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Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1317298
3 325-003-01-IGDO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca Walking Surfaces The quality of walking surfaces is critical in preventing slip and trips. Flooring should be regularly maintained to eliminate tripping hazards, such as bunched carpet, chipped tile or hardwood, missing tiles, etc. Replacing floors, installing mats, or resurfacing floors can help to improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is important to remember that improving the quality of the flooring also requires good housekeeping practices to be effective. Weather is also a significant factor in relation to slips, trips, and fall hazards. Rain, snow, ice, leaves, mud, etc., can all become hazards. Parking lots, walkways, stairs, and other high traffic areas should be monitored frequently for any of the identified hazards and control measures should be put in place to remove/eliminate these hazards. Lighting Any lighting that is not working should be repaired immediately. Any identified dark areas should be well lit to avoid tripping over hazards, or slipping due to a change in floor condition. Housekeeping Good housekeeping is very important when working to prevent falls due to slips and trips. Without having good housekeeping practices, preventive measures (e.g., specialty footwear or floor surfaces) will not be fully effective. Good housekeeping includes: Provide housekeeping standards training for workers and supervisors before starting work Clean up any spills immediately and investigate its cause to prevent reoccurrence Immediately correct any hazard that might cause a fall or report it to a supervisor Keep walkways and floors clear of boxes, extension cords and litter Sweep debris from floors Move anything that is stored on or near stairways or report the hazard to a supervisor Mark any temporarily made wet areas with signs or limit pedestrian access Secure mats, rugs, and carpets to prevent slippage and overlaps PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS WSPS.CA