April 2011

Slips, trips, and falls common at work

By Sam Arant and Aaron Parker

A worker is five times more likely to suffer serious injuries due to a slip, trip, or fall than to be seriously injured in a work-related vehicular accident, according to a national study.

Five percent of serious work-related injuries occur in vehicular accidents compared to 25 percent of work-related slip, trip, or fall accidents, at an estimated cost of $12 billion each year, reports the 2010 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, which compiles national statistics to identify the most serious workplace injuries.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 15 percent of all accidental deaths and 17 percent of all disabling work injuries are the result of slips, trips, and falls.

The common types of injuries attributed to slips, trips, and falls are: sprains and strains; contusions; fractures; abrasions; and lacerations. The most commonly affected body parts from slip, trip, or fall injuries are: knee, ankle, or foot; wrist or elbow; back; shoulder; hip; and head.

Table 1 Slips, Trips, Falls Summary FY '05 - FY '10   Claims Costs IFR Cost Per FTE FY ‘05 1,732 $17,451,464.15 1.016% $102.33 FY ‘06 1,676 $14,307,490.07 1.005% $83.01 FY ‘07 1,818 $13,774,649.91 0.991% $78.81 FY ‘08 1,817 $14,435,938.53 0.973% $81.06 FY ‘09 1,879 $14,415,910.11 0.933% $77.69 FY ‘10 2,022 $15,314,981.37 0.898% $79.44 Total 10,944 $89,700,434.14 0.969% $83.72

The frequency of slip, trip, or fall workers’ compensation claims at state agencies totaled 35 percent of all claims in FY ‘10, at a cost of $15.3 million. The $15.3 million was 35 percent of the total cost of workers’ compensation claims for that fiscal year. The workers’ compensation claims cost per full-time equivalent (FTE) was $79 in FY ‘10. See Table 1 for workers’ compensation claims information involving slips, trips, and falls for FY ‘05-FY ‘10.

Generally, the main causes of slip, trip, or fall accidents in the workplace are:

• Poor housekeeping – spilled liquids, clutter, debris, equipment blocking or protruding into aisles;
• Dangerous surface conditions – different elevations that are unmarked, slippery surfaces or finishes, protruding nails, torn carpets, curled mats, open or cracked surfaces;
• Insufficient lighting – dim or incorrect lighting in aisles and corners;
• Improper footwear – slippery soles, oversized heels, improperly fastened shoes;
• Inattention to tasks – caused by horseplay, fatigue, personal problems, etc.;
• Improper equipment – incorrect choice of type of ladder for task, poorly designed or improperly anchored scaffolding, poorly maintained elevated work platforms or lifts, stairs without handrails;
• Lack of, or improper use of personal protective equipment – failure to wear a protective harness, failure to wear slip-resistant footwear.

Charts A and B detail the causes of slip, trip, and fall injuries by frequency (number) and severity (cost) for FY ‘05-FY ‘10.

Encourage everyone at your agency or workplace to look for and correct possible slip, trip, or fall hazards. The following is a list of possible corrective actions to prevent slip, trip, and fall injuries.

• If you spill something, clean it up.
• If you drop something, pick it up.
• Ensure all aisles and walkways are clear of obstructions and debris.
• Report all slip, trip, or fall hazards to the appropriate personnel for repair, replacement, or clean-up.
• Take your time and pay attention to where you are going.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Barricade all hazardous or unsafe areas.
• Use the right ladder for the intended task.
• Wear harnesses and use other personal protective equipment when working on elevated surfaces.
• Ensure handrails on stairs are installed and functional; ensure guardrails and toe boards are installed and functional on all elevated surfaces.

Subsequent Risk-Tex articles will provide additional information and corrective actions for each main cause of slip, trip, or fall injuries.

Sam Arant is deputy director and Aaron Parker is a risk management specialist in the Risk Assessment and Loss Prevention division.