From Fall 1998 - Volume 1, Number 4

There are simple things in many areas we can do to reduce risks leading to a fall.

Work Areas

Sometimes it is as simple as moving material or parts in the shop so they are not protruding into an area where people walk. For example, storing wood blocking under the workbench, and making sure that lead cords and air hoses are coiled and hung up off the floor. Make sure discarded items are out of the work area, and supplies of steel and lumber are in a rack near the work area. Stairways and storage mezzanines should have solid railings.

Animal Areas

Animal facilities need to be designed or remodeled to direct the animal's movement smoothly, so handlers' involvement can be indirect. Floors should be scraped and, where people walk, treated with calcite or other non-slip material.

Walkways

Look around your buildings and note dark areas where you work or walk. Install a brighter bulb or flood lamp nearby, or have an electrician add a new light fixture there. Do stairs and sloped areas used by people have adequate railings and hand-holds? If not, they would be easy to add. Non-slip surfaces can often be added as well. In the wintertime, snow and ice should be kept clear of walk-ways, stairs and doorways. Salt or ice melter should be used often.

Machinery

Make sure your machinery has good steps and hand-holds. Some manufacturers sell retrofit kits to add wide, non-slip tractor steps with large railings and hand-holds for older tractors. Some steps and platforms have a tendency to collect mud and debris; keep them cleaned off. Homemade foot-holds or steps are sometimes slippery or not self-cleaning.

Personal Factors