March 28, 2007

Last Friday, a facilities maintenance contractor was cleaning off the tops of lockers in a locker room when she slipped and fell from the surface she was standing on and twisted her knee. Evaluated at a local Emergency Room (ER) she was diagnosed with a sprained knee and given a prescription anti-inflammatory. She was released pending a follow-up evaluation and was allowed to return to work with restrictions. This case is classified as a Restricted Work Case (RWC) due to the work limitations imposed.

According to OSHA, slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of workplace accidents and in one particular year accounted for 37% of all workplace injuries.  A Texas based Energy company wasn’t too far behind last year as 35% of its injuries were attributable to slips, trips and falls.

Slips and trips accounted for three quarters of falls while falls from height made up the remaining quarter with over half of them occurring from less than 10 feet in height.

It’s not hard to see that a fall can cause bodily harm and that the higher you are when you fall the more severe the consequences.

You can be extremely careful for years only to get hurt during a second or two of inattention, distraction or hurrying to get the job done.

DON’T BE A STATISTIC… FALLS ARE PREVENTABLE – STAY ALERT!

Wear the proper footwear.

Watch for slippery surfaces.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Use the proper equipment for the task.

Avoid distractions when walking/climbing/working.

Don’t obstruct your view when carrying something.

Watch for debris or obstructions on walking surfaces.

Be on guard all day, every day… Stay focused - Stay Safe!