One of the most common causes of injury, both on and off the job, are slips, trips and falls. The National Safety Council reported that a primary cause of fatalities on the job is slips and falls. Frequently, no matter where it happens, slipping and falling is blamed on a person's clumsiness. A closer look however, typically reveals that the "clumsiness" is due to preventable, controllable circumstances. If employees practice good housekeeping and are alert to their surroundings, they will likely be more successful at avoiding slips at falls.

Falls are typically caused by one of the following:

• Bad weather such as rain, snow, or sleet and the resulting mess of mud, ice or puddles
• "Untidiness caused by things such as items left in aisle ways, extension cords stretched across a walkway, etc.
• "Not paying attention to where an employee is walking
• "Failure to wear proper safety shoes such as steel toe boots or non-slip shoes

What you can do

• Be extra cautious during bad weather, particularly when getting in or out of your vehicle, entering or leaving a building or on asphalt parking areas.
• Ensure that pedestrian areas such as aisles and entryways are kept clear of debris 
  and other objects. Ensure that during bad weather anti-slip measures are taken such as mats at entrances and "Caution - wet floor" signs are posted.
• Ensure ample lighting.
• Allow ample time to travel from one location to another.
• Ensure that footwear is appropriate to the condition of the weather.
• Alert other workers to any changes in job site or weather conditions.
• Ensure that any hazardous floor conditions are reported and cleared right away.

Information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. State Auto Insurance makes no representations or guarantee as to the correctness or sufficiency of any information contained herein, nor guarantees results based upon use of this information. State Auto Insurance disclaims all warranties expressed or implied regarding merchantability, fitness for use and fitness for a particular purpose. State Auto Insurance does not warrant that reliance upon this document will prevent accident and losses or satisfy federal, state and local codes, ordinances and regulations. The reader assumes entire risk as to use of this information. Further, this document does not amend, or otherwise affect the terms, conditions or coverage of any insurance policy issued by State Auto Insurance.