Walking surfaces that are wet, snow covered, or icy — or surfaces that have some type of loose, dry contaminant such as dirt, sawdust, metal shavings or sand on them — can contribute to slip and fall injuries.
What is the most common cause of injuries on walking-working surfaces?
Loss of traction
Slips are a loss of balance cause by too little friction between your feet and the surface you walk or work on. Loss of traction is the leading cause of workplace slips.
Which surface is safe to walk on?
Highly polished floors, including concrete, marble, and ceramic tile, can be slick even when dry. Freshly waxed floors may look nice, but the wax coating can reduce friction enough to make it hazardous surface. Workers should also be extra cautious when transitioning from one flooring surface to another.
Is a ladder a walking-working surface?
The rule applies to all general industry workplaces and covers all walking-working surfaces, which include horizontal and vertical surfaces such as floors, stairs, roofs, ladders, ramps, scaffolds, elevated walkways, and use of fall protection systems.
What are the three main reasons for slips trips and falls?
Common causes of slips are:
- wet or oily surfaces.
- occasional spills.
- weather hazards.
- loose, unanchored rugs or mats.
- flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas.
Which of the following can arise from poor housekeeping?
Poor housekeeping can be a cause of incidents, such as: tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms. being hit by falling objects. slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces.
Which OSHA standard covers fall protection?
The 6-foot rule. Subpart M requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level.
What should you do if you Cannot avoid a slick area?
If you cannot avoid walking on a wet surface, follow these tips to avoid slipping and falling:
- Slow down!
- Take small steps to keep your balance centered.
- Walk with your feet pointed slightly outward to form a stable base.
- Make wide turns at corners.
- Use handrails if present.
What can cause hazards of walking and working surfaces?
Site Safety
- Loose boards.
- Uneven floors.
- Extension cords or other cables.
- Leaks and spills.
- Protruding objects such as nails.
- Holes.
- Trash, boxes or containers.
- Loose mats or rugs.
When walking on a smooth floor you may slip or slide Why?
Explanation: When you walk on a smooth floor you may slip or slide because the floor are smooth.
What are the main causes of slips, trips, and falls?
- Uneven floor surfaces.
- Unsuitable floor coverings.
- Wet/slippery floors.
- Changes in levels.
- Trailing cables.
- Poor lighting.
- Poor housekeeping.
Here is a brief list of some of the common hazards seen frequently in working areas:
- Cords lying on the ground or other walking areas.
- Water, oil, lubricants or other liquids spilled on the ground or on elevated areas at the site.
- Materials (pallets, boxes, etc.)
- Materials stored near ladders or in machine traffic areas.
What do you need to know about walking and working surfaces?
If mechanical handling equipment is used, ensure there is enough room in the aisle or passageway for employees to walk and for emergency egress. Clearly mark permanent aisles and passageways in machinery and equipment rooms.
What can be done to prevent falls on walking surfaces?
Most of these types of accidents can be prevented with improved housekeeping, appropriate guardrails, maintenance of walking surfaces, and remaining alert to the work surroundings. Select activities must add a fall protection system such as cable and harness.
Can a person walk into a floor hole?
For stairway openings, standard railings shall be provided on all exposed sides except at the stairway entrance. Where a person can accidentally walk into a floor hole, it shall be guarded by either a standard railing with toe board, or a floor hole cover of standard strength and construction.
What do you need to know about workplace safety?
Clearly mark permanent aisles and passageways in machinery and equipment rooms. For example, paint or tape markings on floors. Protect employees from hazards of open pits, tanks, ditches, and vats by using covers and/or guardrails.
