Zone Comfort
Health and Safety / Work and Home
November 2025 vol 24 issue 11
Think before you trust
Snake oil. Carpet baggers. Yellow journalism. Call it what you will, the spreading of false information has been around for generations. But these days we are more connected than ever. We are sharing, liking, and reposting health tips, remedies and warnings at lightning speed. Connectivity like this comes at a serious risk: misinformation, especially when it concerns health and safety.
Whether it’s a viral TikTok claiming miracle cures or a chatbot offering medical advice, the consequences of acting on false information can be dangerous.
One recent example that stirred confusion is the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Despite authoritative guidance from Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada affirming its safety when used as directed, conflicting messages from U.S. officials and social media influencers
• Get the protein you need
• Home maintenance tasks
• Aerial platform safety
• Avoiding slips and trips
• Hot work hydration tips
• What is rhabdomyolysis?
• Workplace aerosols
• VOCs at home
have led to unnecessary fear and misinformation. How can this happen?
In 2021, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in collaboration with experts from institutions like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, raised concerns about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Sounds legit, right? But that is not all what was reported. Researchers also emphasized that the findings did not establish causation, and that acetaminophen remains important for treating fever and pain during pregnancy, which themselves can pose risks to fetal development. Also, Canadian health authorities reviewed the evidence and found it lacking. Health Canada reaffirmed that acetaminophen remains a recommended treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy, provided it’s used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Despite this, misinformation spread
• Avoid computer eyestrain
• Lazy eye explained
• Winter preparedness
• Personal security awareness
• Cold weather means clean habits
• Safety meeting: Slips, trips and falls are a serious workplace hazard
rapidly fuelled by social media posts, sensational headlines, and even statements from public figures.
Here are a few practical steps we can take to ensure the information we read and share is truly legit:
Check your sources. Use trusted websites like Health Canada, or the Public Health Agency of Canada, or provincial health authorities.
Look for credentials. Is the author a licensed medical professional or affiliated with a reputable institution?
Compare claims across multiple reputable sources. If only one site is making a bold claim, be sceptical. Use fact-checking platforms like Canada’s WHMIS Portal or the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Queen’s University recommends factcheck.org and snopes.com.
Check the date. Health guidelines evolve. Make sure the information is current and reflects the latest research.
Beware of red flags. Watch out for miracle cures, conspiracy theories, or “secret” health tips. Be cautious of influencers promoting products without medical credentials.
Read reports in their entirety. “Clickbait” or the first three lines of an article you can read online without a subscription do not provide you with all the information you need.
Use AI responsibly. When using chatbots never rely solely on their advice for medical decisions. Use them to gather general information but consult a healthcare professional before acting on it.
Publisher: Stefan Dreesen
H&S Communication Specialists: Alan Haycroft | Liz Slobodin | Kevin Harvey
Editor: Kate Van Hoof-Peeren
Contributing Writer: Bryden Winsby
TOLL FREE: 1-888-655-4800 info@smartworkplace.ca www.smartworkplace.ca
Ways to get the protein you really need
(NC) Health, wellness and nutrition advice is everywhere, but it can be easy to overlook the basics. For instance, protein is the foundation for healthy, growing bodies, but how much of it do you need every day? Here are three tips for finding out if you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
1) Learn the signs of protein deficiency. Protein is critical for growth and development, and it’s in every body part, from hair and skin to muscles and bones. It helps build and repair tissues and cells and supports vital processes like immune function and hormone production. If you’re not getting enough, you may notice signs like:
• Brittle hair and nails.
• Frequent hunger.
• Fatigue.
• Low immunity.
• Mood swings.
• Difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are often linked to how protein affects energy levels and brain function.
2) Get expert advice. Protein needs can vary depending on your age, lifestyle and health goals. Arm yourself with the right information: how much protein you need, the best sources of protein and how to know if you’re not getting enough.
Consulting a registered dietitian is ideal, and you can also take advantage of online materials, which can offer simple, practical advice on how much protein you need, recommended options and recipe ideas. Always double check sources before heeding online advice.
3) Know where your protein comes from. Complete proteins, which contain essential amino acids that your body needs to function, are mostly found in animal products like meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. Snacks such as yogurt, cheese and nuts can be convenient, protein-rich options. But keep an eye on the label—some highprotein snacks can also be high in sugar or additives. Prioritize whole food options when possible.
Home maintenance tasks to tackle before winter arrives
(NC) Canadian winter weather can be unpredictable. That’s why it’s good practice to ensure that you and your home are ready for whatever rolls in with the cold temperatures.
Make sure your furnace is in good working order. Book a furnace inspection before winter hits. Wait times can be longer as we get deeper into the season, and that’s the worst time to make do without. Regular maintenance and inspections can also save you money in the long run.
Check your chimneys and wood burning equipment. They should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional.
Check for drafts and extra space. Look around your windows and doors where you can feel cold air and apply weatherstripping or sealant. Heat rises, so start with the basement. Let in natural heat and sunlight by opening curtains and blinds in the morning and closing them in the evening to trap warmth.
Protect your pipes. Water expands when it freezes, so severe cold snaps
can put your pipes at risk of bursting. As part of your winter prep, turn off the water supply to all outdoor taps and faucets, then open the taps to drain them completely. Leave the taps in the open position until spring. Disconnect garden hoses and drain them completely. Store them in a warm location so any residual water won’t freeze.
Put away seasonal items. If you haven’t already, put away your patio tables and chairs, as well as your barbecue, if you’re not planning to use it through the winter. Wash them with soapy water and dry them before storing. To avoid rust on barbecue grills, brush them with vegetable oil and place a grill protecter over them.
Prep your lawn system. Before the frost hits, you’ll want to drain your lawn sprinkler or irrigation system and have a professional complete any required repairs. Make sure sprinkler heads are appropriately marked to avoid any costly mistakes during snow removal.
Safe working on aerial platforms
Working at height is a common requirement across many industries across the country from construction and maintenance to telecommunications and utilities. Aerial platforms, such as boom lifts and scissor lifts, offer a practical solution for accessing elevated work areas. However, they also present serious risks if not used properly.
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in Canada. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), fall protection is required when workers are exposed to a fall of more than 3 metres.
When using aerial platforms, wearing fall arrest equipment—such as a full-body harness connected to an appropriate anchor point—is critical. This equipment prevents serious injury or death in the event of a fall and keeps the worker secure during unexpected platform movement or tip-over. The use of fall arrest complies with Canadian regulations, including those set by provincial bodies like WorkSafeBC, WSIB (Ontario), and CNESST (Quebec).
Here are some best practices to follow when working with aerial platforms: Inspect equipment before use. Check the platform, harness, lanyard, and anchor points for damage or wear. Ensure the lift is properly maintained and
inspected according to manufacturer guidelines.
Use the right fall protection system. Always wear a CSA-approved full-body harness. Connect to a designated anchor point inside the platform—never to external structures.
Stay within guardrails. Do not climb or lean over guardrails. Keep both feet firmly on the platform floor.
Avoid overloading. Respect the platform’s weight capacity, including tools and materials. Distribute weight evenly to maintain stability.
Be aware of surroundings. Watch for overhead hazards like power lines. Ensure the ground is stable and level before operating the lift.
Receive proper training. Operators must be trained and certified to use aerial platforms. Training should include emergency procedures, equipment handling, and fall protection.
Working at height with aerial platforms can be safe and efficient—when proper precautions are taken. Wearing fall arrest equipment is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a life-saving measure. By following best practices and staying informed, Canadian workers can protect themselves and their colleagues while performing elevated tasks.
Avoiding slips, trips and falls at work
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace incidents, often resulting in injuries that could have been easily prevented. Whether you work in an office, warehouse, or industrial setting, maintaining a safe workspace is everyone’s responsibility.
Consider this scenario: Jordan, a warehouse technician, was walking quickly to retrieve a tool when he slipped on a small puddle near the loading dock. The spill hadn’t been cleaned up, and there were no warning signs. Jordan fell hard, injuring his wrist and missing two weeks of work.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls starts with awareness and action. By practicing good housekeeping and staying alert, we all can help create a safer, more productive workplace for everyone.
Good housekeeping is more than just tidiness—it’s a critical safety practice. It includes:
• Promptly cleaning spills and marking wet areas with signage.
• Keeping walkways clear of cords, boxes, and clutter.
• Ensuring proper lighting in all work areas.
• Securing loose mats or rugs that could shift underfoot.
• Reporting hazards immediately to supervisors or safety officers.
Here are a few more tips to avoid slips and trips:
• Wear appropriate footwear with good grip.
• Avoid rushing—take your time and stay alert.
• Use handrails on stairs and ramps.
• Stay off your phone while walking in work areas.
• Participate in safety training and refreshers regularly.
Work conditions can result in rhabdo
Rhabdomyolysis is a relatively rare but serious medical condition that can lead to permanent disability or death.
Often referred to simply as “rhabdo,” it is perhaps most well-known among elite athletes and others who engage in high intensity exercise but can also happen in a work environment.
Rhabdo occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. These substances can damage a person’s organs and lead to:
• Dangerous heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Seizures.
• Kidney damage or kidney failure.
• Nausea and vomiting.
In the workplace, risk is increased by physically demanding jobs in hot environments, such as landscaping or firefighting, which can be exacerbated by heat-trapping protective equipment, dehydration or sudden increases in exertion.
Those who develop rhabdo can exhibit one or more of these symptoms:
• Muscle cramps, aches, or pains that are more severe than expected
• Dark (tea- or cola-coloured) urine
• Feeling weak or tired, unable to complete tasks you were able to do previously.
Risk also can be increased by negative personal behaviour — using illegal drugs, drinking excessive alcohol, taking supplements such as creatine and ephedra, and consuming large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants.
Medications are another risk factor. Examples include some antibiotics and antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and cold and allergy medicines. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent death and disability, and it’s important to know that symptoms alone will not indicate if you have rhabdo. The only way to know for sure is to see a healthcare provider, who can order blood tests for creatine kinase (CK), a marker for muscle damage. Repeated tests are required to see if CK levels are rising or falling.
Rhabdomyolysis is treated with intravenous fluids to flush toxins and prevent kidney damage, especially in the first few days after symptoms appear. Other treatments include managing electrolyte imbalances, especially high potassium, administering medications such as bicarbonate to help the kidneys, and, in severe cases, dialysis for acute kidney failure..
Here are some tips to help prevent and manage rhabdo:
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after work.
• Avoid sudden, large increases in physical activity to allow your body to adapt.
• Gradually get used to working in hot conditions.
• Ensure proper rest and work-to-rest ratios during intense work periods.
• Listen to your body. Stop if you feel extreme pain or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.
• Avoid stimulants: Limit the use of stimulants like energy drinks before physically demanding tasks.
Staying hydrated in hot work conditions
Working in high-temperature environments—such as firefighting, kitchens, foundries, or near industrial ovens—can quickly lead to dehydration, heat stress, and fatigue. Staying hydrated is not just about comfort; it’s a critical part of staying safe and maintaining performance on the job.
Hydration is a simple but powerful way to protect your health in hot work environments. Whether you’re battling flames or working near a hot stove, staying hydrated helps you stay sharp, safe, and strong.
When your body heats up, it sweats to cool down. But sweating causes fluid loss, which can lead to:
• Dehydration.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Reduced concentration.
• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Even mild dehydration can impair physical and mental performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Here are a few tips to stay hydrated on the job.
•Drink water regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Aim to drink small amounts of water every 15–20 minutes during hot work.
• Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. These can contribute to dehydration. Water is best, but electrolyte drinks can help during extended periods of sweating.
•Start hydrated. Drink water before your shift begins. If you start the day dehydrated, it’s harder to catch up.
• Take breaks in cool areas. Rest in shaded or air-conditioned spaces when possible to reduce heat stress.
• Eat hydrating foods. Fruits like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers help replenish fluids and provide nutrients.
Avoid VOCS at home
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. While some VOCs are harmless in small amounts, others can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health risks—especially when exposure is frequent or prolonged.
While you may think you would only come across them in the workplace, VOCs are also commonly found in household products you might not expect, including:
• Air fresheners and scented candles.
• Cleaning supplies and disinfectants.
• Paints, varnishes, and adhesives.
• Personal care items like nail polish, hairspray, and perfumes.
• Dry-cleaned clothing.
• New furniture and carpets (due to offgassing)
These products release VOCs into the air, sometimes for days or even weeks after use. Exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, and long-term health effects. Poor ventilation can make these effects worse, especially in tightly sealed homes or during winter months when windows are rarely opened.
To reduce your exposure and protect your home environment:
• Choose low-VOC or VOC-free products whenever possible.
• Use products in well-ventilated areas—open windows or use exhaust fans even during the winter months.
• Store chemicals properly in sealed containers and away from living spaces.
• Limit use of air fresheners and scented products, especially in bedrooms or nurseries.
• Allow new furniture or carpets to off-gas in a garage or well-ventilated room before bringing them into main living areas.
Managing workplace aerosol hazards
The word “aerosol” is very often associated with pressurized containers — spray cans — that dispense a wide variety of familiar materials, from hair spray and deodorizer to paint and pesticides.
Many of those materials are encountered in the workplace, but spray cans aren’t the only source of aerosol hazards you could encounter on the job.
The word actually refers simply to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, most commonly air. These particles can come from natural sources such as dust, sea salt and volcanic ash, or human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes and commercial products.
Exposure can cause serious respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
Aerosol hazards generally fall into three categories:
Chemical
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are found in many spray cleaners, paints, adhesives and air fresheners. VOCs can cause short-term issues such as eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches and nausea. Longterm exposure is linked to more severe health problems such as liver and kidney damage, central nervous system effects and cancer.
• Fumes, gases and smoke generated from welding, burning or manufacturing processes pose significant respiratory, cardiovascular and carcinogenic risks.
• Toxic substances in aerosol form can be inhaled easily, absorbed through the skin or ingested.
Biological (Bioaerosols)
• Microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria can become airborne through breathing, coughing or specific procedures in healthcare and laboratory settings.
• Airborne allergenic agents such as mold spores, pollen and animal dander can cause allergic reactions, asthma and other
respiratory symptoms.
• Inhalation is the most common route of entry for bioaerosols, but touching contaminated surfaces can also lead to illness.
Physical
• Pressurized containers. Aerosol cans contain propellants under pressure, which can cause them to explode or rupture if mishandled, exposed to heat, or punctured. This creates risks of impact injuries, fires or burns.
• Flammability. Many aerosol products contain flammable ingredients. When dispensed as a fine mist, they can create an explosive vapour mixture that is easily ignited by sparks, heat or open flames.
To manage aerosol hazards effectively, a combination of measures should be implemented, following what’s known as the hierarchy of controls:
• Removing the hazardous process or substance entirely or replacement with safer alternatives.
• Engineering controls that include ventilation systems to capture and remove contaminants at the source before they can disperse into the air or to replace contaminated air with fresh air to reduce overall concentration. Other methods include process enclosures and isolation to prevent release of aerosols into the work environment, applying water during dust-generating activities, and using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in ventilation systems and portable air purifiers.
• Administrative controls, such as enforcement of procedures for proper chemical handling, storage and waste disposal. Work scheduling adjustments can reduce individual exposure time by rotating tasks or undergoing hazardous processes when fewer workers are present.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include appropriate respiratory protection, goggles or face shields and clothing, gloves or coveralls to prevent skin contact.
Eye safety at your screen
Spending long hours in front of a computer screen? You’re not alone. With more of us spending long hours in front of screens, digital eye strain—also known as computer vision syndrome—is becoming a common concern.
Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), screen time is a growing factor in eye discomfort and even long-term vision issues like near-sightedness.
Staring at screens reduces blink rate, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Poor posture and lighting can also contribute to muscle fatigue and headaches. Over time, these issues may affect productivity and overall well-being.
Keep your eyes healthy and your productivity high with these easy strategies:
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Adjust your screen setup. Position your monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.
• Use proper lighting. Minimize glare from windows and overhead lights. Use task lighting if needed.
• Blink often. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces dryness.
• Take regular breaks. Stand up, stretch, and move around every hour to refresh your body and eyes.
• Consider blue light filters. Use screen settings or glasses that reduce blue light exposure.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Book regular eye exams—even if you don’t wear glasses. Eye health is essential to your overall well-being and work performance.
Adults can still motivate a lazy eye
Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a vision development disorder where one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It typically begins in infancy or early childhood and is the most common cause of vision loss in children.
Amblyopia occurs when the brain favours one eye over the other, often due to poor visual input from the weaker eye. Over time, the brain suppresses signals from the affected eye, leading to reduced vision.
Symptoms can be subtle and may include:
• Poor depth perception.
• Squinting or shutting one eye.
• Head tilting.
• Eyes that don’t appear to work together.
• An eye that drifts inward or outward.
• Frequent bumping into objects, especially on one side.
Lazy eye can significantly impact spatial awareness and depth perception, which are crucial for everyday tasks. This can lead to:
• Increased risk of accidents such as tripping or bumping into objects.
• Difficulty with driving, especially judging distances.
• Challenges in sports or physical activities.
• Workplace hazards, particularly in environments requiring precise visual coordination.
For children, these issues can affect development and confidence, while for adults, untreated amblyopia may limit career options or daily independence.
A common misconception is that amblyopia can only be treated during childhood. While early intervention is ideal, adults can also benefit from treatment. Recent research has shown that the adult brain retains a surprising degree of neuroplasticity, meaning it can still adapt and improve visual function.
Vision therapy, structured exercises, and even technologies like virtual reality have proven effective in helping adults strengthen their weaker eye and improve binocular vision. If you believe you suffer from this condition it’s not too late. Speak with a health care professional about your options.
Early diagnosis is still the best solution for your kids. Routine eye exams are essential, especially between ages 3 and 5. If you have a family history of eye conditions, your kids should be monitored closely. Early treatment often leads to full recovery, while delayed treatment may result in permanent vision loss.
Personal security tips for shorter days
As autumn deepens and winter approaches, Canadians experience shorter daylight hours—meaning more time spent in the dark during everyday activities. Whether you’re walking your dog after dinner, heading to your car before sunrise, or going for an evening run, it’s important to take steps to protect your personal security.
Shorter days don’t have to mean increased risk. By staying alert, planning ahead, and trusting your instincts, you can enjoy your routines safely—even in the dark. Personal security is about awareness, preparation, and confidence.
Common scenarios that you don’t think about during the late spring and summer months require extra awareness when darkness descends early in winter. Some scenarios include:
• Evening walks or runs: With less visibility, it’s harder to spot hazards or people around you. Dimly lit paths and quiet streets can feel isolating.
• Commuting to or from work: Whether you’re walking to your car in the early morning or heading home after sunset, parking lots and transit stops can feel less secure in the dark.
• Running errands after dusk: Grocery stores, pharmacies, and malls may be well-lit inside, but parking areas and walkways can be shadowy and quiet.
Here are a few tips to stay alert:
1. Stick to well-lit areas. Choose routes with streetlights or illuminated paths. Avoid shortcuts through alleys, parks, or poorly lit areas.
2. Keep your phone accessible—but not distracting. Have your phone ready in case of emergency but avoid walking while texting or scrolling. Stay aware of your surroundings.
3. Walk with confidence. Keep your head up, shoulders back, and walk with purpose. Appearing confident can deter unwanted attention.
4. Use the buddy system when possible. Walk or run with a friend, especially in unfamiliar or isolated areas.
5. Carry a personal safety device. Consider carrying a whistle, flashlight, or personal alarm. Some apps also allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
6. Trust your instincts. If something feels off—whether it’s a person, a vehicle, or a situation—don’t ignore it. Change direction, seek help, or call someone.
If you are in a situation where you feel threatened or unsafe, get yourself to a safe place. Move toward a populated or well-lit area, such as a store, café, or transit station. Use your phone to contact a friend, family member, or emergency services.
Here are a couple of more tips:
• If you feel threatened, draw attention by shouting or using a personal alarm.
• Don’t hesitate to report. If you experience or witness suspicious behaviour, report it to local authorities or building security.
Cold weather requires clean habits
As the days grow colder and shorter, Canadians naturally spend more time indoors—with windows closed and heaters running. While cozy environments are welcome, they also create ideal conditions for germs to spread quickly. Offices, break rooms, and shared spaces can become hotspots for illness if hygiene practices aren’t maintained.
Illness can spread faster in colder months because airborne viruses and bacteria can get trapped in rooms with closed windows or poor ventilation. Dry indoor air can irritate nasal passages making it easier for viruses to enter the body. More time indoors means closer contact with outers, increasing the risk of transmission.
Here are a few hygiene tips to keep in mind, especially at this time of year:
1. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
2. Use hand sanitizer. Keep a bottle at your desk or in your bag for times when soap and water aren’t available.
3. Avoid touching your face. Germs can enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth— especially after touching contaminated surfaces.
4. Clean shared equipment. Wipe down keyboards, phones, and desks regularly with disinfectant wipes.
5. Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow—not your hands—and dispose of tissues immediately.
6. Stay home if you’re sick. Don’t “power through” a cold or flu. Resting at home helps you recover and protects your coworkers.
Here are a few tips for shared indoor spaces:
• Improve ventilation by opening windows briefly or using air purifiers.
• Avoid crowding in small rooms or break areas.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like fridge handles, microwave buttons, coffee machines and light switches daily.
Zone Comfort
Safety Meeting
Slips, trips and falls are a serious workplace hazard
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries across Canada. These incidents may seem minor at first glance, but they can lead to serious injuries, long-term disability, and even fatalities. Whether you work in an office, a construction site, or a healthcare facility, understanding the risks and taking preventive measures is essential for maintaining a safe work environment.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations in Canada. In 2023–2024, there were over 283,000 acute inpatient hospitalizations due to injury, with falls accounting for a significant portion.
Nationally, nearly 348,747 lost-time injury claims were accepted in 2022, and many of these were due to slips, trips, and falls. These incidents are not limited to high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing—they also occur frequently in offices, retail spaces, and healthcare settings.
Here is how we define slip trips and falls:
• A slip occurs when there is too little
friction between your footwear and the walking surface. Common causes include wet floors, oily surfaces, or loose rugs.
• A trip happens when your foot strikes an object or uneven surface, causing you to lose balance. Examples include cluttered walkways, exposed cables, or uneven flooring.
• A fall results when you lose your balance and come down suddenly, often due to a slip or trip. Falls can happen from the same level or from a height, such as a ladder or staircase.
Here are two examples that highlight how easily slips and trips can occur— and how serious the consequences can be.
1. An administrative assistant was walking through the office kitchen when she slipped on a spilled coffee that hadn’t been cleaned up. She fell backward, fracturing her wrist and requiring six weeks off work.
2. A construction worker tripped over an unsecured extension cord on a busy job site. He fell forward, hitting his head on a metal beam and suffering a concussion that kept him out of work for over a month.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls requires awareness, good housekeeping, and proactive safety measures. Here are some practical tips:
1. Keep walkways clear: Ensure that hallways, staircases, and work areas are free of clutter, cords, and obstacles.
2 Clean spills immediately: Promptly clean up any liquids, grease, or debris on floors. Use appropriate signage to warn others of wet surfaces.
3. Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes with non-slip soles, especially in environments prone to wet or oily surfaces.
4. Use handrails: Always use handrails when ascending or descending stairs. Avoid carrying items that obstruct your view.
5. Improve lighting: Ensure all work areas, especially stairwells and storage rooms, are well-lit to reduce the risk of tripping. If you notice burnt-out bulbs, report them to your supervisor or to maintenance.
6. Report hazards: Report unsafe conditions immediately so they can be addressed before someone gets hurt.
7. Use floor mats and anti-slip tape: In areas prone to moisture, use mats and anti-slip tape to improve traction.
8. Attend trainings: Regular safety training on how to recognize and avoid slip, trip, and fall hazards can also be useful.
Slips, trips, and falls are preventable. By fostering a culture of safety and vigilance, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Taking simple steps to identify and eliminate hazards can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.
Zone Comfort Zone Comfort
Safety Meeting Quiz
Reporting hazards and cleaning spills immediately are effective ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Attendance Sheet
Slips, trips and falls are a serious workplace hazard