On stairways alone, falls result in almost two million disabling injuries yearly. There are thousands more minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year. Most alarming of all is the fact that industrial falls cause over 1000 deaths each year. This week's Tail Gate Safety Topic discusses what can be done to prevent slips, trips and falls. Most of the suggestions in this article can be used on the job and at home.
Slips occur when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface.
Many factors can cause a slip. Ice, oil, water, cleaning fluids, and other slippery substances are probably the most obvious causes. To prevent slips, avoid walking in areas which pose slipping hazards if at all possible. Always promptly clean up spills of slippery substances. Better yet, prevent the spills in the first place.