Preventing Same Level Falls

Preventing Same Level Falls - Training

Learn how to protect yourself injuries caused by same level falls. Falling can be dangerous, even when not falling from a height. These best practices help to protect you from slips, trips and falls.

Every single year slip, trip, and fall injuries are some of the most common and serious injuries that occur in the workplace. Many people probably assume that falls from heights have a more significant effect on safety outcomes every year than falls on the same level, but this is not the case. According to Liberty Mutual’s Workplace Safety Index, falls from heights were the third highest cause of disabling injuries while falls on the same level came in higher as the second highest cause of disabling injuries.

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Causes of Falls on the Same Level

Falls on the same level are defined as a slip, trip, or fall in which the worker either impacts an object or the floor at the same level at which they are standing.

Oftentimes, slip and trip hazards are the cause of these types of incidents. The exact hazards that cause these incidents can vary greatly though depending on the workplace. Here are some common causes:

Oily or wet walking surfaces
Ice/ snow in colder climates
Uneven terrain
Cracks or chips in a walking surface
Changes in elevation
Objects on the floor
Cords
Rugs
Improper or damaged footwear

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Best Practices to Prevent these Incidents

Practice good housekeeping and organization of work areas. Many of these hazards, especially trip hazards, can be eliminated solely through keeping a tidy work area.
Do not be distracted when walking through work areas. Looking at your phone or something else can cause you to miss hazards that can lead to a slip or trip.
Ensure that you have proper footwear for your work and that it is in good condition.
Clean footwear of any mud, snow, ice, or moisture when possible when coming from outside to inside.
Ensure there is proper lighting in work areas and that any changes in elevation are brightly marked.

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Summary

Slips, trips, and falls are responsible for countless amount of injuries in the workplace every single year. Take time every day to evaluate your work area for hazards that can cause these injuries. It is important to eliminate as many of the hazards that cause these incidents as possible in your workplace.

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By acting carefully to avoid hazards and following these best practices, you can reduce your risk of accidents and injuries by using safe workplace practices in your daily activities.

It is our goal to create a safe and healthy workplace, and you are a big part of that plan! Following guidelines and working safely are important ways that you contribute to workplace safety.

Always remember - If you see something, say something. Let a supervisor know if you have any safety concerns or questions.

Now you are ready to take the quiz!