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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Stand Your Ground - Spot Slipping Hazards


The slippery season is arriving fast upon us, and may already be in force in some areas of the country. Take time to reexamine your workplace - inside and out - for slipping hazards.

Stand your ground by spotting these possible fall hazards in your work area and in other places around the workplace, such as break rooms and rest rooms:
·         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

Also be aware of slip hazards outside the workplace such as:
·         Wet or icy surfaces
·         Uneven pavement
·         Lack of adequate visibility in the dark
·         Glare, which can interfere with seeing where you’re going

Plan ahead:
·         Give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.
·         Wear shoes or boots that provide the proper traction on snow and ice. Avoid high heel shoes and also plastic or leather soles.
·         Take small steps or shuffle to keep your center of balance under you. Walk slowly and never run on icy ground.
·         Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets.
·         Use handrails on stairs from start to finish.
·         Avoid carrying loads on stairways; or carry loads that you can see over.
·         Keep your eyes on where you are going.
·         Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
·         Step - Don't jump from vehicles and equipment. Use the vehicle for support.

Finally, when entering the building, remove snow and water from footwear to prevent creating wet slippery conditions indoors. Indoor floor mats can only collect so much water. When they are saturated, the water will stay with your shoes for several feet past the floor mats.  Don’t assume that because you are indoors the floor won’t be slippery.

David Blackburn
Safety/Hazard Prevention
11/05/2012