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How to Avoid Slips, Trips & Falls

Most falls occur when people slip or trip while standing or moving on uneven, slippery or obstructed ground. Many others involve unstable ladders or other elevated surfaces or equipment, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety reports. Many basic, common-sense safety precautions, in all settings, can greatly reduce the risk of falling.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Storage space for clutter
  • Sturdy, low-heeled shoes with traction on soles
  • Replacement light bulbs
  • Non-skid surface covering
  • Portable hand rails
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Instructions

  1. Precautions

    • 1

      Rough it up underfoot to prevent slips. People usually slip when there’s not enough friction between footwear and walking surfaces. Preventive measures include wearing flat shoes that have good traction and avoiding and cleaning up wet or oily floors. Also keep an eye out for loose rugs or mats that may slip underfoot.

    • 2

      Pay attention to your surroundings. Although it’s possible to stub your toe while walking incorrectly, most people trip over objects that they don’t notice or see clearly. You should look for and remove them and make sure that carrying packages or other items doesn’t obstruct your view. Make sure that there are no wrinkled or ragged carpets, exposed electrical cords, partially open drawers near floor-level, uneven or unstable stair steps, or children’s toys lying around. Also make that walkways are well-lit, so you can spot obstructions before you hit them.

    • 3

      Pace yourself to keep yourself from falling while standing or moving at ground level. Many people fall while traveling too quickly, especially when suddenly moving from a rough surface to a smooth one. Slow down on uneven or changing floor surfaces, don’t run indoors and make wide turns around corners, the Maine Municipal Association Risk Management Services advises. Stairs should have handrails, and the height and depth of stair steps should be uniform.

    • 4

      Take extra precautions when working at higher elevations. People often fall from ladders, high vehicles and loading docks, the University of Florida’s National Ag Safety Database points out. Many of these incidents can be avoided by making sure that ladders are not cracked or otherwise damaged. They should be long enough to permit the users to lean at waist-level against the top rung. Make sure the ladder is securely anchored and is not resting on a wet floor; if using a metal ladder, make sure it doesn’t come into contact with electricity.

    • 5

      Recognize dangers with vehicles. When climbing into a high vehicle, hold on to firmly-anchored, non-slip hand supports and plant your foot firmly on the step or other surface you’re stepping on, bringing the sole of your foot down on the arch, not your toe, to prevent slippage. No one should ride in the flatbed of a truck or on a vehicle bumper or draw bar.

    • 6

      Exercise caution on loading docks, which have sudden drop-offs and can be heavily congested with foot traffic and obstacles. Establish traffic patterns that remain free of any clutter, so people can move around easily and safely, without getting in each other’s way. Consider installing portable hand rails, which can help prevent backward falls or those involving people who are carrying loads that obstruct their view. Making sure that the platforms are coated with skid-resistant coverings will slow people down and prevent slips that could turn into falls.

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