MODULE 6 OF 19 • Operational Safety — Physical Hazards

Walking-Working
Surfaces

Slips, Trips, Falls & Ice Traction

Learn to identify and prevent the #1 cause of workplace injuries. Master slip, trip, and fall prevention, plus safe use of ice traction devices.

📚 10 Content Slides
❓ 3 Quiz Questions
⏱ ~10 min
Katie

🎥 Slip, Trip, Fall Prevention

Watch this overview of common hazards and prevention strategies

Video Coming Soon

A slip, trip, and fall prevention video is being prepared

Slide 1 of 10

Why This Matters

⚠ Falls are the #1 cause of workplace injuries
200,000+
Injuries per year
33%
Of construction fatalities
$47,000
Avg cost per fall injury
#1
Most common OSHA citation
✅ Good news: Most falls are 100% preventable with proper awareness and precautions!
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Whether you work in an office or on a construction site, slip, trip, and fall hazards affect everyone. The good news? You have the power to prevent them!"
Slide 2 of 10

Slip Hazards

🚨 Common Causes

  • 💧Wet or oily surfaces
  • ⚠Spills not cleaned up immediately
  • ❄Weather conditions (rain, snow, ice)
  • ✨Polished or waxed floors
  • 🔄Loose mats or flooring
  • ⇄Transitioning between floor surfaces

🛡 Prevention

  • Clean up spills immediately — don't walk past them
  • Use "Wet Floor" warning signs during cleaning
  • Ensure adequate drainage in work areas
  • Wear slip-resistant footwear
  • Walk carefully — never run
  • Keep hands free when walking
  • Report hazards immediately
Katie
Katie's Tip
"See a spill? Clean it up! Don't assume someone else will handle it. Your quick action could prevent a serious injury."
Slide 3 of 10

Trip Hazards

🚨 Common Causes

  • 📦Cluttered walkways and aisles
  • 🔌Electrical cords across walking paths
  • ⏬Uneven surfaces or floor transitions
  • 💡Poor lighting in walkways
  • 🔄Torn carpeting or floor mats
  • 🗄Open drawers or file cabinets
  • 📦Items stored in walkways
  • 📦Boxes or materials left on floor

🛡 Prevention

  • Keep walkways clear and organized
  • Route cords along walls or use cord covers
  • Mark floor transitions with high-contrast tape
  • Ensure adequate lighting (especially stairs)
  • Repair damaged flooring immediately
  • Close drawers and cabinets after use
  • Store items in designated areas, not walkways
  • Pay attention while walking — avoid phone use
Slide 4 of 10

Fall Hazards — Working at Heights

🚨 Common Situations

  • 🚪Ladders and step stools
  • 🏗Elevated platforms and scaffolding
  • ⚠Unprotected edges and ledges
  • ⚪Floor openings and holes
  • 🏠Roof work
  • 🛣Working from lifts or equipment

🛡 Prevention

  • Use guardrails on elevated platforms (42" high min)
  • Cover or barricade floor openings
  • Use proper ladder safety (3-point contact)
  • Inspect ladders before each use
  • Use fall protection above 6 feet
  • Never stand on chairs, tables, or makeshift platforms
  • Never remove or disable safety equipment
⚠ OSHA Requirement: Fall protection is required at 6 feet or higher in general industry and 4 feet in general industry walking-working surfaces.
Slide 5 of 10

Stair Safety

📜 Requirements

  • Handrails on both sides (stairs with 4+ risers)
  • Uniform riser height and tread depth
  • Adequate lighting
  • Non-slip surfaces
  • Clear of obstructions

💪 Best Practices

  • Always use handrail — even carrying something
  • Take one step at a time — never skip steps
  • Don't carry loads that block your view
  • Wear appropriate footwear
  • Watch where you're stepping
  • Report damaged stairs immediately
Katie
Katie's Tip
"That handrail isn't just decoration — use it every single time, even if you think you don't need it!"
Slide 6 of 10

Winter Hazards: Ice & Snow

📍 High-Risk Areas

  • 🚪Building entrances and exits
  • 🚗Parking lots
  • 🚚Loading docks and ramps
  • 🌅Shaded areas (ice lasts longer)
  • 💧Areas with poor drainage
  • ❄Anywhere water accumulates and freezes

⚠ Dangers

  • Black ice: Transparent, extremely hard to see
  • Snow hiding underlying hazards
  • Freeze/thaw cycles creating unexpected ice
  • Ice under snow appearing safe but slippery
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Black ice is called 'black' because you can't see it — it looks just like wet pavement. Assume all wet-looking surfaces are ice in winter!"
Slide 7 of 10

Ice Traction Devices

📝 What They Are

  • ⚙Slip-on grips with metal coils or spikes
  • 🛡Provide traction on ice and snow
  • 📄Also called: ice cleats, ice grips, traction aids
  • 🦯Fit over your regular work shoes or boots

⏱ When to Use

  • Walking from your car to the building and back
  • Walking on icy parking lots or sidewalks
  • Working outdoors during winter weather
  • When parking lots haven't been cleared yet
  • Any time black ice may be present
  • Better safe than sorry — wear them when in doubt!
Slide 8 of 10

How to Use Ice Traction Devices

📝 Putting Them On

  1. Pull device over toe of shoe first
  2. Stretch over arch of foot
  3. Pull over heel to secure
  4. Ensure snug fit — shouldn't slip off
  5. Check that spikes/coils contact ground

🚶 While Wearing

  • Take shorter, more deliberate steps
  • Still use handrails on stairs and ramps
  • Walk carefully — don't run or rush
  • Maintain balance and awareness
⚠ CRITICAL — Remove Before Entering Buildings!
Ice cleats must be removed before entering buildings. They damage floors, create indoor slip hazards, and can cause you to trip. Clean off snow and ice before storing.
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Ice cleats are like snow tires for your feet — they work great outside, but they're dangerous indoors. Always take them off!"
Slide 9 of 10

Your Responsibilities

As an employee, you play a key role in preventing slips, trips, and falls:

  • Use provided safety equipment (including ice cleats when provided)
  • Clean up your own spills immediately
  • Report hazards to your supervisor right away
  • Keep your work area organized and clear
  • Wear appropriate footwear for conditions
  • Pay attention while walking — avoid distractions
  • Follow all safety procedures
  • Never create hazards for others
  • Use designated walkways only
💡 Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see something, say something — or fix it yourself if it's safe to do so.
Slide 10 of 10

Katie's Key Takeaways

Katie

Great job completing the lesson! Here are the key things to remember:

💡 Most slips, trips, and falls are 100% preventable!
🦯 Use ice cleats when in doubt — especially walking to/from your car
💧 Clean up spills immediately — don't walk past them
📣 If you see a hazard, fix it or report it immediately
🎓 Ready to test your knowledge? Let's see what you've learned!

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 3
What is the leading cause of workplace injuries?

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 2 of 3
Ice traction devices (cleats) should be worn inside buildings to prevent slips on smooth floors.

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 3 of 3
At what height does OSHA require fall protection in general industry?

📊 Quiz Results

Katie