Page 20 - OHS, October 2020

FACILITY SAFETY
Gearing Up for Slip,Trip and Fall Season
As the seasons change, you must consider the different hazards they bring.
BY LINO PATINO
In the era of COVID-19, threats brought on by the virus are on everyone’s mind. And while critical, it isn’t the only threat guests and employees face when entering your facility. According to the
National Safety Council, more than 25,000 slips, trips, and falls happen every day in the United States— one every 17 minutes.1 While some accidents are unavoidable, each season poses unique challenges when it comes to preventing trips, slips, and falls. There are, however, solutions designed with seasonal implications in mind.
Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to increase floor safety in your facility. The best place to start is by getting to know your building inside and out and by starting as your employees would, in the parking lot, on the sidewalk, at the front door, and eventually the lobby. These are the
spots where first impressions of your building are made and are, unfortunately, high traffic areas where accidents happen.
As we relish the beauty of fall and prepare for the impending winter, consider the following seasonal effects to maximize safety for the slippery season ahead.
Factors for Fall
Shorter spans of daylight, falling leaves, and irregular temperatures mark the beginning of the autumn season. While fall can feel like a welcome reprieve from the hot summer days, it is not a time to overlook safety. During this time, in many climates, rainfall starts to increase, and with it brings the potential for slick floors and surfaces. Frost often also makes its first appearance of the year making recently fallen leaves, sidewalks, and loading docks slippery underfoot.
Check the condition of concrete, stone tiles, and stairs. Are there any cracks that need filling before colder conditions set in? Since it is getting dark sooner in the day, evaluate any uneven areas or hard to see curbs or steps and consider marking these areas with reflective signs, yellow paint, or yellow tape. It is also a good time to consider adding additional lighting to illuminate parking lots and walkways to help increase visibility.
During the fall it is also a vital time to assess the lobby area of your facility as hazards from the outside like water, leaves, and sand, tend to make their way inside as the seasons change. While you are reviewing the safety of your lobby area, determine the appropriate amount of anti-slip matting that should be installed. As a rule of thumb, at least 30 feet of matting should be used inside doors from the outside to reduce the amount of tracked-in water and debris. If your facility sees heavy foot traffic, consider heavy-duty matting options. It is important to not only consider the front doors visitors enter from but also any back or side doors that are frequented by employees and delivery people.
Watch Out in Winter
Cold temperatures, ice, and snow are common winter factors that each pose risks for slips and falls. During the coldest months of the year, it is more important than ever to maintain dry floors and remove snow and ice from all exterior areas to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
When you are evaluating the entryway make sure to keep your eye on where water tends to puddle up or
16 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2020
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