Virtually everyone who works in or uses municipal or school facilities is at risk of a slip and fall injury. Almost 23% of all injuries to CIRMA's Workers' Compensation members are caused by slip-and-fall-related injuries. Older workers and the elderly are more likely to experience more severe injuries. Users of town senior centers, libraries, schools, recreational centers, train stations, recycling and landfill operations, are at risk too.
Proper Maintenance Helps Prevent Injuries - PDF
Proper Footwear Helps Prevent Slip & Fall Accidents too! Poster - PDF
The number of slip and fall injuries increases in winter months. Fortunately, even in the worst weather, these painful, often debilitating accidents can be prevented. A few simple precautions can help keep everyone on their feet.
CIRMA encourages everyone to:1. Wear proper footwear -- shoes and boots with treaded soles and low or no heels. Almost 25% of slip and fall injuries are caused by improper footwear.2. Use the handrails on stairs and ramps, especially on outdoor steps or stairs where they may be icy or slick. Keep your hands free by using a backpack or shoulder bag to carry items.3. Keep floors, walkways, and stairs clean, dry, and clutter-free. If you notice wet or icy areas, notify your facilities staff immediately! More than 50% of slip and fall injuries are caused by poorly maintained walking surfaces!4. If you find yourself on ice or snow, walk slowly and take small steps.
For Maintenance Staff:
4. Keep yourself safe! Wear proper clothing and footwear, especially when clearing snowy or icy walkways or wet floors.5. Review your snow removal plan and update as necessary. Consider keeping a container of sand and salt next to entryways for easy access for use by employees.6. Indoors, make sure rubber mats are properly placed in entryways and any damp areas marked by signage.7. Light up the space! Make sure outdoor and indoor areas are brightly lit. Replace burned-out bulbs and use care when moving into poorly lit or glaring light. 8. Order CIRMA's free Preventing Slips, Trips, and Fall Training Kit to develop A Slip and Fall Prevention Program for your facility.
Here are some additional resources to help your town, public school, or local public agency prevent slip and fall accidents this year:
Winter Slip and Fall Awareness Posters
Not Just a Slip & Fall Poster - PDF
Employee Handouts
Distribute to your employees
CIRMA Training Kit Handout Materials
Contains tools to develop your own facilities Slip and Fall Prevention program
Build Everyone's Awareness of Slip & Fall Injuries!
Six Ways to Preventing Slips & Falls- PDF
Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls Training Kit - Updated
Order through our Learning Media Library!
This CIRMA Training Kit contains materials for you to use to help your staff reduce the number of slip, trip, and fall accidents in your facility. The kit can be used by both municipalities and public schools to increase safety awareness among staff and to provide training to custodial and maintenance staff on implementing best practices to improve workplace safety and reduce liability.
Download CIRMA's Preventing Slips & Falls poster for Schools - PDF