SAFETY
Q&A:
Slips, trips, and falls Solutions to prevent harmful and expensive falls in your facility
W
hen it comes to slips, trips, and falls (STFs), the statistics are scary. Consider that globally, an estimated 684,000 people die each year from falls, with STFs the second-leading cause of unintentional on-the-job fatalities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although most falls don’t lead to death, 3.7 million of the falls that occur annually worldwide are severe enough to require medical attention, WHO reports. In the United States alone, falls account for more than 8 million hospital emergency room visits, representing nearly one-quarter (21.3 per cent) of all visits, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). In addition to causing injuries, falls cost money and result in lost work productivity. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that among the 888,220 nonfatal work injuries in 2019 that resulted in lost workdays, 27 per cent were STF-related. STFs suffered by U.S. workers cost an estimated US$70 billion per year, NFSI figures reveal. As the statistics show, the problem is pervasive. Fortunately, facility managers and building service contractors (BSCs) can help prevent STFs. This article provides solutions to protect facility occupants and visitors from harmful and expensive falls. 94 INCLEAN September / October 2022
WHAT FACILITY CONDITIONS CAUSE STFS?
Some of the most common causes of STFs include: • Slippery floors due to oils and grease, melting snow or ice, and other wet or dry spills • Improperly covered or secured electrical cords, cables, and other wires • Change in flooring elevations or walkway/ramp slopes, improperly sized step risers, and uneven or poorly spaced steps • Traction changes in connected flooring types (from wet to dry floors, tiles to carpeting, etc.) • Floor mats that are unsecured or have high edges • Floors that are dirty, have worn finish, or are in poor shape (loose, cracked/ chipped tiles, ripped vinyl) • Poor lighting, excessive glare or shine on floors, and obstructed views • Clutter on floors or bottom cabinet drawers left open • Elevators misaligned with the floors • Lack of handrails.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP FLOORS DRY, CLEAN, AND SAFE?
Facility managers must ensure the conditions above do not exist or are remedied quickly. An ongoing quality floor
care program is a must, along with yearround placement of quality scraper and wiper mats in adequate lengths.
DO CERTAIN TYPES OF FLOORING CAUSE STF ACCIDENTS?
All flooring has the potential to contribute to STFs. However, floors with a poorly applied or inappropriate finish, or that are badly worn or dirty, may be most risky. Also, polished concrete, terrazzo, and ceramic tiles can be slipperier than other floorings and, therefore, prone to causing more STFs.
WHAT TIME(S) OF THE YEAR ARE STF ACCIDENTS MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN?
STFs occur throughout the year. However, STFs are typically higher in winter and during rainy seasons. It is vital to make people aware of potential STF hazards with signage to minimise incidents and mitigate potential liability when incidents occur.
WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGIES HELP MAKE FLOORS SAFER?
• Specialty products—Many newer cleaners and topical treatments increase shoe-to-floor traction. • Internet of Things (IoT)—Increasingly, manufacturers and other businesses are deploying IoT technology to send realtime alerts to identify fall hazards. GPS also can alert cleaning crews where a spill has occurred, track workers to expedite a