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TOOLBOX TALK: WALKING/WORKING SURFACES EXIST LITERALLY EVERYWHERE YOU CAN STEP FOOT IN THE WORKPLACE

BY JP BURNEY | OCT 20, 2020


According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes  of workplace injuries. Good housekeeping practices are essential in the  workplace and reduce the potential for slip, trip and fall incidents.

OSHA STANDARD 1910.22(a)(1) states that the employer must ensure: All  places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition. 


OSHA defines a walking/working surface as any horizontal or vertical surface  on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area  or workplace location. 


Some examples of walking/working surfaces include:

 

*examples of walking/working surfaces shown above

 

SLIPS occur when there is too little friction or traction between your feet  (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance.


TRIPS occur when your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body  continues moving, throwing you off balance.


To prevent slips and trips ensure all walking and working surfaces are free  from hazards such as:

  • Loose boards 

  • Uneven floors 

  • Extension cords or other cables 

  • Leaks and spills 

  • Protruding objects such as nails 

  • Holes 

  • Trash, boxes or containers 

  • Loose mats or rugs 

  • Miscellaneous equipment 

  • Slippery surfaces 

  • Poor lighting in the area

  • Unmarked level changes 

  • Open lower drawers & cabinets

If repair or maintenance is required to remove the identified slip, trip or fall  hazard, and the fix cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded  to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface until the hazard  is corrected or repaired.


Short-term hazards due to maintenance, repair or housekeeping  should be marked with cautionary floor stands or signs, barricade  tape, warning posts and/or chains.



OSHA STANDARD 1910.22(a)(3) Walking-working surfaces are maintained  free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion,  leaks, spills, snow, and ice. 



It is recommended that a safety meeting on slips, trips and falls be conducted  with all staff at least once a year. During the safety meeting, make sure to  cover these important points to prevent slips, trips & falls in the workplace.



  • Always clean up spills immediately and post wet floor warning signs  when appropriate. 

  • Keep cords, cables, material and equipment out of the walkway and  keep doorways unobstructed. 

  • Use non-skid or anti-slip coatings on work surfaces and only use non slip floor mats. 

  • Ensure good housekeeping is maintained. 

  • Wear proper slip-resistant footwear when working on or around  potentially slippery surfaces.

  • Walk cautiously, pay attention to the path ahead and avoid running. 

  • When taking the stairs, only take one step at a time and always use the  handrail. 

  • Do not carry items which obstruct your view when you are walking.

  • Never stand on a chair to reach up high, always use a ladder.

  • Always close all drawers and cabinets immediately after use. 

  • Ensure all walking/working areas have adequate lighting including  stairwells, closets & passageways. 

  • Use heavy-duty, highly visible warning tape and floor tape to mark any  uneven floor surfaces. 

  • Inspect ladders and scaffolding regularly and before every use. 

  • Use signs where there could be a need for instructions or suggestions  like “Watch Your Step”.

  • Exits must be visible and clearly marked with an EXIT sign.

  • Stairs and landing areas should be marked with anti-skid floor tape.


*warehouse with good house keeping and designated aisle way shown above



 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JP Burney, Corporate Safety Manager, received formal education and several OSHA certifications from Eastern Michigan University and Oakland U, respectively. He has been in the field of Environmental, Health, and Safety for over 16 years. JP comes to Crestline Construction from Safety Consulting Group, Restored Safety & Security, which he has owned since 2007. JP holds certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals(ASSP). JP is also an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer for Construction and General Industry standards.


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