Safety Vault Information Service This information is furnished with the understanding that AMG, LLC is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Changes in the law may render this information invalid. Legal advice or other expert assistance should be obtained before acting upon any Safety Vault information.

SLIP, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Slips, trips, and falls do happen, usually only causing embarrassment or a simple bruise. However, at times these mishaps result in much more serious injuries or even death. Falls are among the leading causes of death in the workplace.

To ensure the safety and welfare of your employees, we recommend you take use the following tips to inspect your operation, make any adjustments as necessary, and share them with your employees..

• Be aware of surroundings. Never assume a walkway is clear. Look for clutter on the floor or steps and watch for unexpected changes in floor levels, such as a step up or a step down. Also check for holes and grates in a pathway.

• Maintain adequate lighting in hallways, stairways, work aisles and any other traffic areas, and make sure it is bright enough to see.

• Do not leave tools, equipment or other materials on the floor and do not obstruct marked traffic aisles and walkways in the work place.

• When carrying materials or objects, make sure the view is not obstructed. Better to make two trips rather than a trip to the emergency room!

• Clean up spilled liquid on the floor immediately and watch for signs regarding wet floors.

• Do not leave anything on stairs, even for a minute.

• Watch for loose floor tiles, loose or torn carpeting, rugs turned up or slick floors.

• Do not urn extension cords, cables or hoses across walkways.

• Close drawers in filing cabinets, desks and other furniture, as someone could trip over these obstacles.

• Wear the appropriate shoes for the surface where you work and keep shoelaces tied.

• Remember that baggy, flared or excessively long pants and dresses can cause tripping.

• Slow down and do not run . Many falls occur when people walk too fast or are in a hurry.

• Finally, sty alert! When tired or distracted, the likelihood for any type of accident is greater.

In the workplace, when encountering a slip, trip or fall hazard, take corrective action immediately!