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Slips, trips and falls

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Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate workers on the common causes of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, and to provide practical measures to prevent these incidents. By the end of this talk, participants should be able to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to ensure a safer working environment.

Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. These incidents can lead to a range of injuries, from minor sprains and bruises to more severe fractures and head trauma. Maintaining a safe work environment requires continuous effort to identify and mitigate slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Good Housekeeping: Maintaining clean and orderly work areas is crucial in preventing slips, trips, and falls [1].
  • Appropriate Footwear: Wearing the right type of footwear can significantly reduce the risk of slipping, especially in wet or oily environments [2].
  • Hazard Awareness: Being aware of potential hazards and taking proactive steps to address them is essential for preventing incidents [1].
  • Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting helps in identifying hazards and navigating the work environment safely.
  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspecting walking-working surfaces helps in identifying and addressing potential hazards before they cause incidents [1].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to slips, trips, and falls include:

  • Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Spills, leaks, and weather conditions can create slippery surfaces, leading to slips and falls. Potential consequences include fractures, sprains, and head injuries 1, 2.
  • Obstructions in Walkways: Clutter, tools, and equipment left in walkways can cause trips and falls. Consequences range from minor bruises to severe injuries [1].
  • Uneven Surfaces: Cracks, potholes, and uneven flooring can create tripping hazards. These can lead to falls and potential injuries [3].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, Personal Protective Equipment.

  • Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely. For example, fix leaks to eliminate wet surfaces [1].
  • Substitution: Use less hazardous materials. For instance, use non-slip coatings on floors [3].
  • Engineering Controls: Implement physical changes to the workplace. Install guardrails on elevated surfaces [4].
  • Administrative Controls: Establish safe work practices and procedures. Implement a regular cleaning schedule [1].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE such as non-slip footwear [2].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Keep walkways clear: Ensure all walkways are free from obstructions and clutter [1].
  2. Clean spills immediately: Clean up any spills promptly to prevent slippery surfaces [1].
  3. Use caution in hazardous conditions: Take extra care when walking on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces [3].
  4. Report hazards: Report any identified hazards to your supervisor immediately [1].
  5. Use proper lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in all work areas to identify potential hazards.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Non-slip footwear: Wear non-slip footwear in areas where there is a risk of slippery surfaces. Explain when and how to use [2].
  • Safety glasses: Use safety glasses to protect against debris that could cause visual impairment if a fall occurs.
  • Gloves: Wear gloves to maintain a good grip and protect hands from potential injuries.

Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common slip, trip, and fall hazards in our workplace?
  2. What can we do to improve housekeeping practices in our work areas?
  3. How can we ensure that we are wearing the appropriate footwear for the tasks we perform?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to the topic:

  1. Assess the situation: Check for any immediate dangers and ensure the safety of the injured person and yourself.
  2. Provide first aid: If trained, provide first aid to the injured person.
  3. Report the incident: Report the incident to your supervisor and follow company procedures for incident reporting.
  4. Investigate the cause: Participate in the investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions.

Provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: What should I do if I see a spill?

A: Clean it up immediately if you can do so safely. If not, report it to the appropriate personnel.

  • Q: How often should I inspect my work area for hazards?

A: Inspect your work area at the beginning of each shift and throughout the day.

  • Q: What type of footwear is best for preventing slips?

A: Non-slip footwear with good traction is recommended, especially in wet or oily environments.

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Slips, trips, and falls are preventable incidents.
  • Good housekeeping practices are essential for preventing these incidents [1].
  • Wearing appropriate footwear can reduce the risk of slips [2].
  • Reporting hazards helps in maintaining a safe work environment [1].

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:

  1. Conduct a thorough inspection of your work area for slip, trip, and fall hazards.
  2. Ensure all spills are cleaned up immediately.
  3. Wear appropriate non-slip footwear.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Stay alert and take proactive steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191)

Page 113

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Walking surfaces - general 102 (2) Subject to subsection (6), an employer and a contractor shall each ensure that a guardrail which meets the requirements of section 97 is provided at the open sides and open ends of - (a) a floor, mezzanine, balcony, walkway or plat -form, - (b) the surface of a bridge or overpass, and - (c) a concrete roof while the formwork remains in place, to which an employee has access and from which the employee may fall a vertical distance of 1.2 m or more. ## Walking surfaces - underground mine 102 (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), where a walk -way or platform in an underground mine was con -structed before the commencement of this section and is more than 1.5 m above the ground or floor level, an em -ployer shall ensure that the walkway or platform is pro -vided with handrails and toeboards in accordance with subsections (4) and (5). ## Walking surfaces - underground mine 102 (4) The top rail of a handrail for a walkway or plat -form referred to in subsection (3) shall not be less than 900 mm and not more than 1.07 m above the floor level of the walkway or platform and a second rail shall be placed at the midpoint between the top rail and the floor level of the walkway or platform, unless the intervening space is closed by a screen or other suitable means, and the handrail shall be capable of withstanding a load ap -plied to the rail of at least 90 kg applied in any direction. ## Walking surfaces - underground mine 102 (5) A toeboard for a walkway or platform referred to in subsection (3) shall extend from the floor of the walkway or platform to not less than 120 mm in height. ## Walking surfaces - underground mine 102 (6) Subsection (2) does not apply to a walkway or platform in an underground mine that was constructed before the commencement of this section and that is not more than 1.5 m above the ground or floor level. ## Planchers - génér…

[2] Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)

Page 75

Open source document

Source excerpt

reason except for weather or climatic conditions, an employer shall ensure that devices such as matting or grating are used, where necessary, to prevent slipping and, if such devices are inadequate to prevent slipping, that non-slip footwear is worn by employees. Subsection 139(2) amended: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. - (3) Where a floor, stairway, passageway or similar walking surface at or near a workplace becomes slippery as a result of weather or climatic conditions, an employer shall ensure that the floor, stairway, passageway or similar walking surface is kept free from falling or slipping hazards by removing ice, snow or water, to the extent reasonably practicable, and using materials such as ashes, sand, salt, or other measures where appropriate to prevent slipping or falling. ## Access and exit - 140 (1) An employer shall provide a safe means of access to and exit from all work areas. - (2) An employer shall provide adequate information to ensure that every person in the workplace is able to exit the workplace in a safe manner in the event of an emergency. - (3) An employer shall provide overhead protection at every means of access to and exit from a building, structure or project where there is a hazard of falling material that may injure a person at or near the workplace. - (4) This Section does not apply where a firefighter is engaged in structural firefighting or rescue. Subsection 140(4) amended: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. ## Stairways 141 - (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an employer shall ensure that a permanent stairway is designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada , as adopted and modified under the Building Code Act and the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under that Act . - (2) Where the National Building Code of Canada , as adopted and modified under the Building Code Act and the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under that Act does not apply to …

[3] Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

Page 29

Open source document

Source excerpt

Sections 2.12-2.16 - (2) Every guardrail shall be designed to withstand a static load of 890 N applied in any direction at any point on the top rail. SOR/94-263, s. 8(F); SOR/2000-374, s. 2. ## Toe Boards - 2.13 If there is a risk that tools or other objects could fall onto a person from a platform or other raised area, or through a floor opening or floor hole, - (a) a toe board that extends from the floor of the platform or other raised area to a height of not less than 125 mm shall be installed; or - (b) if the tools or other objects are piled to such a height that a toe board would not prevent the tools or other objects from falling, a solid or mesh panel shall be installed from the floor to a height of not less than 450 mm. SOR/2000-374, s. 2; SOR/2019-246, s. 9. ## Housekeeping and Maintenance - 2.14 (1) Every exterior stairway, walkway, ramp and passageway that may be used by employees shall be kept free of accumulations of ice and snow or other slipping or tripping hazards. - (2) All dust, dirt, waste and scrap material in every work place in a building shall be removed as often as is necessary to protect the health and safety of employees and shall be disposed of in such a manner that the health and safety of employees is not endangered. - (3) Every travelled surface in a work place shall be - (a) slip resistant; and - (b) kept free of splinters, holes, loose boards and tiles and similar defects. SOR/2000-374, s. 2; SOR/2002-208, s. 6. - 2.15 Where a floor in a work place is normally wet and employees in the work place do not use non-slip waterproof footwear, the floor shall be covered with a dry false floor or platform or treated with a non-slip material or substance. SOR/88-632, s. 5(F); SOR/96-525, s. 8; SOR/2000-374, s. 2. - 2.16 (1) The cleaning of a window on any level above the ground floor level of a building the construction of Articles 2.12-2.16 - (2) Tout garde-fou doit ê…

[4] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 351

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Ship stair (ship ladder) . A stairway that is equipped with treads, stair rails, and open risers, and has a slope that is between 50 and 70 degrees from the horizontal. Spiral stairs . A series of treads attached to a vertical pole in a winding fashion, usually within a cylindrical space. Stair platform . An extended step or landing breaking a continuous run of stairs. Stair rail or stair rail system . A barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. Stairway (stairs) . Risers and treads that connect one level with another, and includes any landings and platforms in between those levels. Stairways include standard, spiral, alternating tread-type, and ship stairs. Standard stairs . A fixed or permanently installed stairway. Ship, spiral, and alternating treadtype stairs are not considered standard stairs. Tread . A horizontal member of a stair or stairway, but does not include landings or platforms. Unprotected sides and edges . Mean any side or edge of a walking-working surface (except at entrances and other points of access) where there is no wall, guardrail system, or stair rail system to protect an employee from falling to a lower level. For requirements relating to unprotected sides and edges, see the unified fall protection rule (chapter 296-880 WAC). Walking-working surface . Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location. Walking-working surfaces include, but are not limited to, floors, the ground, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, stairs, dockboards, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-24-[r…

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