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Card #7
Be Mindful About Slips, Trips, and Falls
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Whether you are moving heavy boxes or just taking a quick trip to the restroom, you are always at risk of slipping, tripping, or falling. But never fear: Your Safety Mindset (Card #2) can help avoid a preventable injury to yourself or the people around you.
The FACTS: What you need to KNOW
  1. Slips and falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States.
  2. Slips are a loss of balance caused by too little friction between your feet and the floor. Trips happen whenever your foot hits an object and you are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance. Falls occur whenever you move too far off your center of balance.
  3. Falls are preventable with the right planning, risk-assessment, and safety cooperation across the organization.
  4. Slips and falls are caused by changes in floor levels (such as steps or uneven surfaces), floor cleaning, footwear, lighting, and obstructions or other trip hazards.
  5.  
 
THE ACTIONS: What you need to DO
Monitor the floor for anything that might cause a slip, trip, or fall: water, unevenness, and small or large objects.
Wear proper shoes for the job. Make sure they have the right sole and grip for the space you are working in.
Clean up spills immediately. Mark any wet surfaces to help others avoid them.
Work areas and walkways need to be well lit. Talk to a supervisor if you notice an area that is too dark or needs a light bulb replaced.
Volunteer Safety Videos are under development and will be available in 2023.
Links, Resources & More
  • Take a free safety course from Nonprofit Safety Hero.
  • Use the free APPapp to help your organization create an Accident Prevention Program.
  • Learn more about OSHA and WISHA laws that govern workplace safety for both volunteers and paid workers.
  • View a complete list of volunteer safety topics from Volunter Safety Hero.