Slips
Sponsored by Federated Insurance
--Usually a part of “Slips, Trips, and Falls.” We’re covering “slips” in this issue because the messy season is approaching!
- Workers will mop spills immediately and post a sign stating: WET FLOORS. Workers will never leave spills unattended.
- Employer will supply, and workers will use, an oil-absorbing material to control small oil spills in the work place.
- Employer will make sure the work place is properly equipped to handle spills immediately and have sufficient materials on hand, such as warning signs and absorbent materials to keep spill prone areas safe.
- During poor weather, employees will keep rugs, mats and floors dry. Assigned employees will remove snow and ice from all sidewalks, drives, and access points used by the general public or employees promptly.
- If you must walk on a slippery surface:
- Wear proper footwear for better traction on slippery surfaces
- Point your feet slightly outward, keeping your center of balance under you
- Take slow, small steps
- Use your feet as probes to detect possible slip, trip and fall hazards
- Get your feet underneath your body quickly to maintain your balance after an initial step
- Use rails or other stable objects that you can use to hold on
- Protect the more vulnerable parts of your body like your head, neck and spine if you do fall
First Aid Reminders:
For fractures, you will see swelling, deformity, pain, tenderness, and loss of use. Gently remove clothing from the area around the injury. Avoid moving the injured area if possible and check for the above symptoms. Control bleeding, but do not attempt to push any protruding bones back beneath the skin. Seek medical attention immediately.
Bleeding can be controlled by gently applying direct pressure with a dry sterile dressing. When saturated, do not remove it, simply add another dressing. You must wear latex gloves or use other protection against transmission of infection from the person’s blood. Don’t remove any impaled objects. Immobilize the object and seek medical attention immediately.
Neck and spinal injuries cause painful movement of the arms and/or legs, numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, paralysis to arms or legs, deformity of head and neck. Check heart rate and breathing, administer CPR if necessary but DO NOT USE HEAD TILT. DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM unless they are in immediate danger. Stabilize victim to prevent any movement. Immobilize head and neck by placing objects on either side. Protect victim against shock or hypothermia by covering with jackets or blankets to keep them warm. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SPLINT A VICTIM. Alert professional EMS help.
More information: www.OSHA.gov