Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls:

Everyone should have a program addressing this issue, it is estimated that almost 20,000 fatalities occur each year due to trips, slips, and falls. Although the majority of these happen in sawmill, woodworking and logging industries, this can affect all businesses of any size.

Develop programs to identify hazards and develop training and corrective actions.

What to look for;

When slips occur it is generally due to lack of friction between the floor and the persons feet. Spill of any liquids, oils or fuels are the most common however saw dust or dirty floors can contribute also.

Clean up all spills at once. Develop good housekeeping rules. Consider re-routing foot traffic in areas hard to keep clean.

Trips occur when an employee walks into an object in the walkway. When thrown off balance they could fall. Trips can be avoided by simply keeping walkways free of debris, fixing any poor lighting around walkways and stairways, and putting up tools and inventory when not needed.

Trips and Slips usually result in a FALL. Falls are also the result of improper use of ladders, climbing over equipment, or failure to use fall protection equipment when working above the ground. Even climbing in or out of a company vehicle carelessly can cause injury.

Always use the proper fall containment equipment when necessary.

Keep all work areas clean and free of debris and tools.

For more information please call 866-362-2691 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.westernfirstaid.com