To help you stay ahead of these risks, our Facilities Checklist (slips, trips and falls) provides a structured way to identify and mitigate hazards before they lead to an injury. Another line of defense is the implimentation of proper footwear. Employers should evaluate their specific work environments—whether oily, wet, or icy—and recommend slip-resistant soles.
Federal safety compliance is governed by the Walking-Working Surfaces standard (29 CFR 1910.22). This regulation requires employers to maintain all passageways and service rooms in a "clean, orderly, and sanitary condition." A critical component is the "clean and dry" requirement, which mandates that floors be kept dry whenever feasible. Utilizing a formal checklist ensures that high-traffic areas are inspected regularly for drainage issues, floor integrity, and proper matting, helping you satisfy OSHA’s rigorous housekeeping requirements.
In Colorado, ice and snow represent a unique and recurring environmental hazard. The transition from a frozen parking lot to a tiled lobby is a high-risk zone for slips. To satisfy the General Duty Clause, businesses must have proactive snow removal and training protocols in place. Our Toolbox Talk: How to walk like a penguin to avoid slips and falls is a 10-minute training resource designed to teach employees how to navigate icy surfaces by shifting their center of gravity and taking short, flat-footed steps.
Preventing trips focuses on the physical organization of the workspace. Common culprits include loose rugs, bunched-up carpeting, and poorly managed cables. Safety protocols should emphasize rigorous housekeeping, such as keeping file drawers closed and ensuring that aisles and passageways are wide enough for easy movement. Proper lighting in all halls and stairwells is also a regulatory necessity, as poor visibility is a primary contributor to missteps.
