Write a toolbox talk on Workplace/Industry Construction site Topic of the Toolbox Meeting Safe lifting and handling of heavy materials Objectives of the Meeting • Reduce injuries from lifting heavy loads • Teach correct body posture during lifting • Improve awareness of manual handling risks • Promote use of lifting tools and teamwork • Prevent back and muscle injuries Identified Workplace Hazards • Heavy materials causing strain injuries • Poor lifting posture leading to back injury • Slippery or uneven ground causing slips • Sudden movement of loads causing accidents • Lack of lifting equipment or support tools Recommended Safe Work Practices • Bend knees and keep back straight when lifting • Use team lifting for heavy objects • Use forklifts, carts, or hoists when available • Clear walking paths before moving loads • Wear proper safety gear like gloves and boots

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# SafetyWorks! Toolbox Talks # Subject: Proper Lifting Introduction: Most of us forget the importance of our backs for the enjoyment of a normal, happy and successful life. However, the back contains one of the most critical muscle groups in the body, as well as the spinal cord and associated vertebrae and discs. Everyone working in the building industry must lift materials to either put them into place or to expedite from one location to another. Back injuries are cumulative; a lot of small injuries lead up to the big one. Therefore, it is important to remember the key elements of proper lifting. ## Guide for Discussion Preparing to Lift • Do you need help? Get help if needed (more people, lift equipment). • Do you need to stretch before preparing to lift? • Determine the load capacity. • Determine your ability to handle the load. • Wear safe shoes. - Wear gloves to protect your hands if the surface is rough. - Make sure you have a clear walkway. ## Making the Lift • Center the load between your legs or shoulders • Always bend with your legs. • Keep your back straight. • Lift with your legs (You can feel your leg muscles doing the work). • - Keep the load close to your body. (Hug the object you are lifting.) ## Moving the Load • Keep your back as vertical as possible. • Keep the load close to you. • Don't twist your body – move your feet. - • When lowering your load, bend with the knees and keep the back straight. • Remember to follow these rules of lifting and you will give your back a break rather than breaking your back. ## Additional Discussion Notes: Remember: The only thing you'll prove by lifting more than you should is that your back is a poor substitute for a forklift. Think before you lift-every time. NOTE: Always promote a discussion on any of the topics covered in the Tool Box Talks. Should any question arise that you cannot answer, don't hesitate to contact your Employer or SafetyWorks!. SafetyWorks! 45 State House Station …

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# HEAVY EQUIPMENT (cont.) ## SPOTTERS Worker visibility and visual and verbal communication are essential to keeping workers safe around moving construction equipment. Blind spots can be a significant hazard for workers on the ground where the operator is unable to see them. A spotter, using effective means of communication or hand signals, can help communicate between the operator, workers on the ground, and any pedestrians entering the work zone. Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, stand clear of equipment, and always be visible to the equipment operator. ## GENERAL SAFETY WHEN OPERATING OR WORKING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT • Develop a work zone traffic control plan. Indicate travel routes through the site to eliminate (as much as possible) the need for backing equipment or vehicles. • When vehicles or heavy equipment must operate in reverse, ensure they are equipped with an audible backup alarm. • Inspect equipment before operation to ensure all lights and audible alarms work correctly. • Set up the equipment in the work zone so that construction equipment and workers have adequate space to perform the planned tasks. • Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment - NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT. • - Establish a "danger zone," the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations. • Wear high-visibility clothing when working around heavy mobile equipment. • Use predefined and understood hand signals or two-way radios to control movement within the work zone. • Maintain a clear line of sight between the operator and workers. • Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement. • Workers - should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use. • Be aware of the swing radius on specific equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape. • A…

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-PROTECT YOUR BACK Date Posted: 02/15/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than one million workers suffer back injuries yearly, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. When drilling down on the construction industry specifically, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) states that the construction industry has the highest incident rate of back injuries of any industry except transportation. Of all construction-related injuries each year, 25% are back injuries. Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work, usually missing about seven workdays but sometimes more than 30. Most back problems are low-back injuries, including sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. ## PREVENTING BACK INJURIES • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). When lifting, the grip is essential. Wearing gloves that fit correctly with a good grip will help maintain a firm hold on objects during lifting activities. Shoes or boots with gripping soles will also help maintain balance and stability while lifting. or • Preparation is vital. Before lifting, determine whether the object even needs to be lifted. Mechanical assist lifting devices such as dollies, carts, pallet jacks, other lifting equipment are recommended when possible instead of manually lifting heavy objects. The idea is to get the load as close to the destination as possible with the least physical effort possible. • Reduce the weight if you can; if you can split a load into two or more portions, do that. • Try to adjust the load height. Lifting from the floor will cause your body more stress than lifting from waist height. An injury is more likely if you lift an object above your shoulders. • Plan out the shortest, most obstacle-free route you can take. • Stretch before lifting ## TECHNIQUES FOR SAFE LIFTING ## ASSESS THE SITUATION: Before lifting, …

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# Planning ## Who plans the Toolbox Talks • Health & Safety Committee • Company Health & Safety Department • Site Health & Safety Officer ## What to Plan Planning the Toolbox Talk is straightforward. Remember the most important aspects of Toolbox Talks are selecting a topic related to current work activities and involving workers in a brief discussion. • Do a quick inspection and focus on site conditions that illustrate the topic. • Use the Planning Checklist below. • See the Toolbox Talks for Lead worksheets in Section 3. • Use these worksheets to prepare for each individual topic. • Handout copies of the completed worksheet during the talk. ## When to hold toolbox talks • Meetings are generally held weekly but may be held more frequently, if necessary • The meetings are brief - 5 to 15 minutes. ## Planning Checklist <table><tr><th>Item</th><th>Comments</th><th></th></tr><tr><td>Select the topic</td><td>Make sure it relates to the site; review site activi- ties and conditions</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Prepare a Handout</td><td>Use the worksheets in Section 3 as examples. Add site specific activities and concerns to illustrate the topic, and discussion questions.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pick a Time</td><td>Establish a regular day and time, usually at the beginning of the shift.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pick a Location</td><td>Use a space that is quiet and away from distracting activities. Workers should be able to hear, ask questions, and participate in discussions.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Inform Workers the Day Before</td><td>Time, place, topic</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Language</td><td>Be sure that all Toolbox Talks are given in words and a language that workers can understand. Use translators if needed.</td><td></td></tr></table> SECTION Toolbox Talks are required on many projects. They help workers keep up-to- date about work opera- tions and related hazards. Taking time to plan the Toolbox Talk results in maintaining good commu- nication…

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES - SPRAINS & STRAINS Date Posted: 02/16/2024 According to the Center for Construction Research (CPWR), one in five construction workers experiences musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), including sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries, which gradually worsen and are often chronic. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2005, construction's lost days nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate for sprains and strains (83.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) was higher than any other industry sector. Strains and sprains can affect a worker's back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist, and ankle. Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Sprain injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue. Ankle, knee, and wrist injuries account for most sprains. A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon, the tissue connecting muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most prevalent regarding strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. These soft tissue injuries occur frequently and are painful, disabling, and often accompanied by lengthy recovery periods. ## WHAT ARE SPRAINS AND STRAINS? Although different, both injuries can be caused by the same activities. The body's back, trunk, or torso are the most affected by strains and sprains. Almost 40% of workplace injuries in 2021 involved these parts of the body. For that same year, 27% related to injuries to legs or other lower extremities such as knees or ankle joints. Sprain: In a sprain, a joint is forced to go beyond its normal range of motion. The ligament fibers overstretch and tear. This often happens with sudden twisting in active sports. The joint can still function, but ligament tears leak blood into the tis…

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# Conducting Toolbox Talks ## Who should conduct the Toolbox Talks? • Supervisors, foremen, and union stewards are the best people to help plan and deliver Toolbox Talks. • At times, others with a particular expertise or interest, like the company safety officer, project staff, insurance representative, or industrial hygienist may be recruited to lead a talk. Use the completed worksheet for the talk. Read it directly or use the high- lighted points as discussion starters. It's a matter of style. Some people are more comfortable reading the sheet and others like to use their own words. Use the filled in worksheet for a handout and encourage workers to participate. Be prepared to follow up on issues that arise. See the Toolbox Talk Tips below. ## Toolbox Talks Tips • Adults learn best when the topic: - relates to what they do 。 gives them a chance to discuss the issues. • allows them to use what they have learned. • Back up the Toolbox Talk with questions. Ask the group questions about the topic and conditions at the site. Give people a chance to answer. • Ask about personal experience. What are the conditions at this site? Has this issue come up at other sites? How were any problems fixed? • Encourage participation from the group but don't let a single person dominate. Wait till he/she catches their breath, say "Thank You" and move on. • Never make fun of any one and treat all comments seriously. • Respond to all legitimate complaints and make a point to follow up. • If you don't know an answer - say so - make a note of the question and follow up. • Allow a little time for general discussion, e.g. accidents or near misses. This is not a gripe session. SECTION 2 Toolbox Talks for Lead Hazards F-5

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Construction Materials Handling: Drywall Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Workers who handle drywall sheets are at high risk of overexertion. The weight and bulkiness of drywall can intensify any bending, twisting, turning, or lifting motions and cause serious injury. ## Sam's Story Sam had worked as a drywall installer for 10 years. On his last job, he began to feel pain in his elbow after lifting and carrying a 10-foot section of drywall up 20 steps. Sam went to his doctor and was diagnosed with tendonitis. - What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever been injured from lifting or handling drywall, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Always stage materials as close as possible to where they will be used. ## How can we stay safe today? • Always use safe lifting practices such as lifting with leg muscles and avoiding twisting while carrying materials. Try out safe lifting practices through a free app "Best Built Plans" available at Amazon, App Store, or Google Play. - Lift only one sheet at a time. Never try to lift materials weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. C D C National Intend Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION • Use two workers to lift larger, thicker, and heavier sheets. Never try to lift materials weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. • Use lifting tools and devices to move sheets instead of carrying them by hand. • Use a vertical lift to position and hold the drywall so you can screw sheets to the ceiling more safely. • Follow these steps for vertical hanging: 1. Raise the sheet. 2. Shift grip to opposite sides of the sheet. 3. Rotate the sheet into a vertical position. 4. Secure it to the wall. - Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting. • Keep materials and tools orderly and stored safely to prevent tripping and other safety hazards. What will we do at the worksite to …

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# BACK PROTECTION Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 09/23/2016 Back injury is one of the leading causes of lost-time or restricted duty in the workplace and can lead to years of discomfort and disability. A back injury can be cumulative, as a result of repetitive motion over time, or acute due to a sprain or muscle pull, for example. Factors that Contribute to Cumulative Back Injury • The amount of repetitive motion • The maximum lifting load • The duration the load is to be carried - The body height, weight, strength and gender • The position of the body to the load when lifting or carrying ## TIPS TO HELP AVOID BACK INJURY • Every industry and work environment presents its own unique back safety - hazards. Some jobs require a lot of lifting, while other jobs require a lot of sitting. • Wear back braces if required to lift and carry heavy loads or if the back needs to be supported for long periods. • Avoid twisting and turning; use legs to position and move the torso. Move the work area closer to avoid unnecessary twisting and reaching. • Avoid leaning or bending over for extended periods. This causes fatigue and weakness in the lower back over time. • Stretch and exercise the back before starting work each day. • Inspect the work area for slip, trip and fall hazards. • Inspect steps and stairs before climbing; use handrails whenever available. • Lift with the legs. Position the body so the load is centered and supported by the body before lifting and carrying. • Seek alternative work methods or rotating schedules if repetitive motion and sustained lifting are causing back discomfort or pain. • Avoid sudden jerks and pulls on a load that could cause a muscle sprain or herniated disc. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What activities exist in your workplace that could cause back injury? • What can be done in your work area to minimize causes for back injury? ## PRESENTER TIPS • - Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confiden…

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-GENERAL ERGONOMICS Date Posted: 02/14/2024 Ergonomics fits the task to the person. It strives to create the best atmosphere for any occupation to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS). These disorders affect muscles, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the body and can be caused by repetitive tasks like lifting, bending, and reaching. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that ergonomic injuries account for 33% of all workplace worker injury and illness cases, with direct costs to the industry of over $20 billion annually and estimated total costs of $45-54 billion annually. Compared to the lost workdays of the average injury or illness (8 days), ergonomic injuries result in 38% more lost time days (11 days). Awkward postures are a significant ergonomic risk that leads to these types of injuries. ## WHAT IS AN ERGONOMIC HAZARD? Ergonomic risk factors are characteristics of a job that contribute to creating ergonomic stress on the body. Risk factors are present at varying levels for different jobs and tasks. Generally, the greater the exposure to a single risk factor or combination of risk factors, the greater the probability of an ergonomic injury or illness, also called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). The construction trades have many risk factors that may cause MSDs that are only sometimes easy to identify or brought to our attention. Some examples are masons with back problems due the repeated lifting of cement blocks and carpenters with wrist problems due to the repeated use of a hammer. Ergonomic Solution Brainstormer (adobeconnect.com) ## COMMON ERGONOMIC HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION ## HEAVY LIFTING: It's no secret that construction work includes much heavy lifting. Lifting 50 lbs. or more can be extremely tough on the body and can lead to significant injury when lifting a load improperly. On construction sites, workers are constantly lifting heavy equipment, lumber, and metal and are regularly opening a…

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# MANUAL HANDLING 27 Date Posted: 09/06/2016 Improper lifting from manual handling is the leading cause of back injury. If mechanical handling methods are not possible, utilize the following guidelines: ## LIFTING • Know your capabilities, only begin lifts that you can handle. • Can you handle the load yourself or do you need assistance? • Is there a clear walkway with good lighting to the work area? • Wear gloves to protect against cuts and punctures. • Wear safety boots or shoes to protect from falling loads. • Carry out a trial lift by rocking the load from side to side and try to lift a small amount to get the "feel" for it ## GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUE • Get as close to the load as possible, and keep it close to you while lifting, carrying, and lowering it. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction you are going. • If the - object is small enough to fit between your feet, bend your knees and keep your back straight. • Get a secure grip on the load. - Breathe in before lifting as this helps to support the spine. • Do not lift a load that will obscure your vision. • Lift slowly and smoothly. • Keep your face forward. • Avoid twisting your body when lifting or carrying a load. • When lifting to a height from the floor, lift in two stages • When two or more people lift a load, one person must take control to coordinate the lift. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Name two hazards when lifting and carrying? • Why is it important to not rotate with a heavy object? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

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# ERGONOMIC SAFETY Date Posted: 01/27/2024 According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), About 1.8 million workers report musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS), commonly known as strains and sprains, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back injuries yearly. About 600,000 of those workers need to take time off work because of those injuries. Unlike injuries from falls, electrocution, or other serious hazards, MSDs don't appear very serious when they appear. They start with minor discomfort in the early stages. These symptoms disappear after a short break or at night when you don't work. But returning to the same activity the next day brings back the symptoms. Your body can recover between these episodes of intense activity in the earlier stages when the symptoms are mild or moderate, but eventually, your body won't recover. Recognizing problems with the work tasks that cause these symptoms is the first step to eliminating them. ## WHAT IS ERGONOMICS? Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce. Ergonomics involves designing and arranging spaces so people work efficiently and safely. It evaluates how you do your work and identifies risk factors that might lead to injury. We use this information to find the best solution to eliminate or manage the hazard. Your capabilities and limitations are considered to ensure that tasks, equipment, and environment suit you. ## ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk to these work conditions. Jobs or working conditions presenting …

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# Back Injury Prevention (cont.) ## How can we prevent back injury resulting from manual materials handling? (cont.) - job design and redesign (including the work environment) - pre-placement procedures, where necessary - education and training The design or redesign of jobs involving materials handling should be approached in the following stages: - eliminate the need for heavy manual materials handling - decrease the demands - reduce stressful body movements - pace of work and rest breaks - improve environmental conditions ## How do you eliminate the need for heavy manual materials handling? Consider using powered or mechanical handling systems if eliminating the tasks completely is not possible. Mechanical aids lower the risk of back injury by reducing the worker's physical effort required to handle heavy objects. Manual handling such as lifting and carrying can be easier and safer if mechanized by using lift tables, conveyors, yokes, or trucks. Gravity dumps and chutes can help in disposing of materials. However, it is essential that the worker is properly educated and trained in the safe use of the available equipment. ## How can we decrease the demands? Where possible, use mechanical aids. The next step is to decrease the manual material handling demands. There are several ways to achieve this: - Plan the workflow. Often poor planning of the workflow results in repeated handling of the same object (e.g., when articles are temporarily stored in one place, moved to another, stored again, and moved again). - Decrease the weight of handled objects to acceptable limits. - Reduce the weight by assigning two people to lift the load or by splitting the load into two or more containers. Using light containers may also decrease the weight of the load versus other containers. Back Injury Prevention CCOHS

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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING # Lifting and TALK Carrying Materials Back injuries are caused by lifting and carrying heavy materials, working in awkward positions, and bending often to lift materials off the ground. Construction has one of the highest rates of back injuries of any industry. ## Jeff's Story Jeff worked on a masonry crew at a construction site. Over the course of a day, Jeff and his crew moved 200 30-pound bags of concrete from the delivery location to the work area by hand because they thought it would take less time than finding a cart or forklift to do the job. His back began to bother him, but he wrote it off to just being part of the job. The next day the pain became so bad that he had to leave work and see his doctor. They told Jeff that he had damaged a disc in his lower back and could no longer do that kind of work. * Have you or someone you know ever had a back injury from lifting and carrying? If so, what happened? - How could the injury have been prevented? ## Remember This ➤ Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment like a dolly to move heavy objects horizontally. ➤ Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself. ➤ Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting. ➤While lifting, tuck in your chin to keep your neck straight, and keep your back as straight as possible. - Lift with the leg muscles, which can help protect your back. ➤ Ask for help with heavy or awkward objects. ➤ Avoid twisting your body while carrying an object. ➤ Coordinate and practice team lifting before using it for moving objects. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent being injured from lifting and carrying? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this documen…

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-PROTECT YOUR BACK (cont.) ## USING HAND TRUCKS (DOLLIES) AND CARTS • Push rather than pull. You can use your body weight to assist when pushing. • Keep the device close and lock your arms. Stay close to the load, and avoid leaning over and assuming awkward body positioning. • Use both hands. Carts are easier to push and control using both hands. • Use tie-downs, if necessary, to secure the load. ## RESOURCES Ergonomics Training & Tips (wa.gov) Lift height and risk of injury (wa.gov) Ergonomics Process (wa.gov) Get Help with Ergonomics (wa.gov) - Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) NIOSH Lifting Equation App: NLE Calc | NIOSH | CDC Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting (81-122) | NIOSH | CDC Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders | NIOSH | CDC Ergonomic Solution Brainstormer (adobeconnect.com)

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS Date Posted: 01/30/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly one-third of reportable injuries and 40% of fatalities in construction result from slips, trips, and falls nationally. These injuries result in 50% more days away from work than other injuries. Slips, trips, and falls are among the top three causes of work-related injury. A worker doesn't have to fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries; 136 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2020. However, each of these describes a slightly different kind of incident: • Slips happen when traction's lost between the bottom of your shoe and whatever you're stepping on. This can be caused by uneven terrains like wet ground, ice, or mud; wet or greasy surfaces; poor footwear; and other issues. In addition, slips are more likely to occur when a worker hurries or runs, wears the wrong footwear or ignores where they're walking. • A trip is when someone catches their foot against an object or uneven terrain, causing them to trip and fall. Poor lighting misplaced tools, debris like gravel or nails, and improper safety gear also cause tripping hazards. A fall is a much more severe injury where someone lands too hard on their feet, torso, or head and is knocked over. NOTE: CARRYING, PUSHING, OR PULLING ITEMS THAT ARE HEAVY OR AWKWARD CAN ALSO MAKE SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS MORE LIKELY. THESE ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN BALANCE AND THE AMOUNT OF TRACTION NEEDED WHERE THE FEET MEET THE GROUND. ## COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS - Slick spots or oily spots on walking surfaces • Clutter - Debris • Unsafe stairs or ladders • Improperly secured ladders or scaffolding parts • Improperly sloped walking surfaces • Loose or unsecured flooring • Ramps without skid or slip-resistant surfaces - Accessing/Egressing vehicles and equipment - Loose surfaces such as gravel or crushed rock • Weather-related hazards • Uncovered or unse…

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS (cont.) ## CONSTRUCTION AREAS AT HIGH RISK FOR SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS (cont.) • Material storage: All materials should be stored away from walkways, not block doors or exits. Be sure that items are not impeding the flow of people. Ensure that things are not stacked so high that they become hazardous. OSHA has requirements for particular types of materials and how they will be stored. ## HOW CAN SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS BE PREVENTED? • Maintain Good Housekeeping - Keep Walking and Working Areas Clear of Debris: Don't leave trip hazards in the work area. Keep your work area clear of debris on the ground, gravel, loose materials, and anything else that could cause someone to step wrong. Debris can be hazardous if it includes nails or other sharp objects. You may need to allocate time for cleaning up messy walking areas throughout the day. Outdoor surfaces should be kept clean and dry. They may be treated with sand, salt, and anti-skid adhesive when necessary. Indoor surfaces should be secured with non-slip floor mats that allow people to clean their shoes. Heavily treaded construction work boots and shoes can track in nails and other potential hazards. • Identify and Take Precautions for Wet and Slippery Conditions: During certain seasons, construction sites can be especially hazardous due to ice, snow, and other wet weather conditions. Clear walkways regularly-at least once every 12 hours during snowfall or icy conditions and periodically in dryer months if water is allowed to collect. Keep walkways and other surfaces as free of slippery materials like mud and precipitation as possible, and implement a "wet floor" signage policy where wet areas are restricted from access until made non-hazardous. • Use the Right Footwear: Using proper footwear is one of the most effective ways of preventing slips, trips, and falls onsite. Regarding work boots, stick to ones with slip-resistant soles, as these offer the best traction on smooth or…