Safety Matters

A janitorial helper was scrubbing the steps and floors with water and a cleaning product.  An observant worker realized that soon, dozens of people would be coming up these steps returning home after a long day.  This person then took the proper action to avert this potentially dangerous situation.  An unguarded wet floor is only one of the many causes that accounts for millions of injuries.  It is important to spot unsafe conditions which may lead to slips and falls and prevent them.

There are various ways to suffer slips and falls.  You can slip and lose your balance, you can trip over objects left improperly in your walkway, or you can simply fall from an elevated position to the ground.  To avoid slips and falls, be on the lookout for foreign substances on the floors.  Watch for deposits of water, food, grease, oil sawdust, soap or debris.  Even small quantities are enough to make you fall.

When entering a building from the outdoors or from debris areas, clean your shoes thoroughly.  Snowy and rainy weather requires a doormat at each entrance to allow for complete wiping of shoes.   Don’t go too fast, walk safely, and avoid changing directions to sharply.

Beware of tripping hazards.  Trash, unused materials, any objects left in the aisles or other areas designed for pedestrian traffic invites falls.  Extension cords, tools, carts, and other items should be removed or properly barricaded off.  If equipment or supplies are left in walkways remove it.  Keep passageways clean of debris by using trash barrels, but if you use them and miss, PICK IT UP!

Walk where you’re supposed to walk.  Short cuts through machine areas invite accidents.  Concentrate on where you are going – horseplay and inattention leaves you vulnerable to unsafe conditions.  Hold on to handrails when using stairs or ramps.  They are there to protect you should a fall occur.  If you’re carrying a heavy load that hampers your ability to properly ascend or descend stairs, use the elevators, or find help!

The worst falls are from elevated positions like ladders and scaffolding.  They result in serious injuries and death.  Learn and practice ladder safety and the proper use of scaffolding.  When climbing, use a ladder of proper length that is in good condition.  Keep it placed on a firm surface.  Do not climb a ladder placed on machinery, crates, stock or boxes.  Keep the ladder’s base one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height.  Don’t over-reach.  Always have control of your balance when working from a ladder.  Never climb a ladder with your hands full, and always carry tools in proper carrying devices.

When using a scaffold, be sure it is properly assembled according to the manufacturer’s specifications.  Check carefully for defects.  Standing and working planks should be level and clean.  Use toe boards to prevent tools from falling and workers from slipping.  Work only with people who practice scaffold safety.

Slips and falls occur every day.  The extent of injuries and their recurrence can be minimized through proper safety knowledge and attitudes.  Practice safety…don’t learn it through “Accidental Experience”.

August 2007

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