Slip, Trip and Falls
How do falls happen?
Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on “falls on the same level” (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in other documents since each type of fall must be assessed as part of a fall prevention program.
Slips
Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:
- wet or oily surfaces
- occasional spills
- weather hazards
- loose, unanchored rugs or mats
- flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas
Trips
Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:
- obstructed view
- poor lighting
- clutter in your way
- wrinkled carpeting
- uncovered cables
- bottom drawers not being closed
- uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces
How to prevent falls due to slips and trips?
Both slips and trips result from unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This fact shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall incidents.
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
- cleaning all spills immediately
- marking spills and wet areas
- mopping or sweeping debris from floors
- removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways 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
Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.
For more information about effective housekeeping, visit the OSH Answers document on Workplace Housekeeping – Basic Guide.
Flooring
Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.
Footwear
In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers is highly recommended.
Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. For more information on footwear visit the OSH Answers document on Safety Footwear.
What can you do to avoid falling at work?
You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:
- taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
- adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
- walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
- making wide turns at corners
You can reduce the risk of tripping by:
- keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions
- keeping flooring in good condition
- always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
- using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
- making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
What are some common auto accident injuries that you treat?
How does chiropractic care address auto accident injuries?
What if I’m just experiencing minor pain?
Should I go to the emergency room?
What are some common auto accident injuries that you treat?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries we see at our clinic. This type of injury occurs when the soft tissues that surround the spine get damaged. The two most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain and stiffness. These often don’t occur until a day or two after the accident.
Herniated and slipped discs also often occur as a result of auto accidents. With this type of injury, one or more of the fluid-filled discs located between the vertebrae become forced out of place due to the impact of the accident.
How does chiropractic care address auto accident injuries?
Chiropractic care is an ideal way to address auto accident injuries such as whiplash and herniated/bulging discs. That’s because these chiropractic techniques are drug-free, non-invasive, and gentle.
What if I’m just experiencing minor pain?
Even if you feel that your pain isn’t severe, it’s a good idea to get a thorough chiropractic evaluation. Many musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash do not cause extreme pain right away. It may be several weeks before chronic pain arises. By coming in for a diagnostic exam as soon as possible after your accident we can ensure your injuries are fully diagnosed and managed.
Should I go to the emergency room?
By all means, if you feel you need to, are bleeding, or in severe pain, please go to the emergency room. We recommend visiting us after being checked out in the ER as it’s very common to miss misaligned spinal bones, which they likely won’t look for.
