Slips, Trips, & Falls can be Prevented

May 6-10, 2019 is National Stand-down to Prevent Falls in construction week. Check out the numerous resources OSHA has posted for this event by clicking here.  CBJ is participating in this event by holding several short meetings throughout the week to talk about how we have and how we will prevent slips, trips, and falls (STFs).

In calendar year 2017, there were over 100,000 nonfatal injuries to local and state government employees nationally causing days lost from work due to slips, trips, and falls (InjuryFacts 2019, from BLS survey of occupational injuries and illnesses data). Every year it is one of the leading causes of injury on the job here at the City & Borough of Juneau.

In addition, fall protection is a perennial top 10 cited standard by OSHA. In fact, four of the top ten standards cited deal with slips/trips/falls: #1-Fall protection general requirements (1926.501), #3-Scaffolding (1926.451), #6-Ladders (1926.1053), and #9-Fall protection training (1926.503).  The CBJ was fined for a lack of adequate fall protection and fall protection training in 2018.

Walking/Working Surfaces Standard [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1)]states: Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition. Do you and your staff know the many other requirements for fall protection?

Fall Prevention Tips  

Clean up after yourselves immediately

Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas

Wear shoes with good support and slip resistant soles

Remove tripping hazards from stairs and walkways

Ensure adequate lighting both indoors and outdoors

Never stand on a chair, table, or other surface on wheels

Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats

Stay off freshly mopped floors

Arrange furniture to provide open walkways