Slips, trips, and falls continue to be a major source of workplace injuries in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut every year. Most slip, trip, or fall incidents that result in workers losing time at work happen during the winter months. Cold temperatures and winter weather create a perfect storm of conditions that lead to slips, trips, and falls. Ice and snow cause slippery and uneven walking surfaces around the workplace.
Slips, trips, and falls can also happen inside at any time during the year. Spills make walking surfaces slippery. Loose or unanchored rugs or mats create uneven walking surfaces and tripping hazards. A cluttered floor, uncovered cables, and opened bottom drawers are also common causes of trips.
Higher-Risk Industries & Occupations
In the north, slip, trip, and fall incidents are most often experienced by:
- Manufacturing and retail workers
- Construction workers
- Government workers
The most common injuries that result from slip, trip, and fall incidents include sprains, strains, bruises, and sometimes traumatic injuries such as broken bones.
Preventing Injuries
Following the applicable hierarchy of controls for slip, trip, and fall hazards, here are some ways to reduce injuries related to slipping, tripping, and falling in the workplace:
- Can you eliminate tripping or slipping hazards from the worksite?
This can be done by following good housekeeping practices such as making sure walkways are free of debris, clean up spills as soon as they happen, and ensure carpets, mats, or rugs are secure and flat on the floor. - Can you engineer a solution?
Examples include installing non-slip flooring, ensuring proper lighting along walkways (especially in darker winter months), and installing handrails. - Can you develop an administrative solution?
This may include specific training for workers to ensure tripping and slipping hazards are identified and reported promptly, marking steps or uneven ground with high visibility colours or tape, and planning regular worksite inspections for these hazards. - Protect workers with personal protective equipment (PPE)?
PPE for these hazards may include ensuring workers are wearing non-slip footwear, or ice cleats if working outdoors in below freezing temperatures.
Resources:
If you would like an inspection at your workplace that focusses on slip, trip, and fall hazards, email us today.
See below for additional resources to help prevent slips, trips, and falls:
