Safework Practices
Slips Trips & Falls
Slips, trips and falls usually result in sprains and strains (also known as musculoskeletal disorders), as well as cuts, bruises, fractures and dislocations.
Slips occur when a person’s foot loses traction with the floor. The most common causes of slips are slippery floor surfaces (e.g. highly polished, wet or greasy) and inappropriate footwear.
Tripping occurs when a person is walking and one of their feet “catches” unexpectedly on an object. Most of the time, the objects that people trip on are small and unobtrusive such as cracks in the floor, changes in floor levels and electrical leads. However trips are also common in fast-paced work, especially in crowded conditions as well as in poorly lit areas.
Falls can result from slips or trips, but many occur during falls from low heights such as steps, stairs and curbs.
Many slips, trips and falls can easily be prevented, and most solutions cost very little.
Slips, trips & falls incidents at Swinburne University accounted for over one quarter of all incidents reported in 2008. Falls at Swinburne in 2008 resulted in 53 incident hazard reports, 38 injuries, six WorkCover claims and over 100 productive work days lost.
It should also be noted that the above figures do not include injuries sustained through falls to students and visitors to Swinburne which are covered under Swinburne’s public liability insurance or minor claims which have not exceeded employer threshold.
All staff and students are encouraged to take care when at work and to be alert to potential slip & trip hazards. If you see a potential for a slip, trip & fall, or experience a ‘near-miss’ (you nearly fell but didn’t) report it to your line manager immediately using the Incident Hazard Report Form. If there is an immediate threat – contact the closest manager and take action straight away.
Many slips, trips & falls are commonly perceived as ‘accidents’, for which there are no preventative actions. However, when the circumstances surrounding a fall are investigated, contributing factors are usually identified. The contributing factors or ‘hazards’ can then be eliminated or managed to prevent a repeat.
Slips, trips and falls can often be controlled with simple steps such as:
- Hazards such as water on the floor can be managed by absorbent mats at the entrance to the building
- Warning signs marking spills and wet areas
- Cleaning all spills immediately
- Mopping or sweeping debris from floors
- Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter
- Securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
- Always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
- Covering cables that cross walkways
- Keeping working areas and walkways well lit
- Replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches
Swinburne’s OHS worksite inspection program is an effective way of monitoring slip, trip & fall hazards. However the monitoring of this type of hazard should not be limited to half yearly inspections. Managers have a responsibility to monitor any risks to health & safety; best practice is to incorporate the monitoring of hazards into usual business operations.
Simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls at Swinburne:
When walking around the campus
- Take your time and avoid rushing
- Avoid holding items which impede vision when walking
- Do not text on a mobile phone while walking
- When using stairs
- Use the handrail from start to finish
- Avoid carrying loads on stairways or only carry loads that you can see over
- Keep your eyes on where you're going and descend stairs slowly to keep your balance and identify tripping hazards.
- Test potentially slippery stairs by tapping them with your foot.
In wet weather
- Plan your route to avoid negotiating large pools of water
- Be prepared for surfaces to be more slippery
Wear appropriate footwear for the conditions
- A slip resistant sole material
- A good tread pattern
- A rounded heel edge with good area of contact (avoid raised heels with small contact area)