Being safe at work, home, play is everyone's responsibility

By Directorate of Installation Safety (USAG-Hawaii)February 20, 2015

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WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD -- Across the Army, injuries from slips, trips and falls represent 20 percent of the cases where Soldiers and employees must lose work time, according to the Fiscal Year 15 Accident Data, U.S. Army Safety Center.

Nearly all of these cases were preventable and give everyone an opportunity to Take A STAND!.

How do you Take A STAND! on slips, trips and falls?

As with many safety issues, take care of your co-workers by being vigilant.

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"Many employees cause an unsafe condition at the workplace and don't pay attention to the consequences," said Bill Maxwell, safety specialist, Directorate of Installation Safety, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii. "Say I overfill a coffee pot and bring it dripping down the hallway to my office. What might happen? A little water on a tile floor may not be an issue with rubber-soled military boots, but a civilian employee's dress shoe has far less traction and stability. I may cause a fall that could twist an ankle, injure a hip, break an elbow … all injuries that will keep someone away from work for many days."

"If you see something dangerous, do something about it," said Arnold Iaea, safety specialist, DIS, USAG-HI. "If you see a wet spot on the floor, go grab a mop or paper towel. If there is a wet floor warning sign available, put it out until the floor is completely dry."

Common causes of falls are wet surfaces, changes in floor surfaces or uneven joints in the floor.

During a rainstorm all entryways to buildings need to have floor mats in place. This is the first line of defense, wiping excess water from shoes as you enter.

If a building has heavy foot traffic, floor-drying fans might be needed. Spare floor mats, if available, need to be exchanged for wet mats during the day.

"Keeping a workplace safe is a supervisor's responsibility, but everyone can lend a hand," reminded Clint German, director, DIS, USAG-HI. "If you see a potential tripping hazard, like a broken sidewalk, report it to your supervisor."

Finally, if you are walking with your hands full and cannot see the area near your feet, be extra cautious. Consider lightening your load and making multiple trips. If you see someone carrying several items, help them out.

Take A STAND! is about taking care of each other and doing what needs to be done. Think about keeping your fellow Soldiers and co-workers safe by being vigilant and looking closely for unsafe conditions.