Hazard Alert: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Publication Date
January 29th, 2016
On January 20, 2016 a worker exited a pickup truck with his hands full, and slipped and fell on the snowy icy ground, breaking his wrist and arm. The worker was wearing safety boots that were not rated for cold weather. Traction aids were not worn. Three point contact was not maintained when getting out of the vehicle.
 
On January 24, 2016 a worker exited a pickup truck, stepped down, and slipped and fell on the snowy icy ground, breaking his leg in two places. The worker was wearing safety boots that were not rated for cold weather. Traction aids were not worn.
 
What the Legislation Says
General Safety Regulations Nunavut: 41. An employer shall ensure that a worker uses footwear appropriate to the hazards associated with the work site.
 
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations NWT: 100. (1) An employer shall require that (a) a worker uses footwear suitable to minimize any risks associated with the work site and the worker’s work; and (b) a worker who could be at risk from a heavy or falling object or who could tread on a sharp object uses approved protective footwear.
 
Safe Work Practices
Conduct hazard assessments of floors, platforms, stairs, walkways, and footwear to ensure they are in good repair, appropriate for the task, and free of hazards.
Implement appropriate controls such as sanding, snow removal, wearing winter rated footwear, use of traction aids, and maintain three point contact when on stairs, platforms, or exiting a vehicle.