Provided by WS Pharr & Company, Risk Control Department 

While vacationing last year in Miami, Florida, a city under near constant construction, there hung large sign on the fence of a construction site. It said, in bold letters: “YOUR FAMILY WANTS YOU HOME TONIGHT. Practice safety on the job site.” Phew! There is a message that hits close to home for those who read it.

Building construction can be a dangerous job, and each person on the job site should have a safe place to work. Likewise, landscape construction and even landscape maintenance may pose similar risks. As a business owner, crew leader, or manager of any sort, keeping safety at top of mind is crucial to your team’s success. Here, we will examine the most common - and preventable - causes of serious injury and death related to slips, trips and falls.

According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.

Many causes: There are many situations that may cause slips, trips, and falls: ice, wet spots,grease, polished floors, loose flooring or carpeting, uneven walking surfaces, clutter, electrical cords, open desk drawers and filing cabinets, and damaged ladder steps. The controls needed to prevent these hazards are usually obvious but too often ignored, such as keeping walkways and stairs clear of scrap and debris; coiling up extension cords, lines, and hoses when not in use; keeping electrical and other wires out of the way; wearing lug soles in icy weather; clearing parking lots, stairs, and walkways in snowy weather; and using salt/sand as needed.

The following different situations present unique slip, trip and fall hazards, so here are some tips to help control the exposures:

Housekeeping: in the office or on the job site

• Keep designated walkways or paths clear of debris.
• Do not block designated emergency exits.
• Keep unused extension cords, hoses, or rope coiled up and out of the way.
• Do not place or store equipment, tools, or material on steps or landings or below ladders.
• Keep the working area clean and organized.
• Immediately clean any spill and place wet floor signs out if necessary.
• Remove frayed or loose rugs or mats.
• Install absorbent material around equipment that leaks.

Uneven Walking Surfaces

• Identify any change in elevation in shops with reflective tape or paint (anything greater than a ¼ inch should be clearly marked).
• Remove any trip hazards in the shop such as bolts or holes in the flooring.
• Employees should wear above-the-ankle lace-up boots with a heavy lug sole when working in the field. Tennis shoes or pull-on style boots do not offer the best protection for preventing slips or ankle sprains.
• Step over or around obstructions, not on them.
• Keep your hands at your sides, not in your pockets, for balance.
• Walk, don't run - and change directions slowly.
• Pay attention to what you're doing and where you are going.
• Look out for broken concrete, manholes, uncovered drains and similar hazards.
• Do not twist to turn when walking through ivy beds or other similar areas.
• Watch out for slippery pine straw beds or slippery slopes.

Ladders

• Never carry equipment or other material when climbing up or down a ladder. Have another employee hand them to you or use a rope to raise and lower the material.
• Always face the ladder and use a three point stance when climbing up or down.
• Never over-reach when working from a ladder. Climb down and move the ladder closer.
• Make sure the ladder is on stable ground.
• Make sure your shoes and the rungs are free of mud, oil or grease.
• NEVER stand on the top two rungs.
• Have another employee hold the ladder or secure it by tying it off.

Stairs

• Keep stairs clear at all times: do not use stairs as storage areas.
• Always use the hand railing.
• Don't carry anything that blocks your vision.
• Keep stairs free from water, oil, grease, mud or anything else that might create a slip hazard.

Dovetail ramps

• Don’t jump off. Always use a three-point contact.
• Walk slowly and avoid running.
• Avoid walking on diamond plating, unless painted with an anti-skid paint.
• Keep clear of debris and equipment if possible.

General tips to prevent slips, trips or falls:

• Stay away from the edges of loading docks, manholes, and similar places where falls could occur.
• Use a ladder, not a box or chair, to reach high places.
• Don't jump from platforms.
• Don't carry or push loads that block your vision.
• Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts.
• Use a salt or other similar product to prevent ice build up on walkways.
• Try to step flat footed and try not to place heel or toe down first.

Review the Following Points

• Immediately clean up slip hazards.
• Pick up trip hazards like tools and electric cords.
• Inspect and use ladders safely.
• Do not jump off equipment.
• Always watch where you are going.
• Use shoes with good ankle support and good treads.