Falling, impact, acceleration, & lifting hazards

Chapter 9

Goetsch

Causes of falls

Objects in the walkway

Design flaws in walkway

Slippery surfaces

Impaired physical decision

Distractions

Kinds of falls

Trip and fall - unseen foreign object in the path

Stump and fall - foot meets sticky surface or defect

Step and fall - unexpected step down

Slip and fall - loss of balance

Preventing slips

Correct walking surface

Good housekeeping

Nonskid footwear

Frequent surface inspection

Slip and fall prevention programs

Policy statement/commitment

Review & acceptance of existing walkways

Reconditioning & retrofitting

Maintenance standards

Slip and fall prevention programs

Inspections, reports, records

Footwear programs

Legal defense methods

Measure results

Ladder safety

Inspection before use

Follow standard rules

Ladder use

Slipperiness of rungs and shoes

One person at a time

Secure the ladder

Base on firm level surface

Four to one ratio

Ladder use

Face the ladder when going up or down

Barricade the ladder near entrances

Don’t lean against fragile, slippery or unstable sources

Don’t lean to far

Ladder use

Pull, don’t push

Impact & acceleration

Head protection - impact attenuation and penetration resistance, electrical insulation

Eye and face protection - goggles or face shields

High mass low velocity, low mass high velocity

Foot protection

Impact from sharp/heavy objects

Compression

Punctures

Electrical/heat conduction

Slips

Hot splashes

Temperature extremes

Foot protection measures

Identify the hazards

Identify proper footwear

Require it to be worn

Lifting hazards

Causes - improper lifting, reaching, sitting, bending, posture, ergonomics, personal lifestyles

Back safety program

Visual illustrations displayed

Preemployment screening

Regular safety inspections

Education and training

Use external services

Document the prevention program

Standing hazards

Low back pain, sore feet, varicose veins, swelling in legs and feet, muscular fatigue

Prevention

Anti-fatigue mats

Shoe inserts

Foot rails

Workplace design

Sit/stand chairs

Proper footwear