Electrical Association

Toolbox Talks - Take Precautions: Trips, Slips

• 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.
• 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.
• Employer and assigned employees will keep all floors, stairs, ladders, walkways, sidewalks, and driveways in good repair.
• Workers will not put electrical cords where people can trip on them.
• 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.
• Employer will clearly mark stairs, aisles, and walkways. Employees will keep them free of any material.
• Employees will travel slowly when carrying materials.
• Employees will warn other employees or customers of potential problems and report the problems to the
• supervisor immediately.
• Supervisors and employees will look at each job and work area to spot and avoid possible hazards and correct them immediately.
• If an accident occurs, employees will immediately contact the person in the area who is trained in first aid.
• Employer will provide OSHA-approved ladders, which employees are always to use rather than a step stool or chair.
• Workers may never climb on or drop merchandise from shelves.
• Employer allows only authorized employees (18 yrs or older) to operate fork lifts.
• Workers may never stock merchandise on the floor or in traffic areas.

Notes

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 instead and seek medical attention immediately.

Neck and spinal injuries cause painful movement of the arms 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 IN ANY WAY 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.

For more information, check manufacturer’s guidelines, contact a competent professional or the OSHA Consulting Office.