SECTION V: SAFE WORK PRACTICES

(Understand the Hazards of Your Work Environment)

Information presented is not intended to be comprehensive or all inclusive; contact your supervisor, safety officer, or the Environmental Health and Safety Office, 475-7041, for assistance or further information on any given topic.

FALL PREVENTION

Statistics reveal that approximately 350,000 disabling injuries are caused each year by falls, 60 per cent on the same level, and 40 per cent from elevations. For every 100 workers injured, approximately 15 are injured by falls.

People fall because their weight isn’t fully supported. Body weight is concentrated at a point somewhere around the hips, at the body’s center of gravity. When your feet are planted firmly on the floor, or when you are seated in a steady chair, your center of gravity has a firm base. Remove that base, and you become susceptible to losing your balance and falling.

Common same level fall hazards include:

· slippery surfaces (e.g., ice-covered sidewalk or parking lot; floor spills; sliding scatter rugs, etc.)

· obstacles (e.g., cluttered floors; rough floor surfaces; loose carpeting; unexpected drop in floor levels; package or other item placed temporarily in a traffic area, etc.)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID SLIPS AND FALLS (Same Level)

1. Be alert at all times to possible slippery surfaces or obstacles in the path.

2. Wear appropriate footwear. Always wear footwear with soles and heels that provide good traction (essential under winter weather conditions).

3. Wipe up spills immediately.

4. Maintain clean, smooth walking and working surfaces. Report carpeting which is loose or frayed; holes, ruts or cracks in flooring.

5. Avoid having electrical and/or telephone cords on the floor in traffic areas.

6. Avoid floor clutter at all times. Don’t use the floor as a temporary resting place for materials which do not belong there. Pick up litter.

7. Be sure night-time lighting is adequate.

8. Seek the best possible room arrangement, keeping aisle ways and traffic lanes free.

9. Move deliberately and always be in control of your movements; walk, don’t run.

10. Carry loads cautiously. Never carry anything that obstructs your view.

11. Know how to fall. Don’t resist, but rather, relax and go limp to reduce the impact. Bend your arms so you can ease yourself down.

Common elevation/different level fall hazards:

· stairways (particularly if they lack adequate lighting, securely fastened handrails, or if cluttered)

· ladders (if not the proper type or if improperly used)

· platforms, stages, docks

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID SLIPS AND FALLS (Elevations/Different Levels)

1. Be alert and cautious at higher levels.

2. Use the handrail on a stair; walk, don’t run.

3. When attempting to reach a higher level, use proper equipment, such as a step stool designed for that purpose, or a ladder. Never step on a chair or other piece of furniture which has rolling wheels.

4. Follow precautions for safe ladder usage.

5. If your work involves the use of safety belts and lines, or scaffolds, always check your safety equipment prior to usage.

LADDER SAFETY

1. Choose your ladder carefully—the right ladder for the job (e.g., long enough and strong enough).

2. Inspect before using (tight nuts and bolts; secure steps and rungs; tight joints; operational working points, such as locking braces; no sharp edges on rungs and rails).

3. Use proper climbing techniques: always face the ladder when ascending and descending; stand on the center of the rung or step; keep weight evenly distributed; maintain a firm grip; use both hands, climbing hand over hand; never stand or climb above the last three rungs or steps from the top. Use caution at all times.

4. Don’t use a ladder for any other purpose than that for which it was intended.

5. Store ladders properly (e.g., hang them in a horizontal position, adequately supported, in a dry place).