osha trip hazards workplace

Posted on: February 22, 2023

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing Workplace Trip Hazards

When you think of a workplace accident, you probably think of something dramatic – an explosion or an amputation, for example.

But the second-most common cause of workplace injury is a trip or slip hazard that leads to a fall. And 20-30% of workplace falls result in a moderate or severe injury like deep bruising, broken bones, or concussions.

In fact, according to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls cause nearly 700 workplace fatalities per year – that's 15% of all workplace deaths.

The trouble is that the circumstances that lead to slips and trips tend to be spontaneous and changeable – they don't exist until suddenly they do. That means preventing slips, trips, and falls is an ongoing process that relies heavily on employees being able to recognize related hazards.

What Are OSHA's Trip Hazard Regulations?

OSHA's primary standard for slip, trip, and fall hazards is the General Industry Walking-Working Surface standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, which includes §1910.21-30).

Related Construction Industry standards are scattered throughout §1926, including Subparts C, L, M, and X. However, OSHA's 2017 slip, trip, and fall revisions aligned Construction standards with General Industry wherever possible.

Finally, some specific slip, trip, and fall OSHA regulations ensure a safe exit route from any workplace. After all, the last thing you want during an emergency evacuation is a bottleneck at the exit. These Means of Egress regulations are found under §1910.36-37.

Walking and Working Surfaces

Definitions related to slips, trips, and falls.

The temporary nature of an OSHA tripping hazard makes a clear set of definitions even more critical.

What is a Walking-Working Surface?

When you first see the name of OSHA's main trip and slip hazard, you may wonder what a "walking-working surface" is.

But it's just a surface you walk on…or work on. Walking-working surfaces include floors, aisles, stairs, platforms, and more.

Slips vs. Trips

Slips and trips can lead to falls, but there's a pretty clear distinction between the two.

A slip happens when there's insufficient traction between your foot and the walking-working surface, causing a sudden loss of balance.

A trip happens when your leg or foot comes into contact with a hazard (either an object or an uneven surface) that arrests the movement of your lower body while momentum carries your upper body forward.

What are the Two Types of Falls?

A fall happens when your center of gravity shifts unexpectedly, but for workplace safety purposes, falls are divided into two different categories: same-level falls and elevated falls.

An elevated fall is when someone falls from one level to another, like from a ladder, scaffold, building, or through an opening in the floor.

A same-level fall is when someone falls to the floor they're standing on or against a nearby object or wall.

What are Examples of Slipping and Tripping Hazards?

There are many factors that can contribute to the likelihood of a slip or trip. Many slip or trip hazards are substances or objects that make a walking-working surface dangerous, but footwear and environmental conditions also play a part.

Examples of Slip Hazards

Basically, anything that decreases the amount of friction between your foot and the walking surface increases the risk of slipping.

This includes:

Water, ice, snow, mud, grease, oil, food, or other wet products on smooth floors
Dust, powders, plastic wrapping, granules, or other dry products that are slippery on smooth floors
Freshly waxed surfaces
Highly polished surfaces that remain slick when dry (like concrete, marble, or ceramic)
Loose or irregular surfaces like gravel or unanchored flooring
Sloped walking surfaces without slip- or skid-resistance
Muddy terrain
Wet or dry leaves, pine needles, or plant debris
Shoes with inadequate traction
Soles that are wet, muddy, or greasy

As you can see, slip hazards can be found indoors or outdoors.

Workplace Trip Hazard Examples

Officially, OSHA's trip hazard height is a quarter inch. Any change in floor level that is ¼ inch or more constitutes a tripping hazard.

Examples of common tripping hazards include:

Uncovered hoses, cables, wires, or cords across walking surfaces
Obstacles or clutter on walking surfaces
Furniture drawers/door left open
Unmarked steps or ramps
Damaged or irregular steps
Rumpled carpets or mats (or curled edges)
Thresholds, gaps, and other irregularities in walking surfaces
Speed bumps and curb drops

Other factors can also contribute to the likelihood that you'll trip, including lack of coordination or an obstructed view of the walking surface. Many circumstances can contribute, including:

Being under the influence
Poor air quality
Poor lighting
Bulky loads
Poor vision

Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention

Some slip, trip, and fall prevention measures are permanent, including:

Adequate lighting
Slip-resistant surfaces in high-risk areas
Effective drainage, ventilation, and other methods to keep surfaces dry
Marking the edges of steps or elevation changes

Other methods for preventing slips, trips, and falls require ongoing participation from workers, including:

Proper footwear
Safe work practices
Frequent cleaning
Good housekeeping practices that keep walkways free of clutter
Noticing and marking slip or trip hazards

As a result, a lot of slip, trip, and fall prevention relies on the ability of your workforce to recognize slipping and tripping hazards, understand how to mitigate them, and know how to use safe work practices to minimize their risk.

Even though there's no formal OSHA requirement for Slip, Trip, and Fall training, workers need education and regular refreshers in OSHA trip hazards and regulations to accomplish all of this correctly.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your workforce fresh on this topic is to use online courses from an OSHA-authorized training provider like us. We have a Walking and Working Surface course that your employees can take at their own convenience and pace. Get started today!

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Don't get tripped up by OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard

Date posted: 05/08/2019.

OSHA's Walking-working surfaces standard, 29 CFR 1910.22 , addresses workplace hazards that cause slip, trip, and falls. The standard focuses on proactive safety management — meaning that OSHA expects employers to find and fix workplace hazards BEFORE they become an issue. OSHA says exposure to these types of hazards pose a "significant risk" of death or serious harm to workers.

The requirements under Subpart D, "Walking-Working Surfaces," provide employers with the flexibility to decide which fall protection method or system works best for the work operation. OSHA says that these multiple options, along with required inspections and training , will help employers prevent and eliminate walking-working surface hazards.

What is a walking-working surface?

They are surfaces like floors, aisles, stairs, ladders, roofs, platforms, dockboards, and more. When you identify walking-working surface hazards, they must be eliminated with proactive measures such as use of fall protection . Fall protection includes using: covers, designated areas, guardrails, handrails, personal fall protection systems, ladder safety systems, and safety nets.

The standard requires employers to conduct regular inspections to identify and mitigate slips, trips and fall hazards. Things to keep in mind while performing these inspections include:

Passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces must be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
Walking-working surfaces must have a proper load rating to safely support loads applied to it.
If a corrective action or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface.
False floors, platforms, and mats must be provided when wet processes are used.
Workroom floors must be kept clean and dry.
Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces must be corrected or repaired before an employee can use it again.
Employers must provide safe access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.
Protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice are not allowed on walking-working surfaces.
Only a qualified person can repair structural integrity issues on a walking-working surface.

How Safety Management Suite Can Help

Many OSHA standards require your employer to provide training to workers, including this standard. Training should occur initially at new hire orientation and thereafter on an ongoing basis. Walking-working surfaces training topics include: hazard identification, fall protection use, ladder safety, scaffold-user safety, and stairway requirements.

In addition to your site-specific training, you can find classroom training materials in the J. J. Keller® SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE . The training feature offers online training courses in English and Spanish to enhance or jump start your site-specific training. You can also use the Workplace Inspections in SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE to customize your walking-working surface inspections.

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What You Need to Know About OSHA Slips, Trips, and Falls Regulations

John c. merlino, esq..

November 2, 2022
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Slips, trips, and falls are the most common injuries in the construction industry. The nature of construction work makes industry workplaces unsafe for workers, even when wearing protective equipment and following all protection requirements. The construction industry accounted for approximately 20.5% of all worker deaths on-the-job in 2020.

Below, an experienced construction accident attorney in New York City from William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C., describes OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) definitions of slips, trips, and falls. Learn more about OSHA slips, trips, and falls regulation, statistics, and prevention.

Definition of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips and trips both have unique definitions, but both accidents can lead to a fall. Falls can occur on level ground or from an elevated stair, step, or platform. OSHA defines each term as the following:

Slips. The loss of balance due to lack of friction between your foot and walking-working surfaces. Wet surfaces are the primary cause of slips, and friction-reducing substances include water, ice, oil, or improper shoe soles for the environment.
Trips. The loss of balance caused by your foot striking an object while your walking momentum carries you forward, sometimes leading to a fall.
Falls. As results of a slip or trip, falls account for the most workplace deaths than any other cause of injury.

OSHA training offers prevention methods for each of these injuries and their causes, including using the appropriate protective equipment, maintaining walking-working surfaces, and regularly holding safety training for workers on-site. You can find OSHA’s guidelines contained in the 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces section of the Code of Federal Regulation .

Preventing Slips

Slips are often the result of wearing the wrong shoes or stepping on a wet surface. Remember that you can help prevent slips in the workplace by:

Cleaning up or reporting spills immediately
Cleaning up and disposing of oil and greasy films or residues appropriately
Safely walking with short steps and toes turned slightly out
Walking cautiously on smooth surfaces, wrinkled carpets, or uneven surfaces

Preventing Trips

Trips are often the result of obstructed views or improper equipment storage. You can help reduce the risk of trips in the workplace by:

Using a team lift for bulky objects that could obstruct your view of your surroundings
Storing equipment out of the way of walkways and paths
Remove debris from work sites and use appropriate barricades to block off hazards
Keep walking areas well-lit so workers can see potential hazards
Alert the appropriate site managers to trip hazards

Preventing Falls

Falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities and include same-level and elevated falls. Slips and trips can both lead to fall injuries. You can reduce instances of falling at your job site by:

Always using the appropriate stairs or ramps to change levels
Never jumping from a platform, loading area, or ladder
Keeping walkways clear of debris and well-lit
Wearing the appropriate non-slip work shoes
Wearing the appropriate safety harnesses and using protective equipment when working at elevation
Covering work bays or pits when not in use
Barricading large holes to prevent falls

What Are Some Common Construction Injury Slip, Trip, and Fall Risks?

The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to OSHA slips, trips, and falls regulation infractions that lead to injuries at job sites. Construction includes several high-risk jobs, including general contracting, roofing, bricklaying, excavation, demolition, cement pouring, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

Construction work sites tend to be rife with hazards, especially as population booms increase the demand for new homes and more commercial centers. In the rush to construct new communities, developers often overlook safety as a hurdle to meeting certain deadlines.

Common risks in the construction industry include:

Failing to install fall protection measures or use safety harnesses when working at elevated heights or near pits
Trip hazards from equipment and materials being left around the job site
Infrequent training on OSHA slip, trips, and falls regulations for workers on site
Failing to ensure workers understand the chain of command to report hazards
Failing to guard risk areas to prevent entry near the hazard

Employers are supposed to remove hazards or protect workers from potential injuries at the job site according to OSHA regulations . They are also supposed to install and teach supervisors how to use fall protection measures such as safety nets, safety harnesses, or guard rails to prevent falls and fall injuries.

Top Ten OSHA Frequently Cited Standards in Fiscal Year 2021

Between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, OSHA inspected 24,333 job sites . OSHA can only visit so many job sites each year to inspect for infractions and make citations. 4,955 of the 24,333 OSHA inspections came from complaints against an employer. Inspectors across the country cited thousands of infractions, including these top 10 most frequently cited standards :

Fall Protection, construction ( 29 CFR 1926.501 )
Respiratory Protection, general industry ( 29 CFR 1910.134 )
Ladders, construction ( 29 CFR 1926.1053 )
Hazard Communication, general industry ( 29 CFR 1910.1200 )
Scaffolding, construction ( 29 CFR 1926.451 )
Fall Protection Training, construction ( 29 CFR 1926.503 )
Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout), general industry ( 29 CFR 1910.147 )
Eye and Face Protection, construction ( 29 CFR 1926.102 )
Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry ( 29 CFR 1910.178 )
Machinery and Machine Guarding, general industry ( 29 CFR 1910.212 )

Five of the top ten citations are in construction, including infractions for fall protection, ladder safety, scaffolding protection, fall protection training, and eye and face protective equipment. Other infractions include general industry category citations that could affect construction workers, such as respiratory protection, hazard communication, and powered industrial trucks.

OSHA Slip, Trips, and Falls Regulation and Codes

In 2017, OSHA updated the standards for fall protection and training in construction (29 CFR 1926) with guidance from the general industry (29 CFR 1910) standards already in place. Key OSHA slips, trips, and falls regulation derives from standards for both industries.

29 CFR 1926 (Construction)

29 CFR 1926 deals with construction industry regulations , including fall protection and scaffolding and ladder safety.

29 CFR 1926.500-503 covers an employer’s responsibility to have fall protection, fall protection systems requirements and implementation, and fall protection training requirements.

29 CFR 1926.450-454 covers scaffolding safety, including safe access and fall protection for scaffolding erectors and dismantlers.

29 CFR 1926.1053 details ladder safety requirements, including ladder sizes, maximum loads, and additional safety precautions, such as the implementation of metal spreaders or locking mechanisms to hold a ladder open.

While 29 CFR 1926.34 describes construction regulations for means of egress, certain codes under general industry utilize a higher standard for maintaining walking-working surfaces and exit route safety.

29 CFR 1910 (General Industry)

29 CFR 1910 covers general industry regulations , including maintenance of walking-working surfaces, exit routes in case of emergency, and duty to have fall protection and protection from falling objects.

29 CFR 1910.22 describes the employer’s requirements to maintain walking-working surfaces free from hazards, repair any surfaces that could pose a danger to employee safety, and use appropriate drainage in wet areas that could become slippery.

29 CFR 1910.36 covers design and construction requirements for exit routes, including standard and emergency exits, as well as guardrail requirements for outdoor exit routes.

29 CFR 1910.37 regulates maintenance and safeguards for workers during construction or other work at the job site.

Contact a New York City Construction Industry Injury Attorney for Worker’s Comp Claims

The information above about OSHA slips, trips, and falls regulation applies to thousands of construction worker injuries each year. Learn what the average construction accident settlement is in New York , and contact us at William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C., for a free case evaluation for your construction job site accident injuries.

Call us today at 212-683-3800 or contact us online to speak with an experienced personal injury and worker’s comp attorney about your case. At William Schwitzer & Associates, P.C. , we have helped injured clients recover millions of dollars from negligent employers across New York City.

About The Author

John C. Merlino is a zealous legal voice for injured construction workers. A senior managing member of the firm, Mr. Merlino was born and raised in Brooklyn, to immigrant parents. Mr. Merlino learned the importance of educating our clients of their rights and being a strong-compassionate advocate. Mr. Merlino, along with his mentor William Schwitzer, are among the most respected Construction Site Accident Lawyers in the State of New York.

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Slips, Trips, And Falls: Most Common Workplace Hazards

Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Workplace Safety

Whether it’s a General or Construction Industry, occupational hazards are principal elements that can pose a severe life-threatening menace. Yet, when training amateur employees, supervisors often overlook slips, trips, and fall hazards and focus on other risks, such as controlling and preventing fire, electrical, and chemical exposure.

Despite knowing that Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates employers to protect workers against all potential workplace hazards and since the safety of everyone is paramount, slip, trip, and fall accidents occur, which put many workers at risk of serious injuries such as strains, cuts, bruises, fractures, and sprains and even in some cases lead to fatalities.

As per the records of OSHA, slips, trips, and falls are considered one of the top three reasons behind work-related injuries while managing day-to-day operations, particularly in the inherently dangerous construction industries.

Let’s dive into the significant differences and factors of each of these hazards separately:

Spills such as water, muck, grease, and oil.

Weather risks (such as ice and snow), unanchored, loose mats and carpets, floors made of marble, concrete, or ceramic tiles, brand-new waxed flooring or uneven pavements., leaping up ladders, clutter on the floor or wrinkly carpets or mats, obstructed view, dim lighting, uncovered cables, wires, hoses, and extension cords., missing bricks and floor tiles, broken, inconsistent or irregular steps, shaky or broken ladders, ledges lacking a suitable railing, carrying large items, failure to use scaffolding guardrails, ladders positioned riskily, equipment used improperly for height access., preventative measures:.

The best way to deal with accidents and injuries is to prevent them by implementing safety measures and planning strategies to assess the risks.

Below are the seven best solutions to ensure safety against slips, trips, and falls on your job site.

Awareness and Discipline

It can be incorporated as part of the routine workday with a 10-minute briefing on the condition of the job site, pointing out wet surfaces, fall hazards, or other injury-prone hurdles present on the site.

Install adequate lighting

Performing tasks under dim lighting where hazardous substances are present can make it challenging to identify obstacles. Thus, investment in lighting showcasing possible dangers that can be avoided is necessary.

Put up safety hazard signage

Marking or securing locations of openings, holes, or spills deemed dangerous can save injuries and fatalities.

Get your hands on the correct footwear:

Slip-resistant footwear is a fantastic choice because it provides the finest traction on flat and uneven surfaces.

Maintain clear walking areas

Keep your work area free of loose items, gravel, garbage, equipment and tools that could prompt someone to trip or fall.

Institute Wet floor policy

Regularly inspect for leaks and spills, keep the necessary tools on hand for cleanup, put signage to mark the spills, and clear walkways once every 12 hours during snowfall or rain.

Statistics on Fatalities Caused by Slips, Trips and Falls

Trips, slips, and falls most frequently cause workplace injuries. It can result from sprains, strains, fractures, head injuries, and even death.

occurrences of slips, trips, and falls were reported in 2020.

workers lost their lives in falls from high levels in 2020.

workers died in falls from the same level in 2020.

of all non-fatal workplace injuries are resulted from workers being struck-by objects or equipment while on the job.

of ladder-related fatalities occur in the construction sector.

of falls on the same level result from trips and slips altogether.

Significance of Enrolling in an Online Safety Training Course:

Although it is the employer’s utmost responsibility to provide entry-level workers with adequate safety training and teach them safety practices before employing them for the job, a worker should also be responsible enough to correctly identify slip, trip, and fall hazards that can potentially cause an injury before undertaking a task.

By enrolling in OSHA 30-Hour General Industry and OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry pertinent to your particular industry, you will get adequate training on identifying, preventing, and controlling risks related to slips, trips, and falls, as well as other essential site safety topics. You can avert many possible mishaps by consistently following safety procedures.

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Slips, Trips, and Falls: Protect Your Employees from Preventable Injuries

Slip and fall dangers are present in every workplace. When drafting your safety plans and protocols for most settings, it’s easy to focus on the more dramatic and dangerous hazards like fire safety, emergency training, or first aid. However, slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of injury at work. Shockingly, about 20-30% of people who experience a fall at work will suffer a moderate to severe injury, like deep bruising, a bone fracture, or a concussion.

Slips, trips, and fall hazards are sometimes easy to overlook because they tend to pop up unexpectedly. To maintain a safe workplace and protect your workers from preventable fall-related injuries, your safety plan should include strong protocols for footwear, signage, and housekeeping with training guidance and enforcement policies that instill safe attitudes and compliance within your employees.

OSHA Guidelines on Slips Trips and Falls

OSHA doesn’t have a set regulation about slips, trips, and falls, specifically. Instead, the bulk of the guidelines for this issue are contained in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces . This section of the Code of Federal Regulation covers both same-level falls and elevated falls, though, for this article, we will focus on same-level falls.

This important guidance went through a major overhaul in 2017 to better protect workers from hazards by adding important inspection requirements, clarifying standards, and aligning the guidance from 29 CFR 1910 General Industry with 29 CFR 1926 Construction as much as possible.

Another regulation that applies to slips, trips, and falls is 29 CFR 1910.36 and 37 Means of Egress which covers exit route safety. This standard outlines guardrail requirements, the importance of level walkways, and ice removal from exits to prevent slips.

Hazard Definitions

When we walk, our center of gravity shifts from side-to-side as we transfer our weight. With every step, there is a brief moment where our body is off-balance. When we encounter a slip or trip hazard at this moment, it can lead to a sudden fall.

Slips and trips both lead to falls. However, the difference between a slip and a trip hazard is specific and well-defined.

A slip occurs when there is too little traction between your foot and the surface that can cause a sudden loss of balance and potential fall. Slips occur on wet or oily surfaces, floors covered in fine dust or powder, or on ice.

A trip occurs when your foot or leg comes in contact with a hazard while walking. The momentum from the upper body continues to move while the tripped leg stays stationary for a moment, causing your body to fall. Trips can also occur when a person steps up or down and the surface is uneven or not at the height they expected.

When a slip or trip causes your center of gravity to shift unexpectedly, sometimes it isn’t possible to correct before the body collapses. This is when a fall has taken place.

There are two types of falls: Same level falls and elevated falls. A same level fall is when a person falls to the floor or against an object or wall. An elevated fall is when a person falls from above or below the floor, like from a ladder, scaffold, building, or into a hole.

Trip and Fall Prevention

The best way to protect your workers from these hazards is to prevent them whenever possible. Since slip and trip hazards often appear suddenly from hazards like spills or loose cables, everyone must remain vigilant to protect one another. It is the employer’s role to provide a safe workplace for all employees, so a watchful eye must always be maintained.

Proper footwear is of the utmost importance to prevent slips and trips. This means shoes like sandals, open-toed shoes, canvas shoes, or high heels should be avoided in workplaces that often deal with slippery or uneven surfaces. Non-slip shoes or waterproof footwear can help your workers safely navigate wet or slick surfaces easily.

In-office environments where some workers choose to wear heels or sneakers, there are still precautions to take for proper footwear. Check for uneven surfaces or rugs that may snag a high heel and be sure to encourage that all employees keep their shoes snugly tied.

When a trip hazard or spill is present, signage is a great way to bring awareness to the new hazard. The trouble is many companies tend to leave their spill signs up far after the hazard is resolved or store it where it becomes part of the daily scenery.

When a sign is seen frequently, it becomes visual noise to your employees. It’s best practice to only put these signs out during the moment of danger and remove it as soon as the hazard is resolved.

Clean up spills and keep floors dry

Some of the most common causes of slips are workplace spills and wet floors. Whether the surface is wet from an accident or freshly mopped, always put out a sign as soon as possible to navigate your workers away from the wet surface. If there was a spill, it’s crucial to clean it up as soon as possible.

In wet environments like kitchens, it’s best practice to put down something to improve traction like anti-skid tape or slip-resistant mats.

Housekeeping

Anything in a walking path that could catch a foot or cause a loss of traction is a potential slip or trip hazard. Cables across walkways, paper on the floor, boxes, or hoses can all cause a dangerous accident. Items should never be left on the floor and it is important for employers to continuously check for hazardous clutter.

Encourage frequent cleaning of all work areas, including a company culture that closes drawers, puts boxes away, and hides cables in protective covers if they must extend into walking areas.

Proper lighting

Especially when navigating uneven or wet surfaces, your employees need their workplaces to be well lit to avoid falls. If they can’t see the dangers around them, how can they be expected to avoid them? Adequate lighting is required not only on the work floor, but anywhere your employees are expected to walk including stairs, halls, ramps, and exits.

Plans and protocols

Each of these methods of prevention should be written in your safety plan as company protocol that each worker has easy access to. For your slips, trips, and falls safety plan to work well, each employee must maintain a safe attitude during their daily work and act on resolving any slip or trip hazards in their area.

Importance of slips, trips, and falls training

Proper training for hazard awareness is the most effective way to avoid slip or trip injuries. Any safety orientation training or refresher course should include a reminder of the types of slip or trip hazards your workers may encounter at your facility, as well as how to safely navigate them.

Creating a culture of safety can help each worker feel comfortable pointing out a potential hazard and act on protocols to prevent injuries or incidents without hesitation. Help your workers recognize these hazards confidently with clear and frequent training. If incidents in your facility do occur, reevaluate your safety plan after you conduct an incident investigation to find methods to improve your implementation of crucial slip, trip, and fall prevention.

Ready to prevent slips, trips, and falls in your workplace? NSC makes training easy.

Our all-in-one video training kit on Slips, Trips, and Falls are available for General Industry or Construction and come with everything you need to train your employees.

5 thoughts on “ Slips, Trips, and Falls: Protect Your Employees from Preventable Injuries ”

[…] debris lying around which can cause some people to trip and fall on their faces. Even OSHA itself doesn’t have set rules and regulations that specifically deal with slips trips, and […]

[…] safety hazards in the warehouse industry include falls, trips and slips along with overexertion and falling objects. Another major hazard is not having enough workers to […]

[…] can prevent slips and falls by ensuring that all floor strips are cleaned and maintained so that they do not become a hazard. […]

[…] National Safety Compliance defines “trips” as falling due to a hazard on the floor. For instance, if you’re walking and suddenly […]

[…] slip and fall accident occurs when an individual slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property. Many of these […]

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Toolbox talks for safety experts

How To Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls

Nobody ever thinks that they will be the ones to slip, trip, or fall. Everything is going smooth until it’s not. The construction industry accounted for just less than 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.

Unfortunately, this is not as surprising of a statistic as it should be. You might think that with the inherent risks of the trades, we should expect there to be such incidents. But slip, trip, and fall injuries are preventable.

Nothing will slow your work down more than a workplace injury. So, let’s see how we can contribute to the prevention of slips, trips, and falls.

“Prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.”

Why Toolbox Talks & Safety Is Important

OSHA and other organizations encourage daily toolbox talks that give statistics and produce general awareness about workplace safety hazards. Sharing statistics and experiences like those mentioned above can be beneficial in increasing awareness so that you can prevent workplace injuries or death.

Reminders can help workers to be more cautious and aware of fixing problems before they happen and prevent accidents in general. An example toolbox talk template can be seen below.

OSHA Regulations & Standards for Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

An understanding of OSHA regulations can help us to be aware of data-driven safety measures that should be put in place to prevent injury and death. Relevant standards include:

1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces ,
1910.36 – Design and construction requirements for exit routes and
1910.37 – Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes

However, beyond just giving rules, OSHA recommends implementing programs and procedures to mitigate risks, so we must establish a job site culture that expects everyone to follow those regulations.

OSHA regulations identify the following challenges related to slips, trips, and falls:

Poorly organized job sites can result in workers tripping over tools, materials, and trash. Bad housekeeping and failure to dispose of garbage or clear out debris and residue can also result in a compounding pile-up one day after the next, thus resulting in trip hazards. OSHA officers can perform random walkthroughs of job sites, and if they decide your housekeeping is not in order, they will fine the company.
Falling from ladders is a real danger because of improper setup. OSHA 3150 mandates that you set up scaffolding and ladders on solid-level surfaces. You also might be in the bad habit of carrying items up and down an extension ladder, step ladders, or scaffolding. OSHA standards highlight that you should maintain 3 points of contact with your hands and feet. That means you can’t carry things up the ladder. It would be best if you instead used a roof derrick for more oversized items or a bucket and rope to hoist equipment and tools to upper levels.
Utilizing fall protection is essential in preventing falls , which have the highest potential for extreme injuries and death. The construction industry has been able to choose the fall protection systems it uses on a case-by-case basis since the 1990s. In 2017, OSHA extended this freedom to general industry. In the construction industry, personal protective equipment such as harnesses and lanyards is expected to be worn at heights 6 feet and above. On open exposures that are 4 feet and higher, you should use guardrails and toeboards.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

To work towards the prevention of slips, trips, and falls, we need to understand what a safety hazard is.

Examples of safety hazards in the construction industry are the following:

Uncovered cables on the floor
Uneven surfaces
Debris or waste caused by poor housekeeping
Wet surfaces
Ladders that haven’t been secured

Slips, Trips, and Falls Toolbox Talk Template

In order to prevent slips, trips, and falls, it is important to be aware of the hazards that can cause these types of accidents. Some common causes of slips, trips and falls on construction sites include:

Wet or icy surfaces
Poor lighting
Loose debris
Tools on the ground
Unguarded openings
Lack of proper fall prevention equipment

To avoid these hazards, take the following precautions:

Wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant soles
Use caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces
Make sure all walkways and stairs are well-lit
Sweep up any loose debris or tools on the ground
Use appropriate PPE
Understand how to use PPE correctly and safely

Who is responsible for preventing slips, trips, and falls?

Everyone at work has a responsibility. The employer is ultimately responsible, but we should all look out for the well-being of ourselves and our colleagues.

We do this by learning and understanding instructions for PPE and for alerting colleagues to openings; by tidying away tools after use, and cleaning out workspaces. If you spot an issue relating to the weather or to lighting that is faulty, report it so that the company can fix it before it causes an accident.

How To Prevent Illnesses And Injuries Related To Slips and Falls

Immediately clean up any spills, and demarcate any hazards —rope-off areas where there could be chemicals or other condensates. An injury could occur from hitting the ground due to a slip. Moreover, severe illness and death could result from slipping in corrosive or biohazardous materials.
Cover holes and eliminate uneven surfaces that could have foot traffic. You could unknowingly trip and fall to the ground. If the hole is large enough, you could fall in, thus risking more than a minor injury.
Provide proper lighting to ensure visibility so you don’t trip on what you cannot see.
Use fall protection in the form of guardrails and personal protective equipment so that a person cannot fall over an open exposure, even accidentally. Falling from heights 4 feet and above puts you at serious risk of death.
Establish a routine to inspect fall protection. It’s in place to save your life. You will want to make sure that it will work to protect you from injury or death.

Questions for the Employees

After a discussion, you may want to test everyone’s knowledge and retention of the information to apply what they’ve learned.

What percent of workplace fatalities are from the construction industry?
What are the potential causes of injury, and what could happen on your job site?
How would you feel if an injury or death occurred on your job site?
What can you personally do to prevent slip, trip, and fall incidents?
What is our slips, trips, and falls safety talk slogan?

Email Template To Promote Slips, Trips, And Falls Safety

Sending a concise email can help to promote safety. Use this email template, which includes the highlights, and add more bullets as needed to address particular concerns for your job site.

Hello Team,

Let’s all be aware to prevent falls and slips, or someone will have a hospital trip.

The construction industry accounted for almost 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.

Understanding our job site hazards and the ways we can mitigate risks is crucial to prevent us from being amongst those statistics.

Remember to clean as you go and stay organized.
Use handrails and ask for help when carrying big loads so that the extra hand is available to grab railings and you have full awareness of where you are walking.
Use fall protection and PPE.

Increase your awareness as you are working. When you see a potential hazard, immediately report it and work to resolve it to prevent injury to yourself and others.

Construction Site Management/Foremen

Create A Safety Culture

You are now highly knowledgeable in the prevention of slips, trips, and falls. It is your responsibility to encourage your workers to increase awareness of potential hazards and processes for reporting. All incidents are preventable ! Remember, you must “prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.”

Weill Cornell Medicine

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating Risks

By Gian Joseph, Safety Advisor

As we enter the rainy and cold season, we face several risks , which include slips , trips, and fall s in our day-to-day activities. It is important t o be aware of hazards around us and learn how to properly identify and assess any risks with each step.

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common accidents that can lead to severe injuries. These incidents occur in various settings, from homes and workplaces to public spaces , and i t is essential to understand the causes, consequences, and , most importantly, strategies for prevention and mitigation.

1. Understanding the Dynamics of STFs. STFs are caused by the following .

Insu fficient friction between the shoe and the walking surface. Common causes include wet or greasy floors, spills, and loose debris (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).

When a person's foot collides with an object or an uneven surface, it caus es them to lose balance. Typical trip hazards include cluttered walkways, electrical cords, uneven flooring, and damaged or upturned mats (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).

2. The Impact of STFs

Slips, trips, and falls have far-reaching effects, affecting individuals and society . Personal i njuries range from minor cuts , bruises, sprains , and abrasions to fractures, dislocations, and head injuries (National Safety Council, 2021). The medical expenses associated with treating STF-related injuries can be substantial , including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care (National Safety Council, 2021). STFs can result in missed workdays and reduced productivity for both individuals and employers. Workers' compensation claims and absenteeism contribute to economic costs (National Safety Council, 2021). Lastly, t he physical and psychological consequences of STFs can limit mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, especially among older adults ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).

3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

Preventing and mitigating STFs involves a combination of awareness, environmental modifications, and education . H ere are some ways you can take precaution s against STFs in your daily activities;

Clear Pathways: Maintain clear, unobstructed walkways by removing clutter and tripping hazards such as cords, toys, and loose rugs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2002).

Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in all areas, both indoors and outdoors, to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles (OSHA, 2002).

Slip-Resistant Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring materials, especially in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens (OSHA, 2002).

Footwear: Encourage the use of proper footwear with good traction, especially in environments where slip hazards are prevalent ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).

Handrails and Guardrails: Install and maintain handrails and guardrails on stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms to provide support and prevent falls (OSHA, 2002).

Warning Signs: Use signage to alert individuals to potential hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces (OSHA, 2002).

Education and Training: Promote awareness and provide training to individuals on recognizing and avoiding STF hazards (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2015).

Workplace Safety: Employers should implement safety protocols and conduct risk assessments in the workplace, addressing potential STF risks (NIOSH, 2015).

Regular Maintenance: Routinely inspect and maintain buildings, walkways, and outdoor areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly (NIOSH, 2015).

4. A Holistic Approach to STF Prevention

Preventing and mitigating STFs require a collaborative approach involving individuals, organizations, and communities:

Individuals : Exercise caution when walking, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments. Wear appropriate footwear and take your time, especially in wet or slippery conditions ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).

Employers: Create a safe work environment by identifying and mitigating STF risks. Provide training to employees on safety protocols and the proper use of equipment (OSHA, 2002).

Property Owners and Managers: Ensure properties are well-maintained and free from hazards. Regularly inspect and address issues promptly (NIOSH, 2015).

Government and Local Authorities: Enforce building codes and regulations that promote safety, especially in public spaces and commercial buildings (OSHA, 2002).

Conclusion

Slips, trips, and falls are preventable accidents that carry substantial personal, economic, and societal costs. By comprehending the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the incidence of STFs and mitigate their impact. Whether at home, at work, or in public spaces, prioritizing safety and fostering awareness about STFs is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Let us strive collectively to create environments where everyone can move safely and confidently, free from the fear of falling.

References:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2015). Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-100/pdfs/2015-100.pdf

National Safety Council. (2021). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/work-safety-introduction/work-...

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2002). OSHA Publication 3151-12R. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf

Sahyoun , N. R., Pratt, L. A., & Lentzner , H. (2020). The Changing Profile of Nursing Home Residents: 1985-1997. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(3), 336-363.

Slip and Fall Accidents. (2021). InjuryClaimCoach.com. https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/slip-and-fall-accidents.html

Please note that the sources cited are accurate as of the time of writing this article. For the most current information, consult authoritative sources and local health authorities.

Go to the staff directory for individual contacts within EHS. You may also use the Weill Cornell Medicine online directory to search for faculty and staff.

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Facilities Management Advisor

Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.

Grounds Management, Human Resources, Maintenance and Operations, Safety

Creating a safe workplace for winter: preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Updated: Jan 30, 2024

While some might enjoy walking in a winter wonderland, if facilities managers aren’t careful, their employees’ journey could include slip, trip, and fall injuries, which can be costly for employers and employees. However, there are ways to be prepared for what Mother Nature has in store.

What Are Slips, Trips, and Falls?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines slips, trips, and falls as:

Slips: Loss of balance caused by too little friction between your feet and the surface you’re walking on. They occur in the winter because of pavement and sidewalk surfaces that are slippery from snow or ice.
Trips: When your feet hit an object and you move with enough momentum to be thrown out of balance. Unsecured floor mats and snow-covered curbs can cause people to trip.
Falls: When you move too far off your center of balance. This can happen due to slips and trips and result in injuries and fatalities.

Learn more by reading “ Back to Basics: Slips, Trips, and Falls ” on EHS Daily Advisor .

Injury Statistics

While slips, trips, and falls occur more often this time of year because of snow and ice, these types of incidents are expensive year-round.

The cost of “falls on the same level” for employers is $8.98 billion a year.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor , slip, trip, and fall accidents are:

The cause of 15% (12,000 a year) of all accidental deaths;
The second-leading cause of accidental deaths, behind motor vehicles;
The most frequently reported of all injuries, causing 25% of insurance claims annually;
Over 17% of all disabling occupational injuries; and
15% to 20% of all workers’ compensation costs.

In the latest data available, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there were 22 fatalities and 13,960 cases of injuries due to ice, sleet, and snow, with 5,870 injuries requiring a medical visit in 2020. But most of these injuries could have been prevented.

Complying with the Law

Employers should be concerned about winter slips, trips, and falls not just because of possible fatalities and injuries but also because being complacent could lead to civil and criminal penalties for breaking the law. They can avoid this by taking the following steps:

1. Promptly Remove Snow and Ice

According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) article on “Winter Slip and Fall Prevention,” after a winter storm, facilities teams should focus on “removal of winter obstructions on walkway drainage systems, stair systems, ramps, and handrails, as well as barricading hazardous areas to discourage pedestrian travel.”

Additionally, keep in mind that snow and ice need to be removed from internal roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and building entrances by using shovels, snow rakes, snow throwers, and snowblowers. Read about the pros and cons of each tool by checking out “ Choosing the Right Tools for Snow Removal ” on Facilities Management Advisor .

2. Use Chemicals

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for not only clearing walking surfaces of snow and ice but also spreading de-icer as soon as possible following winter storms.

For parking lots, use rock salt or, in unusually cold climates, calcium chloride; for road treatment, use liquid brine; and for building entrances, use non-chloride potassium. To learn more, read “ Getting Your Facility Ready for Snow and Ice ” on Facilities Management Advisor .

3. Use and Maintain Floor Mats

Floor mats inside facilities should be removed and replaced when saturated with moisture, according to the “ Standard Guide For Commercial Entrance Matting In Reducing Slips, Trips And Falls ” by ANSI and the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI).

Consider installing floor mats that are at least 10 feet long, but use mats that are at least 20 feet long if you have a high-volume facility. Learn more about floor mats by checking out “ Three Very Good Reasons for Installing Floor Mats ” on Facilities Management Advisor .

4. Check Exterior Lighting and Drainage

Facilities managers should ensure their worksite complies with “ OSHA 1915.82(a)(1) —Lighting,” which requires employers to ensure “each work area and walkway is adequately lighted.” Check to ensure walking paths, parking lots, and internal roads have adequate lighting , and replace any burned-out or damaged lights. Lighting allows employees to see snow and ice hazards more clearly.

Additionally, follow “ OSHA 1910.22 (a)(1) —Walking-Working Surfaces,” which requires “walking-working surfaces” to be “in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition.” This applies to interior and exterior walkways. Also, ensure snow can drain into sewers or grass to prevent ice from constantly forming in the same locations.

Avoid slips, trips, and falls by promptly removing snow and ice, using chemicals, installing floor mats, and checking lighting and drainage after winter storms. To learn more tips to stay safe, read “ 10 Safety Measures for Winter Workers ” on Facilities Management Advisor .

Back to Basics, Injuries and Illness

Back to basics: slips, trips, and falls.

Updated: Oct 23, 2023

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine slips, trips, and falls.

How much are workplace slips, trips, and falls costing you?

“Falls on the same level” often get lumped together with falls from height in slips, trips, and falls. While falls from height can sometimes be fatal, falls on the same level can lead to costly nonfatal injuries, resulting in several days away from work for injured workers and workers’ compensation claims for employers.

According to insurer Liberty Mutual, falls on the same level cost employers $8.98 billion a year. Falls on the same level are the second-leading cause of seriously disabling workplace injuries in the insurer’s 2023 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index .

“Overexertion involving outside sources,” or lifting heavy objects, is the index’s leading cause of disabling injuries.

“Slip or trip without fall” is the ninth leading cause of disabling injury, according to Liberty Mutual’s index. Liberty Mutual reported that injuries on slippery or uneven walkways cost employers $1.98 billion a year.

First, some definitions: Slips are a loss of balance directly caused by too little friction between workers’ feet and walking surfaces. Wet surfaces, spills, and weather hazards like ice and snow can lead to a lack of friction.

Trips occur when workers’ feet hit an object and workers are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance.

Falls on the same level occur when workers get too far off their center of balance.

Safety professionals aware of slip, trip, fall hazards

Travelers, another insurer, reported that slips, trips, and falls on the same level are the second-leading cause of injury, accounting for 15% of all accidents, with approximately 25,000 slip, trip, and fall accidents occurring daily in the United States.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls on the same level are the third-leading type of preventable injury at work after exposure to harmful substances and overexertion injuries. Falls on the same level affect every industry and workplace but are prevalent in the service, healthcare, and retail industries, according to the NSC.

Data shows that the median number of days away from work following a fall on the same level is 12 days.

The NSC suggests that effective signage can help prevent injuries, regulatory violations, and higher insurance premiums.

Slip, trip, and fall hazards show up in many industries, but wholesale and retail trade (WRT) establishments suffer high rates of slip, trip, and fall injuries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offered several recommendations for protecting workers in the wholesale and retail industries.

Hazardous workplace factors include boxes or containers that obstruct workers’ field of vision; ice, rain, and snow; loose mats or rugs; poor lighting; spills that can create slippery surfaces; and walking surfaces that are in disrepair, have protruding nails and boards, or have changes in floor height.

NIOSH’s recommendations for employers include the following:

Develop a written slip, trip, and fall prevention policy that spells out both employer and worker responsibilities.
Ensure that aisles and passageways are free of clutter and other tripping hazards.
Provide proper lighting in all areas indoors and outdoors to reduce shadows, dark areas, and glare so that trip hazards or surface irregularities are clearly visible, and promptly replace burnt-out light bulbs.
If electrical cords are regularly used in a workspace, install outlets so that cords don’t cross walkways.
Select flooring material according to the work performed in an area.
Provide cleanup supplies—paper towels, absorbent material, “wet floor” signs, etc.—at convenient locations in the facility.
Provide umbrella bags to prevent rainwater from dripping onto the floor.
Use mats to provide slip-resistant walking surfaces by absorbing liquid and removing dirt, debris, and liquid from shoes. Mats should be large enough so that several footsteps fall on the mat and clean contaminants off the shoes.
Provide water-absorbent mats near entrances and other areas where water, ice, or snow may drip or be tracked onto the floor.
In grocery stores, ensure water from produce spray misters is directed onto produce and not spraying onto the floor.
In grocery stores, provide customers with paper towels and plastic bags and for wet produce to prevent it from dripping water onto the floor.

You should supplement engineering controls with worker training. You need to train employees to identify slip, trip, and fall hazards and how to prevent slips, trips, and falls by using safe cleaning procedures and placing caution signs and/or cones around the site to warn other employees and visitors to avoid wet walking surfaces.

NIOSH also has employer guidance for preventing slips, trips, and falls in health care. According to NIOSH, the top slip, trip, and fall hazards in health care are:

Contaminants (fluids, food, grease, oil, and water) on the floor;
Poor drainage of drains and pipes;
Walking surface irregularities indoors and outdoors like uneven flooring or ground and holes, protrusions, and rocks;
Weather conditions like ice and snow;
Inadequate lighting;
Stairs and handrails;
Stepstools and ladders;
Tripping hazards like clutter, loose cords, hoses, wires, and medical tubing; and
Improper use of floor mats and runners.

NIOSH’s guide includes an extensive checklist of slip, trip, and fall hazards that should be addressed in a healthcare facility.

OSHA has its own checklist for recognizing slip, trip, and fall hazards in the workplace. The list covers the general work environment, as well as aisles and walkways; escalators; elevated surfaces; floor and wall openings; ladders and scaffolding; parking lots and sidewalks; and ramps, stairs, and stairways.

NIOSH also warns young retail workers that slips, trips, and falls can result in bruises, bumps, cuts, fractures, scratches, sprains, and strains. The institute cautions young workers to clear stairs and walkways of tripping hazards like cords and wires, clutter, and empty cartons; to use handrails when walking up and downstairs; and to clean up spills and anything slippery on floors and the rungs, steps, and feet of ladders.

Control measures and training can be further supplemented with personal protective equipment. Employees who work on wet or contaminated walking surfaces should wear slip-resistant shoes. Workers should choose footwear that’s also resistant to chemicals, heat, and oil.

NIOSH has looked into the value of wearing slip-resistant shoes.

Laboratory studies of slip-resistant footwear to reduce slips, trips, and falls had shown promise in reducing slips, but until a few years ago, there was little research showing the effectiveness of slip-resistant shoes.

In 2019, NIOSH researched the effectiveness of slip-resistant shoes in a study of 17,000 food service workers in 226 school districts serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Workers were randomly assigned either to a group that received no-cost, “5-star-rated” slip-resistant shoes or to a group that bought their own slip-resistant shoes.

Researchers looked at workers’ compensation injury claims for accidents caused by slipping on wet or greasy surfaces to evaluate the effectiveness of the shoes.

The group that was provided with highly rated slip-resistant shoes saw a 67% reduction in claims for slip injuries.

There was a baseline of 3.54 slipping injuries per 10,000 months worked among the intervention group, which was reduced to 1.18 slipping injuries per 10,000 months worked after slip-resistant shoes were provided.

Employees who handle materials should ensure the walkways are unobstructed before transporting large materials that might block their view. They should walk with caution and make wide turns at corners. They also should push rather than pull carts to allow a better line of sight.

Housekeeping measures can also help prevent slips, trips, and falls. Your housekeeping policies should include:

Cleaning floors and work surfaces as soon as they become wet;
Inspecting refrigerated and freezer cases for water leakage onto the floor surfaces and placing absorbent strips and water-absorbent mats on the floor until the unit is repaired;
Placing warning signs in wet-floor areas and removing them promptly when floors are clean and dry;
Using no-skid waxes in slippery areas and using soap that doesn’t leave a slippery residue;
Maintaining drainage and providing false floors (elevated floors usually 2 to 4 inches above the structural floor designed to provide a surface for safe transit), platforms, or nonslip mats during wet or oily processes;
Cleaning only one side of a passageway at a time to allow room for passing;
Keeping passageways clear at all times and marking permanent aisles and passageways; and
Taping or anchoring electrical cords to floors if they cross walkways.

Workplace housekeeping

In a safety talk handout , the NSC emphasizes the importance of workplace housekeeping in factories and manufacturing plants, offices, and warehouses.

Workplace housekeeping can prevent slip, trip, and fall hazards, as well as control fire hazards and prevent falling objects.

The NSC recommends housekeeping measures suggested by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health (CCOSH) that include:

Cleaning all spills immediately;
Mopping or sweeping debris from floors;
Marking spills and wet areas;
Removing obstacles from walkways and keeping walkways free of clutter;
Securing carpets, mats, and rugs that don’t lay flat (tacking or taping floor coverings, for example);
Ensuring file cabinet or storage drawers are closed;
Covering cables or cords that cross walkways; and
Keeping working areas and walkways well lit and replacing used light bulbs and faulty light switches.

Some industry groups tout “how to fall” training as a method of mitigating slip, trip, and fall injuries. Others offer “safe walking” tips like “watch where you are going,” “be aware of your environment,” “keep an eye out for changes in elevation,” and “take your time and don’t rush.”

According to the CCOSH, specialty footwear or training on proper walking and “safe falling” will never be fully effective without adequate housekeeping practices.

Federal regulation

Slip, trip, and fall hazards are addressed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) walking-working surfaces standards (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910 Subpart D). In 2016, OSHA issued a final rule revising subpart D to incorporate advances in technology, industry best practices, and national consensus standards to ensure cost-efficient and effective worker protection. The revised rule requires employers to inspect walking-working surfaces regularly to correct, repair, or guard against hazardous conditions.

OSHA defines a “walking-working surface” as “any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location.” Ensure aisles and walkways in your facility are kept clear of slipping or tripping hazards that lead to falls on the same level.

US Department of Labor provides support to families of fallen workers, stresses importance of workplace safety on Workers Memorial Day

LINCOLN, NE ‒ Fifteen years after the fatal, work-related incident that took the life of Waverly High Alumni Tonya Malley Ford’s uncle, she has turned her family’s loss into a national event. In 2009, a routine day for the family of Robert Fitch turned into grief after the 51-year-old fell from a belt-operated manlift device in an agricultural company in Lincoln. From that moment, Fitch’s niece turned her family’s grief for her Uncle Bobby ‒ a gentle soul with a great sense of humor and an enduring love for family ‒ into honoring and recognizing the men and women who went to work and never came home to their families at the end of their shift. View a workplace safety video featuring Robert Fitch .

Struggling to deal with the sudden loss of her beloved uncle, Ford began doing research and learned that about 15 U.S. workers suffer fatal injuries on the job each day. In fact, Fitch was one of 4,551 workers to die in 2009.

With the help of local unions, she has spent the last 13 years bringing families from across Nebraska together once a year for a Workers Memorial Day ceremony on the steps of the statehouse in Lincoln. As it grew, Ford led efforts to couple the event with free awareness conferences where experts discuss the importance of workplace safety with employers, workers and the public

“I understood little about workplace safety and rights before my uncle’s death. After a work-related incident, you often feel alone like nobody understands what you and your family are going through,” Ford explained. “ Not only has the loss of my uncle changed my life, but the families I have connected with over the years have truly made a difference in my life. I hold each of their stories close to my heart.”

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration hired Ford as the nation’s first National Family Liaison. In her role, she offers support, guidance and resources to thousands of U.S. families directly affected by a workplace incident, illness and disease.

“My position is to help those left behind, whether that be a listening ear or helping them find answers to the many questions one has after such a loss,” Ford continued. “Working for OSHA allows me to connect with more families across the country in their time of need with the wish that one day, my position will no longer be needed because every worker will go home safe at the end of the day.”

Each year on April 28, Workers Memorial Day honors and recognizes workers whose lives were claimed by a work-related incident, illness or disease, and remembers those they have left behind.

Nebraska’s Workers Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m. CDT at the state capitol.

Like Nebraska, OSHA will hold online and in-person Workers Memorial Day events in Washington, D.C., from April 22-April 25. Learn more about OSHA’s Workers Memorial Day 2024 event and share the news with those who would appreciate the chance to join the events and honor our fallen workers.

Family members of a fallen workers or those affected by a fatal workplace incident are encouraged to visit the OSHA condolences webpage .

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News Releases

US Department of Labor settlement affirms 3 dozen workplace safety citations against Camden auto recycler, parts supplier; assesses $868K in penalties

Osha news release - region 2.

April 11, 2024

The Auto Store will take enhanced measures to comply with workplace safety laws

CAMDEN, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor has reached a settlement agreement with one of the East Coast’s largest auto recyclers and used parts suppliers affirming 35 citations issued for workplace safety violations at its Camden facility and assessing related penalties.

The agreement with The Auto Store LLC, operating as My Auto Store, follows litigation prompted by an investigation by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the nationwide parts supplier. OSHA inspectors found dozens of infractions, leading to affirmance of two willful violations for failing to ensure employees could exit the workplace safely and four repeat violations for not protecting workers from machine operation hazards, inadequate machine lockout/tagout procedures and failure to control flammable liquids.

Among the 29 additional violations, OSHA identified insufficient protections from fall, electrical and noise hazards putting employees at risk. The Auto Store will pay $868,628 in penalties and take action to enhance its efforts to comply with federal safety regulations, including putting a comprehensive safety and health program in place to protect its employees.

"Our settlement with The Auto Store LLC shows again that the department's OSHA and its Office of the Solicitor will enforce safety standards vigorously to ensure that employers come into compliance and make meaningful safety improvements to protect their employees," said Regional Solicitor Jeffrey S. Rogoff in New York. "The resolution we reached requires enhanced programs to protect workers from serious hazards and allows them to provide input and to participate in the company’s safety programs."

The settlement requires The Auto Store to implement — consistent with OSHA's guidance — a comprehensive corporate Safety and Health Management System that includes the following:

Multiple safety audits of the facility by a third-party consultant.
Safety training programs based on the audit findings.
Multiple avenues for workers to participate in safety efforts without fear of retaliation, including a Safety Management Committee that will review audit findings and evaluate the progress of the company's safety programs.

Based in Camden, The Auto Store LLC purchases more than 7,000 cars and trucks each month for dismantling. Its inventory of more than 80,000 used parts are sold at its company location and its parts pickup locations in Baltimore and in Bayonne and Camden, New Jersey, and in Brooklyn, New York. The company also sells parts online for shipment to buyers nationwide.

Trial Attorney Peter Kellett with the Office of the Solicitor in New York led the department's litigation of the case.

Learn more about OSHA .

Media Contacts:

Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, [email protected] Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, [email protected]

Release Number: 24-657-NEW

ALEA NEWS RELEASE ALEA Joins National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week 2024 to Combat Speeding and Distracted Driving

Date submitted:.

April 18, 2024

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As National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week (NWZAW) 2024 kicks off from April 15 to 19, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of workers and motorists in work zones across the state with this year’s theme: "Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

Work zones are areas of heightened risk for both workers and drivers, where safety precautions are paramount. ALEA recognizes the critical importance of maintaining vigilance in these areas and is proud to participate in this national campaign to raise awareness about work zone safety.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “Troopers within ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division play a pivotal role as deterrents against speeding and distracted driving in work zones. With their extensive training and dedication to public safety, Troopers are at the forefront of enforcing traffic laws and ensuring compliance with work zone regulations. Through proactive patrolling and enforcement efforts, ALEA Troopers work tirelessly to mitigate the risks associated with reckless driving behaviors, especially within work zones.” Colonel Jonathan Archer, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director (DPS), emphasized the Agency’s commitment to work zone safety, stating, “The safety of both workers and motorists in work zones is a top priority for ALEA. We are fully dedicated to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone, and our Troopers are instrumental in achieving this goal through their enforcement efforts and community outreach initiatives.”

During National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week 2024, ALEA urges all motorists to exercise caution and obey posted speed limits and signage in work zones. By adhering to traffic laws and staying alert behind the wheel, drivers can help prevent accidents and protect the lives of workers and fellow travelers.

The 2024 weeklong national commemoration include:

•Work Zone Safety Training Day - April 15 •National kickoff event - April 16 •Go Orange Day - April 17 •Social media storm - April 18 •Moment of Silence - April 19. The moment of silence was started in 2022 to remember the men and women whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.

For more information about work zone safety and ALEA’s efforts to promote safe driving practices, visit www.alea.gov or follow ALEA on social media @ALEAProtects.

For additional information on the national NWZAW week and additional resources visit: NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK - Home (nwzaw.org).

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Department of Labor issues final rule reducing silica dust exposure, better protecting miners’ health from irreversible workplace illnesses

Final rule also creates new program requiring metal, nonmetal operators to provide health exams at no cost to miners, similar to existing coal miners’ program

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica, also known as silica dust or quartz dust.

The final rule lowers the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for a full-shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. If a miner’s exposure exceeds the limit, the final rule requires mine operators to take immediate corrective actions to come into compliance.

"It is unconscionable that our nation’s miners have worked without adequate protection from silica dust despite it being a known health hazard for decades,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Today, the Department of Labor has taken an important action to finally reduce miners’ exposure to toxic silica dust and protect them from suffering from preventable diseases. Mining communities across the country should know that the Biden-Harris administration is determined to do what must be done to ensure that miners come home safe and healthy at the end of every day.”

In addition to reducing exposure limits, the final rule does the following:

Requires mine operators to use engineering controls to prevent miners’ overexposures to silica dust and use dust samplings and environmental evaluations to monitor exposures.
Compels metal and nonmetal mine operators to establish medical surveillance programs to provide periodic health examinations at no cost to miners. The exams are similar to the medical surveillance programs available to coal miners under existing standards.
Replaces an outdated standard for respiratory protection with a new standard reflecting the latest advances in respiratory protection and practices. This update will better protect miners against airborne hazards, including silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos and other contaminants.

“This rule reducing miners’ exposures to toxic silica dust has been a long time in the making, and the nation’s miners deserve its health protections,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson. “Congress gave MSHA the authority to regulate toxic substances to protect miners from health hazards and made clear in the Mine Act that miners’ health and safety must always be our first priority and concern. To further advance this directive, MSHA is committed to working together with everyone in the mining community to implement this rule successfully. No miner should ever have to sacrifice their health or lungs to provide for their family.”

Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica, a carcinogen, can cause serious lung and other diseases, such as silicosis, lung cancer, progressive massive fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and kidney disease. Exposure to mixed coal mine dust containing respirable crystalline silica can lead to the development of black lung disease and progressive massive fibrosis. These diseases are irreversible and can be fatal. They are also preventable.

MSHA’s final rule will improve the health and safety of U.S. miners significantly. The rule will result in an estimated total of 1,067 lifetime avoided deaths and 3,746 lifetime avoided cases of silica-related illnesses.

Read MSHA’s silica rule .

Learn more about MSHA and the agency’s rulemaking efforts .

Media Contacts:

Patrick Malone, 202-997-3512, [email protected] Frances Alonzo, 202-997-6977, [email protected] Paloma Renter í a, 202-579-1643, [email protected]

Release Number: 24-651-NAT

Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

A mountain path winds around mountains in the distance

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

Dolphins swim beneath the surface of the water beyond a pier

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

Klamath dam removal critic Willian Simpson II holds a handful of dead, dried-out fish

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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