They’ll Take Out Anyone Walking Down Their Path – 1/16/23

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Mgmt Platform

They’ll Take Out Anyone Walking Down Their Path

Sorry, we’re not going to be talking about that nice relaxing walk down that path through the woods today.

We’re going to be talking about going down the path of Slips, Trips and Falls.

This is a path that shows no mercy and when it comes to body parts, it’s willing to inflict pain and suffering that we don’t even want to talk about.

And the bad thing is, they come when we least expect them.

You’re walking out the door to head out to a job and that black ice has you down on the ground before you have a chance to catch yourself.

You’re carrying that box through the shop and that piece of equipment is sticking out in the aisle and down you go.

You’re walking down the steps not holding onto the handrail, miss a step and lookout below.

Someone has spilled some oil and didn’t clean it up and along you come and, well, you know the rest.

Slips, trips, and falls. There are endless ways that they can happen, but most happen because we don’t take the time to do what’s necessary to protect ourselves or others from them.

Think about it.  Black ice. It’s not like we’ve never seen it before, so when there’s a possibility of it, we should check it out and maybe put some ice melt on it instead of just hoping no one falls.

Carry that box in a way that you can see the path in front of you and that object sticking out is not a problem.  Better yet, get that object out of the way.

You might consider holding onto the handrail when walking down or even up those stairs because, if you’re like me, you’ve missed a step or two in your lifetime. That handrail might just keep you on your feet. And if there is no handrail, get one installed sooner than later.

Leaving us with that oil. Clean it up.

We haven’t even talked about ice on ladders, slippery roofs or any of the other thousands of situations that can put you on the ground before you know it, but I’m guessing you get the message.

Slips, trips, and falls come when you least expect them – but they are preventable.

Take a moment before you move around in your surroundings to understand the conditions and it will go a long way in keeping you on your feet.

Employee QuickTip

Did you know the wrist is the most common broken bone in a slip, trip or fall? It’s difficult to do much when you can’t use your hands. Do your part to protect you and others from a hazard that is preventable.

Employer/Management QuickTip

Remind your employees on a regular basis about slips, trips and falls. It will keep those recordable accidents at a minimum and keep your employees safe and on the job.

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Thanks for Reading and Please – “Have a Safe and Happy New Year”.