Slips, trips and falls on the same level

Key points

1. 1Clean as you go. Pick up scrap, cutoffs, and debris and put them in the dumpster or a pile out of the walkway, not at the end of the day.
2. 2Pull nails or bend them over in any lumber or form boards you take off. Never leave boards with nails sticking up on the ground.
3. 3Run cords and hoses along walls or overhead when you can, not across walkways. If they must cross a path, cover them or mark them.
4. 4Clean up spills of water, oil, or mud right away. If you can't clean it now, block it off and tell someone.
5. 5Wear work boots with good tread and keep them laced. Worn-out soles slip on wet plywood, mud, and ice.
6. 6Keep stairs, doorways, and exits clear of tools and material. Stack material neatly so it doesn't spill into paths.
7. 7Watch your step and don't carry loads that block your view. Use enough light so you can see the floor, and slow down on uneven ground.

Talk it over

• Where on this site have you tripped or almost slipped in the last week?
• Which walkways or stairs are most often blocked, and who can keep them clear?
• How should we handle cords, hoses, and scrap on this job so they stay out of the way?

Also in the other language: Resbalones y tropiezos

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.25 — Housekeeping

More toolbox talks

• Compressed gas cylinders
• Masonry and concrete work
• Lightning and severe weather