S-STAF Slips, Trips and Falls

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of Infrastructure and Development Services loss time injuries have historically been attributed to slips, trips, and falls?

30% (correct)

50%

20%

40%

Why are emergency scenes fraught with hazards?

Because they always involve working off a ladder

Because they are always outside in unfamiliar locations

Because they always involve fire and electrical hazards

Because they are fraught with hazards from the incident, environment, potential energy, and emergency operations (correct)

What is the most common type of injury even in the safe environment of a fire station or an office?

Vehicle accidents

Electrical shock

Falls (correct)

Fire burns

What should firefighters do when scanning the environment at an emergency incident?

Maintain a sense of situational awareness and look for all potential hazards (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should workers do in the fire station or office when they notice a slip, trip, or fall hazard?

Notify co-workers and use applicable signage for wet or slippery floors (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is situational awareness important for firefighters?

Because it helps them identify potential hazards (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when walking in an unfamiliar area?

Proceed with extra caution (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should safety inspectors do during safety inspections?

Check for tripping and fall hazards (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when using a ladder?

Tie off the ladder or have someone support the base (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should firefighters stop, take a knee, and orientate themselves when visibility is diminished?

To assess the situation and call out to their partner/crew before moving (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when working near the edge of roofs?

Ensure three points of contact for stability (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you notice a spill or debris on the floor?

Report it immediately and clean it up (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you identify a defect in your personal protective equipment?

Report it to your supervisor (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when walking on irregular ground?

Take smaller steps and watch your footing (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you notice a slip, trip, or fall hazard?

Report it to your supervisor immediately (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to have good water drainage in parking areas and walkways?

To reduce the risk of falling (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Slips, Trips, and Falls Guidelines

Slips, trips, and falls have historically accounted for 30% of Infrastructure and Development Services loss time injuries.
Hundreds of workers die, and thousands become disabled from falls on the job every year.

Hazard Recognition

Firefighters must maintain situational awareness at emergency incidents to identify potential hazards, including darkness, uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and obstructions.
Situational awareness should be stressed to all firefighters operating at incidents, regardless of location or task.
If visibility is diminished, stop, take a knee if required, orientate yourself, and call out to your partner/crew before moving.

Precautions to Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls

Watch where you are going, avoid areas with poor lighting, and pre-plan your route of travel.
Remove obstacles, carry items in a way that won't throw you off balance, and report any concerns or hazards to your supervisor.
Inspectors should check for tripping and fall hazards, and report any hazards for immediate correction.

Walking

Look before you walk, make sure your pathway is clear, and proceed with extra caution at unfamiliar premises.
Use slip-resistant footwear, and place your foot completely on the step when using stairs.
Anticipate falls and prepare for them.

Walking – Outdoors

Beware of materials or debris that you can trip over, and be cautious of hills, embankments, irregular ground, and slippery conditions.
Be mindful of loads that block vision, and avoid stumbling while carrying heavy items.

Ladders

Use ladders with non-skid feet, and tie off the ladder or have someone support the base.
Never stand on the top two rungs of the ladder, and don't overreach to the sides.
Always fully extend stepladder legs and lock them before use.

Floor and Wall Openings and Holes

Exercise vigilance when working on roofs, and ensure three points of contact for stability.
Place covers and/or guardrails to protect employees from falling into holes or pits.
Make sure lighting is adequate, and replace burned-out bulbs promptly.

Housekeeping

Clean up grease, oil, and debris whenever noticed, and report accidental spills immediately.
Ensure good water drainage in parking areas and walkways, and eliminate standing water.
Make sure walkways and stairs are free of obstructions and debris, and report loose carpeting and damaged floors for prompt maintenance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Workers should inspect and wear equipment provided by the employer, and report any defects to their supervisor.

Hazard Reporting

If a slip, trip, or fall hazard has been identified, report it to your supervisor immediately.
The supervisor shall conduct an investigation to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions if necessary.

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