Editor’s Note: Safety Moment is a monthly feature produced by Kyle Black of Seneca Meadows.
On our essential work site we are consistently working to ensure complete safety for each other, our customers, vendors, site visitors and our neighbors. Preventing slips, trips and falls is one of the many behaviors we demonstrate every day to ensure a safe work environment. These behaviors can be applied at home to also prevent injury or incident. According to the CDC falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Behaviors to prevent slips, trips and falls:
Slips
- Practice safe walking skills. Learn to walk like a penguin (link to penguin safety moment – https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2021/01/08/safety-moment-walking-safely-in-the-winter/ ) when ice or slippery conditions may be present
- Wear proper footwear for the present conditions
- Clean up spills right away
- Refrain from letting oil or grease accumulate around stoves and grills
- Be mindful of smooth surfaces and recently mopped or waxed floors
Trips
- Ensure carpets, rugs and mats lay flat
- Make sure you can see where you are walking
- Remove potential obstacles in and around the house, especially in walkways and high traffic areas.
Falls
- Use handrails, and repair or replace if loose or broken
- Ensure ample lighting
- Use 3 points of contact (ie: two feet & one hand) when climbing on stools or ladders
- Ensure that cords and cables are away from foot traffic areas or the use of a pedestrian cable protector is employed
Have a letter to the editor, op-ed, or other piece of content you’d like to see published on FingerLakes1.com? We’re here to help! Submit it to [email protected] with your contact information and we’ll publish it in our new ‘Community Voices’ section.