lips and trips can happen anywhere on campus and can result in serious injuries, disabilities, and even death. Slips and trips are a leading cause of near misses and injuries at VIU, particularly in winter.
It is important to be aware of the hazards and to take steps to minimize the risk of injury. You can help make the university safer and prevent injuries by reporting hazards related to spills, snow and ice, or any other slip and trip hazards.
Slips and trips result from unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. Good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing falls from happening at VIU.
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
- cleaning all spills immediately
- marking spills and wet areas
- mopping or sweeping debris from floors
- removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter
- securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
- always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
- covering cables that cross walkways
- keeping working areas and walkways well lit
- replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches
Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.
For more information about effective housekeeping, visit the OSH Answers document on Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide.
Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.
In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers is highly recommended.
Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. For more information on footwear visit the OSH Answers document on Safety Footwear.
- Is the spill in your work area?
- STOP! Prevent others from entering the area.
- Place “Caution signs” to inform others.
- Is it water?
- If it is a small water spill, use a mop, towels, squeegee, or other equipment to clean the water up.
- If it is urgent (pipe has burst, etc.), immediately call Facility Service at 250-740-6500 for assistance.
- Is it a chemical?
- Workers may be able to respond to a small, contained spill; however, one should never put oneself at risk. If there is any doubt about safely responding to a spill, immediately call 911.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT UP IF YOU ARE NOT TRAINED!
- Inform others in the area that there is a chemical spill. Depending on the chemical, be prepared to evacuate yourself and others.
- If you are trained, follow the chemical spill response procedures and obtain all spill response equipment that you need.
- Act quickly to stop, contain and minimize the effects of the spill, and to clean up the affected area, where possible and safe.
- Identify the material and the quantity spilled.
- Contact the acility Services at 250-740-6500 to arrange for quick spill response for vehicular oil leaks/spills on campus (e.g. on roads and parking areas).
- Report the spill to Health and Safety Services using the online safety reporting system.
- Is it a biohazard?
- Contact the VIU Biosafety Officer to inform them immediately.
- Report the spill/exposure using the online safety reporting system.
- If trained, clean up the spill following the approved VIU Biosafety protocols!
Ice and snow
Immediately call VIU Facilities Services at 250-740-6500 if there are locations on campus that need snow or ice removal.
If you have injured yourself, as a result of a slip or trip incident, call Campus Security at 250-740-6600 to obtain First Aid. If the injury results in a medical emergency, call 911.
When you are able to, report the injury through the online health and safety incident reporting system.
Snow and ice on campus can present a greater risk of slips, trips and fall. Practice safe winter walking to help you stay on your feet this winter.
Safe winter walking
Facilities Services does their best to clear snow and ice as quickly as possible, but you may find some areas are slippery as you make your way across campus.
Report snow-covered or icy sidewalks and roadways to Facilities by calling 250-740-6500, Monday through Friday, calling Campus Security after hours at 250-740-6512, or by submitting a service request online.
Promote safe winter walking in your area by downloading the “Walk Like a Penguin” poster (PDF) to display and share with your employees and students (if applicable) to discuss how to prevent slips, trips, and falls while on campus.
Safety salt available for VIU community use
Create a safer path for our campus community. Look for the yellow bins around campus and spread safety sand on slippery areas using the scoop provided.
Salt running low? Contact Facilities Services by phone 250-740-6500, or email: facility@viu.ca
Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:
- obstructed view
- poor lighting
- clutter in your way
- wrinkled carpeting
- uncovered cables
- bottom drawers not being closed
- uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces
- tree roots
- rabbit holes