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Safety Tips: Avoiding Slips, Trips & Falls

June, 2006

Slipping, tripping and/or falling are the most common of all accidents that happen in and around the office. Each year thousands of people are injured as a result of these types of incidents.

In our own extension system, we currently have eight outstanding workmen’s compensation claims. Within these claims, three of these involve falls or trips.

Following is some of the most common causes of slips, trips and falls. If we take a close look at these and remain focused as we are working in these areas, it will help to reduce these incidents and allow you to remain injury free.

COMMON CAUSES OF OFFICE FALLS

  • Tripping over open file drawers or desk drawers.
  • Tripping over electrical cords or wires.
  • Using a chair or stacks of boxes for a ladder.
  • Slipping on wet floors.
  • Tripping over loose carpeting, loose floor tiles or broken concrete or asphalt pieces.
  • Tripping over stored objects in hallways or tripping because of inadequate lighting.

All of these types of slip, trip or fall hazards are preventable with al little focus and organization.

TIPS FOR SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL PREVENTION

  • Close open desks or file drawers, even though you didn’t open them.
  • Keep pathways and walkways open and unobstructed.
  • Avoid excessive bending, twisting and leaning backwards when seated.
  • Keep electrical cords out of walkways, if they are necessary, then purchase strip covers. Strip covers are far less expensive than getting someone hurt and possibly experiencing lost days of work.
  • Use a stepladder instead of a chair or a stack of boxes.
  • Clean up spills and purchase a “wet floor” sign to flag these areas or get mats for the entrances.
  • Report damaged flooring, carpeting or tiles.
  • Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Avoid carrying loads that block your vision.

TIPS FOR EXTERIOR PROTECTION

  • Well illuminated parking areas and walkways.
  • Unobstructed aisles and walkways.
  • Staircases in good repair, with non-slip protection, sturdy handrails and no broken steps.
  • Sidewalks and entryways are level with no broken and uneven sections and remain free of debris.
  • Good water drainage in parking and walkways which will prohibit standing water.
  • Make sure that the parking area is in good repair.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility! How many times have you heard that statement. As a team, we should look out for each other’s welfare while at work. If everyone is healthy and productive, the entire work situation is easier, because everyone is working together.

I would suggest that as we are walking or working around our facilities, that we look at the various factors that I have discussed above. If we all do a little, then we can all be safer and get home at night in one piece.

SAFETY INFRACTIONS CAN START CHAIN REACTIONS !
~~GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MEANS SAFEKEEPING~~

Excerpts: www.statefarm.com, www.slosipe.org

Ted Gordon is the Risk Management/Loss Control Manager for the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. His office is located in the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, in Verona, MS. His telephone number is 662-566-2201.

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