A SAFER Method for Avoiding Slips & Trips
Slips, Trips and Falls (STaFs) continue to be amongst the most common causes of injury at work. 32% of all non-fatal injuries are caused by slipping, tripping or falling (on the same level). Regardless of your activity, specialisation, or location, anyone can succumb to slipping, transgress by tripping or fall foul of falling over.
Here are 5 SAFER tips for staying upright at work:
S: Shoes. Selection of appropriate footwear is essential. Suitable shoes (PPE) should be: clean, especially the sole – check the grip is not fouled by mud or mess, and be of the right material to ensure adequate grip on your specific surface; provide a comfortable and ergonomic fit that is not too loose.
A: Access. Control the access to the working area. Restrict, or limit, the amount of people who have access to the area – including workers – where practical. Control the area with timed operation, signs, or barriers if necessary.
F: Floor. Check all floor conditions. Check for: Contamination – minimise substances used on the floor & clean spills immediately – use spill kits if necessary. Obstruction: remove items where possible; mark, or be aware of items or features that cannot be moved. Construction: mitigate defaults to the working surface – look for slopping/worn/damaged flooring, etc. Distribution: show caution & give care when laying equipment or leaving tools in the working area.
E: Environment. Ensure the working environment has adequate lighting and appropriate temperature. Check if environmental conditions increase hazards – icy/wet/windy conditions/busy pedestrian flow. Watch out for slippery man-hole covers, tarmac-banding, pot-holes, loose or uneven paving slabs, etc.
R: React. React to any hazardous situation that arises immediately. Remain alert and respond to dangerous situations throughout the working period. Remove spills, tidy clutter, stop dangerous activities; Review safe practices and recommended methods regularly; Report near misses and dangerous occurrences.
THE RAM SPEAKS
“RAMs assess the potential harm of STaFs by highlighting the risk of sprains, strains, fractures, or ligament damage. Never underestimate what is under your feet!”
CHECK YOUR:
Footwear – suitable
Flow – movement around site is clear
Floors – keep clean, clear & be aware
Fix – move, tidy, clean: fix issues as they arise
“The 4Fs of falling over!”
When is a fall not a fall? The difference between “falling from height” & “falling over” (by tripping or slipping) is not decided by distance but by level. If you fall from one level and land on the same level – or equal surface – it is a STaF. If you fall down to another level – one below you – it is a FFH. (Before you ask: falling down stairs is considered a ST&F!)
Call: 07878 126 442