STFs (slips trips falls) were responsible for more than half (57%) of all major/specified incidents and almost three in ten (29%) over seven-day injuries to employees, making up 36% of all reported injuries to employees under (RIDDOR).

1. Toolbox Talk
July 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
Slips, Trips & Falls
Last week, here in the north east area, we suffered our first reportable accident to a Cofely Fabricom
employee in over 2 years. A totally avoidable “slip trip fall incident”
A Fabricom office based employee tripped on the uneven ground as he exited a portable cabin which had
been temporarily located in a Fabricom compound whilst refurbishment works were carried out to it, in
preparation to it being taken to a project site.
The trip caused a fracture to the right lateral malleolus. (The lateral malleolus is the end of the fibula bone
of the leg). A walking boot has been placed on the foot and the IP is still at work carrying out his normal
office duties. (See Attached Safety Alert).
STFs (slips trips falls) were responsible for more than half (57%) of all major/specified incidents and almost
three in ten (29%) over seven-day injuries to employees, making up 36% of all reported injuries to
employees under (RIDDOR).
About 1.5 million working days were lost due to slips & trips and falls:
(986 thousand working days due to slips & trips and 567 thousand working days due to falls)
We will never eliminate all trip hazards from workplaces, but we can remove most and highlight those we
cannot. You don't have to fall off anything to get hurt - in fact; more people are hurt falling on the same
level than falling from high places, mostly because we didn't think to follow these simple precautions:
 Wipe up spilled liquids such as water, oil & grease promptly, don’t level it for someone else to deal
with.
 Walkways must be kept clear, no obstructions. Clear cluttered walkways of all tripping hazards; tools,
cables and materials must be stored in a tidy manner.
 Elevate cables above head height and don’t drape them across stairways, ladders and walkways.
 Eliminate unnecessary items from the workplace; improve order and tidiness (making sure everything
has a home).
 Avoid loose irregular surfaces, such as gravel, sloped, uneven terrain and changes in levels (unmarked
steps, and ramps)
 When walking around site, don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, if you trip and fall, you will not
be able to break your fall with your hands.
 When carrying objects, check your route first, don’t carry items which restrict your view.
 Beware of wet and damp conditions underfoot when walking on scaffolds or staircases. Always keep 3
points of contact, hold onto handrails.
 If you see any tripping hazards don’t walk by rectify them, if you cannot rectify it, barrier it and report
it immediately to your Supervisor so we can eliminate it.
It’s just as important to remain focused when moving around site,
As it is when we are carrying out our tasks, so keep your eyes open for potential slip and trip hazards.