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Module 3

Evaluating Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards

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Objectives

After completing this module,you will be able to: Identify the three types of

evaluation you can perform in your organization.

Identify the factors that influence the slipperiness of floors.

Identify the different floor types and their level of slip resistance.

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Objectives—continued

Understand how the coefficient of friction can be used to determine the slipperiness of a floor.

Identify the lighting standards for both general and emergency illumination.

Use the critical inventory method for evaluating slip, trip and fall hazards.

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Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Recognize

Evaluate

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Evaluate Parts of an Organization

This is an evaluation of a specific item or area in your organization.

For example, you could assess the slipperiness of a floor, the safety of a ladder or the lighting in stairwell.

Use established standards.

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Evaluate an Existing Hazard

This evaluation assesses the likelihood and extent of the harm a hazard might cause.

For example, test a known hazard on floor, in a stairwell, etc.

Use the critical inventory method.

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Evaluate the Organization

This is an evaluation of your entire organization to determine where hazards exist.

For example, you could use Job Safety Analysis or Safety Inspection.

Use a checklist.

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Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Flooring50%

Footwear24%

Failure towarn 9%

Training7%

Fraud10%

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Floor material Floor finish Floor texture and pattern Floor slope Floor contaminants Floor condition Environmental conditions Footwear of person Footstep of person

Factors of Floor Slipperiness

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What Makes a Floor Safe?

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The James Machine

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

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Horizontal Drag Meter

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

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BOT-3000

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

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Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

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English XL

Photo used with permission from the National Floor Safety Institute

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A slip, trip or fall may occur if a walking surface is poorly lit and it causes a person not to see an

obstacle.

Poor General Lighting

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A slip, trip or fall may occur if an organization’s electricity fails in an emergency and

employees can’t see their way out.

Poor Emergency Lighting

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A foot candle represents the amount of light or brightness that a birthday cake candle

generates from a distance of one foot.

Foot Candle

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Factor 1: Severity

A measure of how dire or severe the consequences

would be if the hazard caused an incident

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Factor 2: Exposure

The number of employees who are exposed to the hazard, and the number of times they are

exposed

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Factor 3: Probability

The likelihood that the hazard will result in an

incident

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Severity? Exposure? Probability?

Photo used with permission of Marsh USA, Inc.

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Case Study

Photo used with permission of Marsh USA, Inc.

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General Rule

Slips and trips happen frequently, but tend not to be

severe.

Falls happen infrequently, but

tend to be severe.

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Action Plan

Action Potential Barriers

Overcoming the Barriers