© copyright 2005 hchsa. all rights reserved/ tous droits réservés. reproduction in whole or in...

© Copyright 2005 HCHSA. All rights reserved/ tous droits réservés. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without express written consent of HCHSA is prohibited by law.

Elements of a Elements of a Slip & Fall Prevention Program Slip & Fall Prevention Program

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Health Care Health & Safety Association


Why a Slip and Fall Prevention Why a Slip and Fall Prevention Program?Program?

Legislative requirements Occupational Health and Safety Act

Employer responsibility to develop H&S policy and a program to implement the policy

Employer responsibility to provide a safe workplace Health Care and Residential Facilities

Regulation Employer must develop written measures and

procedures for the health and safety of workers Slip and Fall prevention program is part of that

health and safety program.

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Type of Lost Time Accidents in the Health Type of Lost Time Accidents in the Health Care and Community Services Sector in 2004Care and Community Services Sector in 2004

Data Source: WSIB Firm ExperienceSnapshot Period: September 2005

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Type of Slips and Falls 2000 - Type of Slips and Falls 2000 - 20042004

Falls Unspecif ied0%

Fall on the Same Level83%

Fall or Jump to Low er Level17%

Data Source: WSIB Injury AnalysisSnapshot Period: October 2005

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Slip & Fall StatisticsSlip & Fall Statistics

~1250 injuries in health care facilities annually

17% of all injuries second after MSI- client handling

62% of the sources were floors and 12% parking lots/driveways

May result in cuts, bruises, muscle sprains and strains, broken bones and back injuries

Social workers (15%) Childcare and

PSW/HCA (27%), Nurses (11%).

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The Costs of Slip and Fall The Costs of Slip and Fall AccidentsAccidents

DIRECT COSTS ~$4000/claim ~4 weeks of lost time Replacement worker Replacement or repair of

damaged property Work accommodation for

injured worker MOL charges/fines

INDIRECT COSTS Interruption or loss of

service to client Reduction in client care Reduction in employee

morale Time spent in accident

investigation, MOL orders

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Occupational Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety Act - Sharing the ResponsibilityAct - Sharing the Responsibility

Employer equipment, information,

instruction & supervision to protect worker

do everything reasonable in the circumstances to protect worker

Supervisors ensure workers

uses/wears equipment/PPE properly

do everything reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

Workplace: any land, premises, location or thing at, upon, in or near which a worker works.

Workersuse equipment, report hazards and work safely

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Steps to Managing Slip & Fall Steps to Managing Slip & Fall ProgramProgram

Safety Group ElementsSafety Group Elements

1. Set the standard2. Communicate the

standard3. Train to the standard4. Evaluate and modify5. Make Improvement and

celebrate success

Slip & Fall Prevention Program Elements

Conduct a risk Assessment

Assess slip and fall hazards

Develop a policy on slips and falls

Put program elements together

Provide training Evaluate the program

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Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment

Conduct a Risk Assessment Look at injury statistics Determine the potential for slips and falls Identify programs/departments with high

potential for slips and falls, e.g. homecare Assess the likelihood and consequence of

injury Consider direct and in-direct causes

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Sources of InformationSources of Information

Observations and reported worker concerns Workplace inspections Accident investigations Examining WSIB/HCHSA records Review incident and injury data Laws/Standards/guidelines Manufacturer’s recommendations Company policies & procedures

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Step 1: Set the StandardStep 1: Set the Standard

Develop policies and procedures to deal with Develop policies and procedures to deal with prevention of slips and fallsprevention of slips and falls Goal, roles and responsibilities, accountability, review Reporting of unsafe conditions Reporting of accidents/incidents and near-miss

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Develop ProceduresDevelop Procedures

Walking and working surfaces

Lighting Cleaning and

maintenance Ladder safety Footwear policy Flooring material

Office/administrative Shower/bathroom Dietary and laundry Entrance/hallways Parking/outdoor Community

Include:

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2. Communicate the Standard2. Communicate the Standard

To staff, visitors, etc. Clear understanding of expectations

Procedures for preventing slips and falls reporting unsafe conditions reporting accidents, incidents, near miss

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Potential Hazards to ConsiderPotential Hazards to Consider

Changing and hazardous driving conditions Improper footwear – outdoor, client’s home,

shower, other work area Spills, clutter, loose rugs, electrical cords, etc. Use of ladders Working with incontinent clients/patients/residents Icy surfaces, walkways/steps to the home/parking

lot or entrance areas

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Step 3: TrainStep 3: Train

Hands-on, one on one, group discussion Planned sessions to new and transferred

workers Annual and refresher training Written records Relevant and applicable

Provide training to everyone in the workplace to increase awareness and engage their support

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Suggestions for ImplementationSuggestions for Implementation

Use the proper equipment & ensure it is in good working order

Ensure lighting is bright enough without shadows and glare

Keep floors clear of litter e.g. paper, spills, food, toys

Clean up any solutions or other liquids that may drop to the floor.

Avoid cluttering walkways with bags or boxes. Eliminate or mark changes in elevation

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Use an automatic dispensing system for measuring detergents/liquids

Ensure mops and mop buckets are free of dirt and grease

Use appropriate signs to warn the floor is wet & remove when floor is dry

Arrange for alternate by-pass route Use mats at building entrance/exit

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Ensure management and supervisors are conducting unplanned inspections on a regular basis

Review policy on footwear, cleaning of spills, maintenance of walkways and parking areas

Review preventive maintenance program

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Monitor parking areas, walkways Eliminate causes of blocked or restricted vision Follow manufacturers and chemical suppliers

recommendation for cleaning floors Add spot cleaning and mopping of spills to

scheduled housekeeping Install flooring or treatments that can increase slip

resistance

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Step 4. Evaluate Your ProgramStep 4. Evaluate Your Program

Check that the program has been implemented as planned, is current and up to date

Verify if there has been a reduction in slip and falls

Review policies and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement

Obtain JHSC support

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Step 5. Make Improvements and Step 5. Make Improvements and Celebrate SuccessCelebrate Success

Review the policy/procedures to ensure they are effective/meeting goals

Advertise reduction/increase in slips and falls Review the process for reporting hazards Ask staff about hazards they are aware of and

encourage staff to give suggestions Develop recognition awards Use discipline where necessary Catch people doing things the right way and say

“thanks”

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Slip and Falls PreventionSlip and Falls Prevention

A good Slip and Fall Prevention program prevents accidents by :

Identifying problem areasTaking decisions and acting on themChecking that the actions taken have

been effective

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Slips and Falls can be Prevented!Slips and Falls can be Prevented!

Resources: Sample checklistSample checklist Sample policySample policy Ladder safety fact sheetLadder safety fact sheet Sample footwear policySample footwear policy

Hillarie Klass

Consultant Toronto Southwest

905-785-9685

[email protected]

© copyright 2005 hchsa. all rights reserved/ tous droits réservés. reproduction in whole or in...

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