Page 47 - OHS, September 2024

Accidental spills. Accidental spills can happen anywhere, and it’s almost impossible to predict when they will occur. However, by identifying possible contributors to accidental spills, solutions can be placed in proximity to these areas. These cleanup measures within close proximity to the spill will allow for quicker response. The best way to identify these potential hazards is to observe where fluid is stored or dispensed. At these locations, spill cleanup mate- rials like spill kits and absorbents should be readily available and visible for easy deployment.
Old and leaky machinery. The adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is great, but there should be an extension to this statement that says, “unless it’s leaking.” The cost of a slip injury to a business is large; leaky machines are a top contributor to those slippery sur- faces. A few drops of oil can easily be sprayed and placed in an area where employees travel. This can then be tracked throughout the facility to places where one wouldn’t expect oil to be present, such as stairs, restrooms and office spaces. In the meantime, until equipment can be repaired, absorbents can be an essential tool to act as a blocker between the oil and the floor below. Placing white absorbent mats in areas that utilize oil and other fluids can act as a first leak indicator and trigger a work order for maintenance on that device. It is also important that inspection of areas in prox- imity to the equipment is performed to identify fluids in walkway areas. Additionally, in areas where equipment is present, walkway mats that are either gritted or absorbent can act as an aid to remove these fluids from employees’ shoes before they can track them to other areas of the facility.
Prepare for the weather ahead. Heavy rain or snow events are a constant hazard outside of facilities, but they can also be a prob- lem inside as well. As employees come in from outside, they track snow and rain in through the entrances, cafeterias, breakrooms and operational floors. Additionally, during heavy weather events, flooding can also contribute to the infiltration of rainwater. It is imperative to view the 10-day forecast and prepare ahead of time with additional safety measures. Observe the traffic patterns of the employees during their day. Identify the exits and entrances that are used most often. Notice where umbrellas, coats and boots are placed. Monitor where employees travel right after coming inside. These places could be the break room, restroom or manufacturing floor. Being able to understand where employees take their first 20 to 30 steps once entering the building can target the areas where rainwater will most likely fall off their clothes and shoes. The main solution is to have entrance mats at all entrances, with enough walk-off coverage. About 15 feet of walk-off for a mat ensures it can capture the water from employees’ feet. This is why the observation of traffic patterns is important. If within a few feet after walking in most employees turn, then the mat should follow. This means it may require a custom, modular or cut-to-fit style mat for various locations. Finally, having a designated storage location for boots, coats and umbrellas where water runoff can be contained will offer additional protection.
Lastly, for any area that cannot avoid being wet, a gritted texture can be applied to help add traction. The gritted texture can be used in many ways: as a painted surface, a hard fiberglass sheet that can be applied to walkways or stair treads or even an anti-fatigue mat for stationary work. It is important to note that not all gritted tex- tures are created equal. So select a strong material that will handle the worst-case conditions. Even after selecting the most suitable
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grit and application style, continually inspect and maintain the surfaces. There is a use life for gritted textures and many products out in the field have been in use long past their effectiveness. Vari- ous scientific tests can be performed to determine if the gritted surface needs to be replaced, but these are expensive and should be reserved for when other practical tests have been exhausted. A good rule of thumb is to look for three indicators that can be checked during routine inspections to help assess the surface. First, look for noticeably worn spots, which usually will be where traffic is most frequent. Next, lightly feel the area where traffic is high and compare it to a section not frequently traveled. Lastly, if dirt and debris are noticeable on the surface and cannot be removed even after cleaning, this is a sign the gritted surface is worn. If one or more of these indicators are found, it may be a good time to invest in experimental testing or simply make the determination to re- vamp the textured area.
Uneven Floors
Everyone has experienced a time when they were walking along a sidewalk, about to enter a store and tripped due to a raised portion of the sidewalk. Uneven floors are not only an exterior problem but also an interior one. An uneven surface can be defined as a variation of quarter-inch or more on a walking/working surface. Some areas where this hazard may be present include sidewalks, inside where the floor has been damaged or transition areas where one floor is raised from another without a threshold. These areas can be addressed by ensuring that all entrances have proper transi- tions, all damaged floors are repaired, and all sidewalks are on an even plane. However, these repairs are not always feasible as they are costly and may cause downtime at a facility. In the meantime, high-visibility floor tape and paint may be used to help indicate possible trip hazards. Additionally, controlling the flow of traffic to less hazardous areas via a secondary door or to an area with an even floor surface can be helpful. During routine inspections, fol- low the flow of your employees’ traffic patterns and attempt to walk in various patterns. For example, try shuffling feet or taking long strides to help identify possible hazards that might be missed with your normal walking patterns. If tape and paint are used for indi- cation, ensure that they are routinely inspected for wear. Another option is to get employees involved by offering incentives to help identify and report these trip hazards. Not only will the equivalent of many “mini-inspections” be performed, but it will also gain per- spective and foster a safety-oriented workplace.
In conclusion, addressing the risk of slips, trips and falls in any workplace environment — whether in the front-facing areas or back-of-house operations — requires a proactive and com- prehensive approach. By identifying hazards and implementing targeted measures, such as repairing leaky machinery, preparing for weather conditions, applying gritted textures and maintaining clear walkways, organizations can significantly reduce the occur- rence of these incidents. This not only helps in preventing injuries and avoiding substantial financial losses due to fines and workers’ compensation claims, but also fosters a culture of safety and re- sponsibility among employees. A proactive mindset, supported by regular inspections and employee involvement, is crucial for creat- ing a safer and more productive workplace.
Dan Ankney is a Technical Product Specialist at New Pig Corp. SEPTEMBER 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 45