What happens during a fall? A person loses their balance and the body unintentionally moves from an upright position to a prone, or semi-prone position. The free-fall velocity at impact when falling 12 feet is nearly 20 M.P.H. and the person hits the ground in less than one second from this distance.
If you stop and think about it, we often take risks in inclement weather trying to avoid a hazard or discomfort and as a result create a greater hazard for ourselves. Have you ever noticed how we tend to be unsafe in the most unsafe environments? When it is raining, we run to not get wet. When it is cold & icy, we run to stay warm. When there is a hazard in our path, we step on, climb on, or jump over it. Take the time to consider your environment. These are a few things we should do according to the National Safety Council.
Parking lots are known for causing many slips, trips and falls. Restrooms frequently have water and other debris on the floor. Use caution & observe parking lots and sidewalks for cracks, separation, potholes, oily spots. Use extra caution during inclement weather. Report wet floors or leaking fixtures in restrooms.
Slips, trips and falls standards are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, under the heading “Subpart D” or 29 CFR 1910.22.30. It covers cause and prevention of slip, trips and fall injuries. Housekeeping, ladder safety, floor openings and stairways are included in Subpart D.
Subpart D covers terrain indoors and out. Universal to all companies, employees are exposed to slip, trip and fall hazards daily. Workers unload trucks on wet surfaces and employees use icy stairways in winter. This requires everyone to be aware of all potential hazards, even seasonal or geographic.
Educate your employees annually on workplace safety topics. It is your responsibility as an employer to ensure your employees are safe daily while executing their job site tasks. Do you have a Walking-Working Surfaces program in place for your workplace? Call Amerisafe Group's Training Center. We can customize your safety training to meet your company-specific needs.