AVOIDING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
We all know that classic cartoon moment: the villain slips on a banana peel, hits the ground with a thud, and is miraculously okay within 30 seconds. In real life, the consequences of a slip are much more serious, and can cause bruises, sprains, strains, contusions, and even death. Fortunately for you, your workplace isn’t covered in wayward bananas, making slips and falls highly avoidable with a few basic guidelines.
Let’s talk rules:
- Pay attention! Talking on your cell phone, carrying heavy objects, or walking in a hurry are all distracting, and can make wet, icy, uneven, or sloped surfaces even more dangerous.
- Look down! Make sure you’re watching the path in front of you for trash, clutter, rocks and anything else that could cause you to stumble (yes, puppy “presents” also fall into this category—ick).
- Take it slow. We know, you want to get your work done as quickly and efficiently as possible. But spending an extra two minutes to walk across the property is a lot shorter than six hours in the emergency room.
Footwear
- Wearing the right shoes is one of the most important things you can do to prevent a slip and fall. Make sure yours fit snugly and comfortably, and that they have good tread on the soles. We recommend a sturdy pair of leather work boots, like mine!
- For those of you braving those cold and snowy winters, Cambridge provides slip-on ice cleats to wear over your
regular shoes. Make sure to use them properly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For full details on avoiding slipping and tripping, take a look at page 13 of the Employee Safety Manual. Be sure to read this chapter in detail, and leave those pesky bananas to the ‘toons.