Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

As part of National Safety Month, our team at Daifuku recently dedicated time during a routine meeting to conduct a Safety Stand Down session focused on "Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls." This important discussion, supported by Daifuku’s Safety Department with comprehensive and meaningful safety content, brought together project managers and team members to reinforce our commitment to a safe working environment.

The Power of Collective Wisdom

One of the most engaging aspects of our Safety Stand Down was the active participation from each team member. Everyone shared their personal experiences and insights on hazards they have encountered in the field that could lead to slips, trips, and falls. This collective knowledge not only heightened our awareness but also strengthened our team's safety culture. I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm and dedication from everyone involved.

Key Safety Topics Covered

In addition to discussing slips, trips, and falls, we covered several critical safety topics including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Stop Work Authority, Electrical Safety, Awareness of Surroundings, and Toolbox Safety Talks. These discussions are integral to our safety program and help ensure that our project managers and team members are well-equipped to maintain and promote a safe working environment at all times.

The Role of Project Managers

Project managers at Daifuku play a crucial role in supporting our safety program. They are responsible for reinforcing our safety culture across all projects, both internally and at customer sites. Through regular toolbox meetings and the use of the SiteDocs application for workplace safety inspections, our project managers ensure that safety standards are consistently met and maintained.

Understanding Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, accounting for nearly one in five incidents. Here's a brief overview of how these accidents occur:

• Slips: Occur when there is insufficient friction or traction between footwear and the walking surface.

• Trips: Happen when your foot strikes an object, causing you to lose balance.

• Falls: Result from losing contact with the walking or working surface, either on the same level or from an elevated surface.

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Common Hazards Leading to Slips, Trips, and Falls

The hazards that lead to slips, trips, and falls can be categorized into three main factors:

1. Equipment:

○ Improper footwear

○ Uneven surfaces

○ Foreign substances on surfaces (e.g., oil, litter)

○ Unguarded sides and edges of elevated platforms

2. Human:

○ Inattention or distractions

○ Haste

○ Human error

○ Failure to follow instructions

○ Fatigue

3. Environmental:

○ Poor lighting

○ Weather-related conditions

○ Poor housekeeping practices

Effective Prevention Strategies

To mitigate the risks associated with slips, trips, and falls, it's essential to adopt comprehensive safety practices. Here are key steps to reducing these hazards:

Practice Good Housekeeping

• Keep work areas clean and free of spills, debris, and clutter.

• Use mats in entryways to absorb water from rain or snow.

• Ensure that stairs, aisles, and walkways are clear of obstacles.

• Replace or report burned-out light bulbs and repair damaged guardrails.

Be a Defensive Walker

• Watch where you are going and stay alert for hazards.

• Walk, don’t run, and avoid distractions like using your cell phone.

• Use handrails when climbing or descending stairs.

• Ensure your view is not blocked when carrying items, and take small steps on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Ladder Safety

• Inspect ladders before use and ensure they are on solid ground.

• Maintain three-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) while climbing.

• Do not exceed the ladder’s weight limit and avoid using ladders near doorways unless the door is secured.

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Conclusion

Preventing slips, trips, and falls requires a proactive approach and a commitment to safety from everyone on the team. By staying vigilant, practicing good housekeeping, and following established safety protocols, we can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Remember, your safety is paramount, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe working environment. Should you have any questions or concerns about workplace hazards, do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or manager.

Together, let's make safety a priority and ensure that we all go home safely at the end of each day.

At Daifuku Intralogistics America we take pride in bringing stability to the industry, and our track record of successful projects shows our approach works. We develop, deliver, and support, material handling solutions that meet our clients ROI targets and help them compete more effectively. Contact us to learn more.

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