HSEV 1005 Unit 2d: Walking and Working Hazards PDF

Unit 2 d: Walking and Working Hazards _________________ _________________________ Lecture Objectives i. Identify the hazards of walking and working surfaces in the workplace and discuss hazard control measures and regulations to reduce occurrence ii. Identify the hazards...

Unit 2 d: Walking and Working Hazards _________________ _________________________ Lecture Objectives i. Identify the hazards of walking and working surfaces in the workplace and discuss hazard control measures and regulations to reduce occurrence ii. Identify the hazards due to the movement of vehicles in the workplace and describe the control measures to reduce the risks they present. ____________________________________________________________________ Slips and trips can happen in any part of the workplace, inside or outdoors. Slips and trips often result in falls and more serious outcomes, including disabling injuries and even death. The costs to both worker and employer can be great. Slip When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance. Trip When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance or when you step down unexpectedly to a lower surface (Misstep) and lose your balance, e.g., stepping off a curb. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 HSEV 1005 – Fundamentals of Health & Safety Unit 2d – Walking and Working Hazards Amna S Imamshah Fall An unintentional event that results in a person coming to rest on the ground or another lower level this normally occurs when you are too far off your center of balance. Some Common Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls Some common causes of slips, trips and falls include the following: “wet” contamination/spills on smooth floors or surfaces: water, fluids, mud, grease, oil, food, etc. “dry” contamination making surfaces slippery: dusts, powders, granules, wood, lint, plastic wrapping, etc. highly polished floors, such as marble, terrazzo, or ceramic tile (can be extremely slippery even when dry) freshly waxed surfaces transitioning from one floor type to another (e.g., carpeted to vinyl/ smooth surface flooring) Conditions that increase the risk of slips and trips Conditions and situations that make it difficult to see potential hazards or that distract your attention can contribute toward a slip or trip. These would include: poor lighting glare shadows bulky or awkward personal protective equipment (PPE) excess noise, temperature ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 HSEV 1005 – Fundamentals of Health & Safety Unit 2d – Walking and Working Hazards Amna S Imamshah Health and physical conditions can also impair a person’s vision, judgment, and balance things like: Eyesight, visual perception Age Physical state, fatigue Stress, illness Medications, alcohol, drug effects Behaviours – actions you choose and control (e.g., working safely) – can contribute to a slip, trip, and fall injury if you set yourself up for one. Carrying or moving cumbersome objects, or too many objects, that – obstruct your view – impair your balance Inattentive walking, distractions (e.g., using cell phone, talking and not watching where you’re going, etc.) Poor housekeeping (allowing clutter to accumulate, not maintaining clean dry floors, etc.) Using improper cleaning methods (e.g., incorrectly using wax or polish; or trying to clean up grease spill with water) Not using signage when slip or trip hazards exist Ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls: Design the workplace and work processes to prevent potential exposures to slip and trip hazards. Consider using cordless tools when possible. Maintain clear, tidy work areas free of clutter; follow good housekeeping procedures. Follow safe walking practices. Wear proper footwear with good traction. Contain work processes to prevent discharge, splatter, or spillage of liquids, oils, particles, dusts, etc. onto floor. Use drip trays to prevent or contain leaks of lubricant onto the floor from machinery; perform regularly scheduled maintenance to keep in good condition ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 HSEV 1005 – Fundamentals of Health & Safety Unit 2d – Walking and Working Hazards Amna S Imamshah  Unit 2d – Walking and Working Hazards 1. Identify some common causes of slips and falls. 2. Distinguish between slip, trip and fall. 3. Discuss the methods of fall prevention. 4. Describe the three basic fall arrest systems in use. 5. Identify the different types of fall protection devices available and describe the use of each type. 6. Discuss the use, inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment. 7. Describe the guidelines to prevent the misuse of ladders. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4 HSEV 1005 – Fundamentals of Health & Safety Unit 2d – Walking and Working Hazards Amna S Imamshah