Why talk about slips, trips and falls?

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1 Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls Tom McHenry August 20, 2015 Why talk about slips, trips and falls? 1

2 Slip, Trip and Fall Factoids 65% of all lost workdays are due to slip and fall accidents, resulting in 95 million lost workdays (Liberty Mutual) 22% of slip and fall accidents resulted in more than 31 days away from work (BLS) Falls on the same level are the second leading cause of all workplace injuries (BLS) Slip, Trip and Fall Factoids Slips and falls are the number one cause of death in the workplace (BLS) Compensation and medical costs associated with employee slips and falls total approximately $70 billion annually (NSC) Also a significant General Liability exposure if you have vendors, customers or invitees on your sites; (Control two exposures at the same time!) 2

3 Objectives Review the standards that govern slips, trips and falls Define slips, trips, and falls Learn the components of a slip, trip and fall program Understand contributing factors to a slip, trip and fall Discuss prevention solutions for slips, trips and falls OSHA Standards for Slips, Trips and Falls 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D covers Walking-Working Surfaces for general industry: 29 CFR General requirements specifies that: all areas of employment should be kept clean and sanitary 29 CFR (a)(3) "Sanitation" further specifies that: the floor of every workroom shall remain as dry as practical 29 CFR Guarding floor and wall openings and holes states that: every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by a standard railing constructed in accordance with paragraph (e) of

ANSI Standard The ANSI Standard for the Provision for the Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surfaces (ANSI A1264.

4 ANSI Standard The ANSI Standard for the Provision for the Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surfaces (ANSI A ) applies to industrial and workplace situations: Consideration shall be given to the slip resistance of footwear to maximize traction Mats and runners shall be used in areas where individuals may encounter slippery contaminants or foreign materials on the floor surface A housekeeping program, including appropriate cleaning, maintenance, and employee training Warnings shall be provided where slip/fall hazard has been identified Slips Slip: Loss of balance caused by too little friction between a person s foot and a walking surface Common causes: Wet or oily surfaces Occasional spills Weather hazards Loose, unanchored rugs or mats Flooring or other walking surfaces that are worn 4

5 Trips Trip: Hit an object, and lose your balance Common causes: Obstructed view Poor lighting Clutter in your way Carpet hazards Uncovered cables Drawers not being closed Uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces Note: As little as 3/8 rise in a Walkway can cause someone to stub his/her toe and fall. Falls Fall: When you lose your balance and drop to the floor There are 3 types of falls: Falls on the same level Slip or trip immediately precedes fall to floor or walkway Falls to lower level Falls are from platforms, docks, ladders, steps or stairs Jumps to lower level An intentional jump from one level to another Employee jumps off ladder, dock, equipment 5

foot slides forward Loss of right heel traction R Heel Strike Source: Vector Scientific L

6 Center of Gravity R foot slides forward Loss of right heel traction R Heel Strike Source: Vector Scientific Center of Gravity CG falls and slip dynamics induce rearward rotation R foot slides forward Loss of right heel traction R Heel Strike Source: Vector Scientific L foot/leg cannot provide sufficient stability R foot continues to slide forward Loss of Balance 6

7 Center of Gravity CG falls and slip dynamics induce rearward rotation Resulting in posterior and or lateral contact and resulting trauma (e.g. buttocks, hips, spine, head) R foot slides forward Loss of right heel traction R Heel Strike Source: Vector Scientific L foot/leg cannot provide sufficient stability R foot continues to slide forward Loss of Balance Fall Back and/or to Side 7

8 Slips Coefficient of Friction (COF) The amount of friction between the shoe and the walking surface Icy surface with leather shoes.5 Good traction 1.0 Brushed concrete with rubber heel One Part Floor and One Part Shoe Note: Although people walk differently, a consistent coefficient of friction of between.25 and.3 is desirable. Longer strides require a higher coefficient of friction. (Control running!) 8

Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, 2007.

9 One Part Floor and One Part Shoe Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, Floor Auditing Benefits Verifies compliance with industry standards Demonstrates proper floor maintenance procedures Strengthens legal defense Reduces slip-and-fall risk by identifying high-risk areas Source: National Floor Safety Institute 9

10 Transitions Curbs with Little Contrast 10

11 Steps and Curbs with Visual Contrast Stair Fall Causes Stairway design and construction One or two steps Lack of handrails Handrail at wrong heights Improper tread / riser dimensions or variation Slippery tread surface material 11

12 Components of a Fall Management Process Loss control/ prevention strategies Management responsibility Housekeeping and maintenance Floor surface selection and treatment Management responsibility Set accountabilities and responsibilities for supervisors and managers Develop and enforce policies for footwear, floor surface selection and floor housekeeping and maintenance Require staff training in fall prevention best practices Review hazard surveillance and accident data for trends and problem areas 12

selection and treatment Floor and Stair Surfaces When choosing materials:

Will the area have heavy traffic? Is it normally a wet environment?

13 Components of a Fall Management Process Loss control/ prevention strategies Management responsibility Housekeeping and maintenance Floor surface selection and treatment Floor and Stair Surfaces When choosing materials: What kinds of spills are likely? What are the sanitary requirements? Will the area have heavy traffic? Is it normally a wet environment? Are aesthetic effects a concern? Where will the floor be installed e.g. is it an entrance? Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30,

Unsealed Brushed Concrete Quarry Tile with

or sheets Terrazzo Diamond Plate Hardwood

Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce:

Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference

Horizontal Pull Slipmeter The Horizontal

instrument designed to provide information

between walkway surfaces and a test foot

14 Performance Excellent to good slip-resistance, both wet and dry. Unsealed Brushed Concrete Quarry Tile with embedded grit Textured glazed ceramic tile with raised points Carpeting Good slip resistance dry, fair wet. Textured Porcelain Pavers Quarry Tile without embedded grit Textured rubber tiles or sheets Terrazzo Diamond Plate Hardwood Floors Vinyl Composition tile (also glazed ceramic or porcelain) Good to fair slip resistance dry, poor wet. Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, Horizontal Pull Slipmeter The Horizontal Pull Slipmeter is a laboratory and field instrument designed to provide information about the slip index characteristics between walkway surfaces and a test foot material under both wet and dry conditions. Static COF is a measurement of the force required to move a stationary object into motion 14

Horizontal Pull Slipmeter Most newer models can be used on ramps and in wet and dry conditions Best practice: Take several measurements in test area to determine average COF Document tests and

15 Horizontal Pull Slipmeter Most newer models can be used on ramps and in wet and dry conditions Best practice: Take several measurements in test area to determine average COF Document tests and testing procedures Ensure testers follow uniform corporate methodology ASTM F provides detailed information on use and procedures Measurement Devices The Binary Output Tribometer or BOT-3000 is a portable robotic device for both laboratory and on-site testing of dry and wet static and dynamic coefficient of friction. Dynamic COF is a measurement of the resistance generated from a moving object coming into contact with an object at rest 15

16 Guidelines for Coefficient of Friction American National Standards Institute:.60 or greater = excellent friction.50 or greater = adequate.40 caution is necessary Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Static COF of.5 for both wet and dry conditions Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).6 static COF on flat wet or dry surfaces.8 static COF for any inclined or ramp areas Coefficient of Friction of Floors 16

Components of a Fall Management Process Loss control/ prevention strategies Management responsibility Housekeeping and maintenance Floor surface selection and treatment Housekeeping and Maintenance

17 Components of a Fall Management Process Loss control/ prevention strategies Management responsibility Housekeeping and maintenance Floor surface selection and treatment Housekeeping and Maintenance Entrance Floor Mats Benefits Traps moisture and debris Scrapes and absorbs moisture, snow, sand from footwear Reduces floor maintenance costs by protecting the floor surface and finish Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30,

Housekeeping and Maintenance Entrance Floor Mats Sufficient running length and width Snow: 10 12

create additional fall hazard Rule of thumb: Should not be able to see footprints after stepping off

Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, 2007.

18 Housekeeping and Maintenance Entrance Floor Mats Sufficient running length and width Snow: walking steps Rain: 8 10 walking steps Dry: 6 8 walking steps Designed and placed so as not to create additional fall hazard Rule of thumb: Should not be able to see footprints after stepping off mat (wet) Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, Floor Treatments Chemical etching Ceramic tile, quarry tile, concrete Waxes, polishes Limitations of COF data offered by manufacturers Durability an issue Abrasive paints Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30,

Housekeeping and Maintenance Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, 2007.

19 Housekeeping and Maintenance Source: Maynard, W.S., The Aging Workforce: Implications For Managing Slips, Trips and Falls, The Eastern Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, NYC, May 30, Components of a Fall Management Process Loss control/ prevention strategies Management responsibility Housekeeping and maintenance Floor surface selection and treatment 19

Loss Prevention Strategies Three-step Loss

that slip & fall accidents typically occur

20 Loss Prevention Strategies Three-step Loss Prevention Program 1. Identify the risks 2. Implement procedures 3. Document your procedures Loss Prevention Strategies Step 1: Identify the Risks Inspect your premises: Statistics show that slip & fall accidents typically occur at: Walkways Staircases Parking lots Ramps Balconies Entranceways 20

Indoor: Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect your

uneven flooring, deterioration, or sagging Carpets

Premises Poorly illuminated stairway Irregular steps

21 Indoor: Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect your Premises Surfaces may be irregular due to age, broken uneven flooring, deterioration, or sagging Carpets often are not properly secured Terrazzo becomes very slippery when wet! Staircases: Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect Your Premises Poorly illuminated stairway Irregular steps Damaged or slippery step Lack of intermediate landings Doors swinging into path of individuals using stairways 21

Outdoor: Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect

due to age, deterioration, settling, weather

Strategies Inspect Your Premises Parking

occur in parking lots Building codes don t

22 Outdoor: Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect Your Premises Surfaces that may be cracked due to age, deterioration, settling, weather damage Poor illumination Loss Prevention Strategies Inspect Your Premises Parking Lots: A high percentage of slip and falls occur in parking lots Building codes don t properly address them Quality and maintenance vary widely 22

Loss Prevention Strategies Parking lot loss prevention

Ensure adequate lighting Provide a paved surface, free of

Strategies Ramps: Wheelchair ramps are required to: Have

23 Loss Prevention Strategies Parking lot loss prevention techniques: Establish safe, wellmarked pedestrian routes Ensure adequate lighting Provide a paved surface, free of pot-holes, cracks and irregularities Loss Prevention Strategies Ramps: Wheelchair ramps are required to: Have non-slip surfaces Have handrails and railings Be kept clear of snow, ice and debris 23

2: Implement Training Procedures Staff training should also include: How to warn of hazards when they can t fix them promptly

24 Loss Prevention Strategies Step 2: Implement Training Procedures Staff training should include: How to identify hazards How to fix hazards promptly when they can What the effects of slip and fall claims are to the company Loss Prevention Strategies Step 2: Implement Training Procedures Staff training should also include: How to warn of hazards when they can t fix them promptly Placing signs such as Caution: Wet Floor in front of spills, newly washed floors, wet entryways, etc. Blocking off hazardous areas 24

Loss Prevention Strategies Step 3: Documenting Your Procedures Documenting your procedures Documenting your inspection and maintenance procedures will

Strategies Step 3: Documenting Your Procedures To reduce your risk, Best-Practices include: Inspection logs to record who is responsible and when the

25 Loss Prevention Strategies Step 3: Documenting Your Procedures Documenting your procedures Documenting your inspection and maintenance procedures will be powerful evidence that you took a reasonable standard of care to ensure your premises were kept safe for employees and visitors Loss Prevention Strategies Step 3: Documenting Your Procedures To reduce your risk, Best-Practices include: Inspection logs to record who is responsible and when the inspection was done Maintenance logs to track what repairs were made, hazards fixed Easy hazard report forms for employees to complete and give to supervisors 25

Description of the surroundings, including

26 Your Responsibilities & Risks After the Fall: Incident Reporting What information should be obtained? Complete an incident report Employee s/manager s response to the incident (i.e. actions taken) Description of the incident from employee s/other witnesses perspective Description of the surroundings, including weather conditions Circumstances preceding the accident Summary Traction / Friction Floor Choice Maintenance Inspect / Document 26

27 Patrice Antonio Risk and Safety Management Assistant New Mexico Mutual Phone: Thank You for Joining Us Have a Safe Day! 27

The Ups and Downs of Slip Trips and Falls 10/22/2014

The Ups and Downs of Slip Trips and Falls 10/22/2014 The Ups and Downs of Slips, Trips and Falls Creating a Prevention Strategy This webinar begins at 11 a.m., Eastern. You will not hear anything over your telephone line until the program starts. If the