Don't slip into the slippery season without refresher training on slip, trip, and fall hazards! Today's Advisor gives you a quick training exercise to remind your employees to be aware of this ongoing danger.

In many parts of the country, winter weather is just around the corner—and in some areas, winter has already begun! So, 'tis the season to do a training session on slips and falls.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Training Exercise

Have trainees complete the worksheet below.

• Identify three slip, trip, and fall hazards in your work area.
  ____________________________________________________
  ____________________________________________________
  ____________________________________________________

• Identify three slip, trip, and fall hazards in other areas of the facility where you frequently go (for example, restrooms, locker room, break room).
  ____________________________________________________
  ____________________________________________________
  ____________________________________________________

• Identify two slip, trip, and fall hazards outside the building (for example, outdoor walkways, parking lot).
  ____________________________________________________
  ____________________________________________________

Great news! BLR's renowned Safety.BLR.com^® website now has even more timesaving features. Take our no-cost site tour! Or better yet, try it at no cost or obligation for a full 2 weeks.

Discuss the results as a group and answer any questions.

Answers to Training Exercise

Customize this list of examples of slip, trip, and fall hazards in trainees' work areas and other areas of the facility to your workplace:

• Failure to keep work areas clean and neat
• Inadequate lighting
• Not watching where you're going
• Running or walking too fast
• Spills and wet floors
• Clutter
• Open drawers
• Flooring problems
• Failure to use handrails on stairs
• Lack of caution on stairs and ladders
• Wearing inappropriate shoes

Customize this list of examples of slip, trip, and fall hazards outside your facility to your workplace:

• Wet or icy surfaces
• Uneven pavement
• Lack of adequate visibility in the dark
• Glare, which can interfere with seeing where you’re going

Your one-stop safety management resource, available 24/7. Go here to take a no-cost site tour or here to try it in your own office!

Staying aware of slip and trip hazards is one of the most effective ways to avoid falls.

Why It Matters

• In one recent year, more than 800 American workers fell to their deaths.
• On average, falls account for about 14 percent of all occupational fatalities.
• In addition, thousands of workers suffer nonfatal injuries from falls every year, many of them temporarily or permanently disabling.