Slip, Trip and Falls - Are you protecting yourself?

As winter is upon us, awareness to the risks and dangers of slip, trip and falls reaches a high. Slippery conditions underfoot can quickly go from a funny internet video to an ER visit! According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, slip, trip and fall (STF) injuries have represented over 35% of all occupational injuries since 2002. Many of these originate from unsafe behaviors or decisions or failure to correct unsafe conditions once they are recognized. Although the construction industry is where statistics may stack up, the risks are just as prevalent at our own home front door! Over 8 million people are hospitalized yearly for fall-related injuries. STFs are a leading cause of non-fatal workplace injuries with falls on the same level being the second-most cause of serious workplace injuries. 

What can you do? Recognize, clean and address the hazards in an area immediately! Inspect walkways or paths, treat slippery areas, maintain 3 points of contact when climbing (ladders/stairs), pick-up and remove trip hazards. All too often the little actions such as tidying an area can avoid a serious risk. Not many want to shovel or go out in the cold to treat a wintery wonderland, but not many want to visit the ER either! 

Protect others as well. If you see someone approaching a risk/hazard area, see something/say something! Keep that motto on your mind always! Wouldn't you rather say something to prevent an injury of someone around you than not and come back around the corner to see them down and hurt? A simple, "Be careful, it's very slippery up there" or "Hey, 3 points of contact when climbing that ladder is the safest way" can truly change the outcome of someone's day. Would you want to look at that person's family and tell them you saw it coming but said nothing? 

See Something. Say Something. Prevent a Fall.

Lori Richardson

Safety / OSHA Alliance Committee Chair