AgSafe (California)
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The following safety module
is intended to be used as a refresher safety awareness session and is in no way
to be used as a substitute for job training nor proper equipment use.
Many of the injuries
that result from falls can be avoided. The key is to become aware of the potential
hazard and to avoid it whenever possible. Falls are the leading cause of fatal
injuries around the house as well as a major cause of most agricultural injuries.
The safety modules
may be used by anyone with the understanding that credit be given to AgSafe.
Trips and falls often occur while people are in a hurry, because they often take
short cuts and don't pay attention to what they are doing. (See Figure
1.) We all have tried to jump across an obstacle instead of walking "the long
way around" to our destination. These types of acts are unsafe. Learn to slow
down and walk sure- footedly by avoiding potentially hazardous short-cuts.
Avoid injuries by paying attention to where you are walking. (See Figure
2.) Learning to recognize hazards and avoid potential hazards saves time,
money and injury. As mentioned previously, resist the temptation to take short-cuts
because short-cuts are usually comprised of objects or routes not designed for
foot traffic and often consist of unstable, shaky or slippery surfaces.
Slippery surfaces often don't appear dangerous until you happen to step on them,
and then it's too late. Clean up grease, water and other forms of spills as you
notice them. Cover icy and greasy spots with sand or dirt or other types of absorbent
material. (See Figure 3.)
If you cannot avoid walking on slippery or wet surfaces, practice walking safely
across them. Don't try to run, jump or slide across these slick surfaces. Instead,
take slow, short steps with your toes pointed slightly outward. For additional
balance, keep your hands at your sides (not in your pockets) to support you if
you begin to fall. (See Figure 4.) Remember that a freshly
polished floor can also be very slick even though it doesn't usually appear hazardous.
If you work in an area that has slippery surfaces, such as a milking shed or concrete
nursery floor, wear shoes that have slip-resistant soles. (See Figure
5.) Ask your supervisor about the correct shoe for your job. Keep your shoes
free from grease and oil. On large walkways, use mats or rough grade coverings
to assist in minimizing falls.
Inadequate lighting can camouflage what is in your way, so replace light fixtures
or bulbs that don't work. (See Figure 6.) When you enter
a darkened room always turn on the light first, even if you stay only for a moment.
Keep walkways clear of obstructions in areas that have poor lighting.
Stairs which are too steep or not steep enough can create the potential for trips
and falls. Because it is very easy to lose your footing while climbing stairs,
walk up and down stairs slowly. (See Figure 7.) Be cautious
of worn or broken steps, and of insufficient lighting that may make it difficult
to see properly. Never run up or down stairs, and avoid skipping steps. If you
have to carry a load while climbing stairs, carry the load so it doesn't block
your vision, and keep one hand free, if possible, to hold onto the wall railing.
Check your ladder to ensure the rungs are in good condition
and that it has no cracks or broken parts. (See Figure
8.) If the ladder is equipped with a spreader that locks
the ladder frame into position, make sure it is secured before
you begin to climb. Most importantly, check to make sure the
ladder is the correct height for the task at hand; this will
prevent you from reaching too far forward or upward, which could
cause you to become off balance.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
publication is compiled from various reference sources and
is designed to provide current and authoritative information
on the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding
that the publishers are not engaged in rendering medical,
legal, accounting or other professional service. AgSafe, the
Safety Center, Inc., and FELS believe the information provided
to be correct, but assume no liability for consequential or
other damages attendant to the use of this material. In no
event shall the liability of AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc.,
or FELS for any claim, however designated, exceed the purchase
price, if any, for this publication. No claim may be maintained
against AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., or FELS in any tribunal
unless written notice of the claim is delivered to the applicable
entity within 30 days of its discovery. Information about
the Agsafe Project can be obtained by writing to Agsafe, 140
Warren Hall, University of California, Berkeley,
CA 94720
.
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