According to the latest publication of the National Safety Council, falls account for approximately 16.9% of all workplace accidents that result in injuries or illness with time away from work. Falls are usually divided into two categories: falls to the same level, and falls to a lower level. In the workplace 11.9% of all falls are slips and trips from the same level, such as, slipping on an icy surface, or tripping over an object in the walkway. Falls to a lower level, like falling off of a ladder, account for about 5% of workplace falls. In the workplace these injuries are second only to overextension injuries which account for about 27.4% of all workplace injuries. In the home the statistics are even more staggering. Nearly 25% of all injuries incurred in the home are a result of falls.

There is a misconception among the general public that there are some

accidents that just cannot be prevented. However, most safety professionals agree that although some accidents are more difficult to anticipate and therefore more difficult to prevent than others, in theory there is no such thing as a non-preventable accident. The root cause of all accidents are termed HAZARDS. A hazard can be defined as any unsafe act or unsafe condition that if left uncontrolled can result in an accident. If you eliminate the hazard, you prevent the accident. What then can we do to prevent slips, trips, and falls at home and at work??? Eliminate the hazards that are usually associated with these types of accidents.

Promptly clean up spills

Keep walkways clear and free of clutter

Don't use chairs or other items in place of ladders

Only carry loads you can safely handle

Make sure lighting is adequate

And one more thing-----SELECT YOUR SHOES TO FIT THE SURFACE ON WHICH YOU ARE WALKING. Often we have no control over the condition of the surfaces upon which we walk. We can, however, choose the type of footwear that comes into contact with these surfaces. Increasing the friction between the soles of your shoes and the surface on which you are walking greatly reduces the risk of slip injuries. Here are some tips which might help you choose the best shoes for the conditions.

OHard Rubber Soles
Work best on greasy concrete and wood

OSoft Rubber Soles
Work best on dry surfaces

OCrepe Soles
Work best on rough concrete surfaces, either wet or dry

ONeoprene Soles
Can be worn safely on most wet or dry surfaces

Winter brings with it a special set of hazardous conditions. Just like winter driving--winter walking requires anticipation of the "road conditions". We often hear the term "defensive driving". Let's talk about "defensive walking". Even though road crews and grounds departments do their best to keep road and walking surfaces clear and safe, inclement weather conditions make these jobs thankless tasks.

Consequently, it often becomes the responsibility of the traveler (driver or walker) to anticipate the condition of the surfaces.

Just exactly what can we do to minimize the risk of slips due to icy surfaces?

Avoid routes that have not been cleared or appear to be glazed over.

Avoid carrying large objects or packages that may obstruct your view or cause you to loose your balance.

And most important---wear the correct type of footwear (boots, shoe spikes, shoe chains) for the conditions. Many of these devices are very portable and can be placed in your purse or even your coat pocket when not in use.

Shoe chains and shoe spikes pull on easily and fit practically any shoe or boot. They are ideal for preventing falls on ice, snow or slippery surfaces. They cost between $20 and $30 and are available at many retail outlets. One supplier of such items is Lab Safety Supply (1-800-356-0783)

We hope that these tips will help reduce the incidents of falls both at home and in the workplace and especially make this winter season a safe one.

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