Slip and fall hazards are present at all jobs that have a surface to walk on, and that is why OSHA implemented 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D. It is important to recognize that slips and falls are just as important to pay attention to as other safety hazards such as fire safety and first aid. Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of injury you face at work, and 20-30% of people who slip and fall at work will suffer moderate to severe injury. It is for this reason that floor spaces and walkways should be free from objects or slippery materials.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D: Walking-Working Surfaces
While OSHA hasn’t set regulations for slips, trips, and falls, it does cover safety guidelines in OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Part D, aptly named “Walking-Working Surfaces”. In 2017, the important guidance surrounding the second most common work injury, slips, trips, and falls, went on to better protect workers from hazards by requiring inspections.
Slips, trips, and falls defined
When we walk, our center of gravity shifts as we transfer our weight, which already sets the precedent for a fall due to being out of balance. And this allows for an accident to occur by:
- Slips – slips are a loss of balance due to reduced friction between your feet and the walking/working surface, and can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or the weather like snow or ice.
- Trips – trips happen due to your foot hitting an object or surface that throws you off balance due to your momentum and often occur when a person is in a hurry and doesn’t see the object/uneven surface.
- Falls – a fall occurs when your body moves too far from your center and accounts for more workplace fatalities than other work accidents.
While there are no formal training requirements set forth by OSHA, employees still must be trained to avoid any workplace accidents. To protect yourself, you can implement these trainings whenever you are at a worksite or your workplace. They are as follows:
- Consult your employee handbook
- Prevent accidents by discussing with employees what is contained in the OSHA Regulation
- Review ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls
- Wear non-slip footwear
The importance of proper training
It has been found that training for hazard awareness is the most effective way to avoid slip or trip injuries. It is important for the training to be comprehensive so that anyone can safely navigate workspaces, because slips, trips, and falls are the second most prevalent work injuries that can be combatted with training and general awareness of your body in space and time.
Keywords: Slips, trips, falls, OSHA, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, safety, safety in the workplace, Walking-Working Surfaces