Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Falls, Same Height (same height falls; slips, trips and falls)
Summary:
Same height falls (also known as slips, trips and falls) are one of the leading causes of work-related injury at the University. This type of fall is usually the result of an uneven or slippery walking surface, slippery footwear, or a tripping hazard (anything less than knee-high) left on a walkway.
To reduce the chances of a slips, trips and falls:
- Keep floors as clean and dry as possible. Wipe up spills when they occur. Where appropriate use a hazard cone to warn of wet floors
- Wear footwear that is appropriate to the weather or conditions
- Keep to maintained paths and walkways (sanded and salted paths in winter)
- Report damaged walkways, stairs and or other walking surfaces (e.g. a pothole in a parking lot, a groundhog hole near a picnic table)
- Keep floors clear. If you have to store things on the on the floor, keep them off to the side of the room.
For more information see:
Ont. Reg. 851, Industrial Establishments, s. 11
Additional Resources:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Last Revised:November 3, 2015