Safety spotlight Winter Safety Tips: 10 Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, & Falls 1.Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. 2.Avoid carrying items that reduce your ability to see the ground in front of you. 3.Scan the path at least 6ft in front of you for hazards. 4.Walk slowly and take small steps. 5.Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles. 6.Plan ahead and give yourself sufficient time to get where you are going. 7.If you do slip, try to avoid using your hands to break your fall. 8.Watch out for black ice when walking. 9.Use your vehicle for support when entering and exiting. 10.When entering a building, make sure to wipe your feet. Bonus Tip: Report any safety concerns or accidents to your manager immediately.
Safety spotlight Preventing Indoor & Outdoor Winter Weather Hazards Choose the right footwear. Walk like a penguin on icy surfaces! Use handrails. Avoid distractions (like your cell phone) while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a surface looks icy, assume it is. Observe your indoor surfaces. Wet and/or snowy shoes can create slippery floors. Be careful when entering buildings and make sure good quality mats are in place.
Safety spotlight Preventing Falls in the Springtime Check tread tape in outdoor slick areas to ensure it still has tread. Shovels and ice melt can deteriorate tread tape through the winter. Replace tread tape if it’s worn. Ensure ice melt is still available, but not blocking doorways/exits. Ensure that your warm weather footwear has good tread and fits within RHA’s dress code.
Safety spotlight Slip-and-fall accidents are much more common than we realize. Be mindful of these slipping hazards lurking in your work environment. 1.Your feet. Always choose footwear that is compatible with the flooring surfaces in your workplace. 2.Staircases. Avoid these staircase hazards: Irregular steps, poor lighting, objects left on stairs, improper or broken handrails, and steps in unexpected places. 3.Walkways. Walkways may crack due to settling surfaces, storm damage, or tree roots. They can also collect puddles or ice. Be cautious when walking outside in bad weather and alert your building authorities if you see these hazards. 4.Ramps. Accidents are common on ramps, especially in rain or snow. Don’t get caught off guard by a ramp with a low rise—especially when it has no handrails.
Safety spotlight Preventing Falls in the Summertime June can bring unexpected early summer rain! We are responsible to routinely ensure that outdoor egress routes are clear of obstructions. Fallen sticks and wet leaves are severe tripping hazards. Remove them immediately to prevent falls.
Safety spotlight July is a great time for outings and vacations! Whether you are enjoying some ice cream, a ballgame, or a vacation, do not let your time be interrupted by a slip, trip or fall.
Here are a few tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time: Ensure foot attire is appropriate with good grip on the soles and tied shoelaces. Park in well-lit areas offering good exit and entry. Watch for spills and wet floors in restaurants, public restrooms, and in and around water sources. In unfamiliar areas, stay attentive and take extra time and care when walking and assisting others. Do not rush. Slow down and take your time. Assure vans have good grip strips in place.
Safety spotlight Did you know? Last fiscal year, 23.4% People Supported Injury Incidents resulted from falls/trips. Creating safe environments is key to RHA’s mission.
Tips to create safe settings Frequently scan your environment for tripping hazards. Use non-slip rugs on slick surfaces. Close drawers. Keep floors clear of clutter. Enhance lighting if needed.
Safety spotlight At RHA, it’s our top priority to maintain safe environments for the people we support.
General Safety Reminders Ensure leaves are raked and removed. When it rains, leaves can be as slippery as ice. All broken furniture should be removed immediately and replaced as soon as possible. No beds should be on the floor unless indicated by a PCP. If a person's bed is broken, the bed should be replaced immediately. Diet Consistency: For mechanical and ground diets, food must be prepared in the food processor.
Safety spotlight The holidays can often bring about some safety concerns. Keep an eye out for: Drunk and drowsy driving. In December, many people attend parties and work extended hours. Fatigue. Be cautious of accepting all event invitations while working normal or extended hours. Holiday stress. Did you know that 83% of people either love or hate holidays?
What can you do? Practice cautious driving. Drive at least two car lengths behind the car in front of you, look both ways at intersections, minimize distractions, and stay alert. Take breaks, personal days, or schedule some down time. Have someone to talk to. Utilize our EAP.