TOOLBOX TALK 07/60
TOPIC: TRIPPING HAZARDS
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE WORKERS UNDERSTAND BASIC SAFETY RULES

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Some things to know before you give your talk.

The good thing about tripping hazards is that most can easily be prevented.

But it takes two things:

• Recognition of the fall accident potential (or accident waiting to happen)
• Fixing it!

The most common causes of falls in construction are:

• Poor housekeeping — wet and slippery floors
• Tripping hazards caused by uneven surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Weather (rain, snow and ice and mud)
• Failing to look where you are stepping

Most falls can be prevented by taking an extra second or two to do such things as:

• Pick up stray pieces of lumber
• Move the extension cord
• Clean up after your work has been completed
• Highlight short projections through floors — such as pipes or conduits — to increase their visibility
• Cover small floor holes by planking over the hole and cleating or wiring the planks
• Warn others about mud, water and ice and more importantly clean it up.
• Tell your crew to do what they can to prevent falls but if conditions exist, to tell you so that they can be corrected.
• Remind them that the fall they prevent could be their own.
• To keep aisles and walkways clear of object.

Questions you can use to get them talking:

• Are there any areas here where people could trip?
• Has anyone ever had an accident – or know of one – involving a fall?

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