SAFETY TIP TUESDAY
Provided by the NCESD Workers' Compensation Trust
Hidden Dangers of Fall
Wednesday, September 23rd is the first official day of atumn which means the crisp autumn air will cause the leaves to change color and drop from trees. But, it's important to remember that as the beautiful fall colored leaves accumulate on the ground, a variety of safety hazards can develop , including:
- Slip Hazards: Wet leaves in parking lots, on sidewalks, playgrounds, and roadways can be extremely slippery. If temperatures drops below freezing, wet leaves can freeze and turn icy, creating hazardous walking and driving conditions.
- Trip/Fall Hazards: Leaves can cover up and hide potholes and uneven surfaces and conceal objects laying on the ground.
- Hazards Associated with Fall Work Activities: A variety of injuries can occur while performing fall yard work, including back and eye injuries.
Here are a Few Tips to Help You Stay Safe This Fall:
Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls:
- Check your shoes carefully and remove any leaves or other yard debris before going indoors.
- Wipe your shoes on entry mats to remove any moisture on the bottom.
- Clean/sweep up any leaves or yard debris that has been tracked inside.
- Slow down and use caution when walking in areas where leaves have accumulated; be prepared for slick surfaces; keep your eyes on path; and watch for hidden objects.
Avoiding Injuries While Performing Fall Yard Work:
- Always wear gloves and safety glasses when doing yard work; wear earplugs or ear muffs when operating power tools such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.
- To avoid a back injury, be sure to avoid twisting at the waist when raking leaves and keep your back straight, bend your the knees, and don't overfill the bags when picking up leaves.
- If you have to use a ladder to clean out gutters or prune trees, be sure to inspect it first to make sure it's in good condition; position it on dry, level ground; and make sure your shoes are clean and dry before climbing up. Move the ladder as often to avoid stretching and overreaching.
AS SUMMER ENDS AND AUTUMN COMES ... ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON SAFELY!
North Central ESD Workers' Compensation Trust
Providing Risk Management Services to Reduce On-The-Job Injuries
Email: brooket@ncesd.org
Website: www.ncesd.org
Location: 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA, United States
Phone: 509-667-3635