Transcript Decision Briefing - University of Georgia:

Risk Management Services
Preventing
Falls/Slips/Trips Injuries
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Why?
• Falls/Slips/Trips injuries are
consistently one of the top three
employee injury types in Georgia
and Nationally.
• One out of Ten Georgia General
Liability claims are
Falls/Slips/Trips incidents.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
RISK AVOIDANCE
• The best method to prevent many of
these injuries and claims is Risk
Avoidance. Eliminate or Control the
hazard as soon as possible.
▪ Identify the Hazard.
▪ Warn of the Hazard until Corrected.
▪ Correct the Hazard Promptly.
When in doubt, call in repair request!
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Falls/Slips/Trips Accidents
can involve:
• Food or liquid on the floor that is not
properly cleaned up.
• Shifting concrete or cracks in
sidewalks.
• Stairways with poor lighting or
improper railings.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Human Factors leading to FSTs
Health and physical condition
can impair a person’s vision,
judgment and balance
- Eyesight, visual perception
- Age
- Physical state, fatigue
- Stress, illness
- Medications, alcohol, drugs
Behaviours
actions you choose and control can
contribute to a slip, trip, and fall injury
if you set yourself up for one.
Carrying or moving cumbersome
objects, or too many objects, that
obstruct your view, impair your
balance and prevent you from holding
onto handrails
Poor housekeeping (allowing clutter to
accumulate, not maintaining clean dry
floors, etc.)
Using improper cleaning methods
(e.g.: incorrectly using wax or polish;
or trying to clean up grease spills with
water)
Not using signage
when slip or trip hazards exist
Inattentive Behavior: walking,
distractions (e.g.: using a cell phone,
talking and not watching where you’re
going, etc.)
Taking shortcuts
not using walkways or designated,
cleared pathways; being in a hurry,
rushing around
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Pitfalls
•
•
•
•
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Open and obvious Hazards
Lack of Warnings
Lack of Communication
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Avoiding the Pitfalls
• Keep regular Maintenance Schedules.
• Document maintenance times in
specific areas (e.g.: restrooms).
• Plumbing Problems or Roof leaks?
• Advise staff via email of larger or
extended problem areas.
• Use Warning signs/cones/caution
tape to block off area.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Proper Footwear
Conditions
Floors - oily or wet
Considerable time
outdoors
Advantages
Properly fitted
Increased comfort
Prevent fatigue
Improve safety
Anti-slip
Caution!
No Smooth or worn
out shoe soles.
Limit open toe shoes
and heels to office
areas only, if at all.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Potential Hazard?
A rug at an entrance door has
become frayed and is buckling.
Remove or replace the rug in order
to avoid the tripping hazard.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Routine Inspections – Involve Everyone
• Make employees aware of potential hazards.
• Routine inspections prevent employee injuries
and third party liability claims.
• Inspect your premises
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Loose floor tiles?
Slippery floors?
Improperly placed electrical cords?
Plumbing problems? Leaks?
Loose railings?
Improper lighting?
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Be in Charge of Maintenance Be Aware of Your Surroundings
• Agency maintenance personnel are
cleaning the premises.
• A person slips and falls over the bucket
they are using.
• The bucket was in the middle of the
walkway. The person sustains an injury.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Common Problem
Could cause an incident:
 Leak in the restroom.
• Noticed by several employees but…
the hazard was not reported.
• No sign left on the door.
• No warnings.
• Maintenance not notified until
incident occurred.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Incident Investigation
• Start immediately after patient care.
• Document injured person’s information
(i.e.: Investigation Report).
• Secure/Protect area until investigation
is completed.
• Collect witness statements.
• Photos if necessary.
• Develop corrective action.
Determine cause not blame.
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Questions?
Contact Information
C. G. Lawrence, III, CSP, ARM-P
Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer
(404) 657-4457
[email protected]
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk