwear for their duties.”

For more information about preventing slips, trips and falls, visit Grainger’s Safety Resource page.