This document provides tips and guidelines for preventing slips, trips, and falls. It addresses hazards that can be encountered both indoors and outdoors and recommends proper safety equipment, cleaning spills, keeping pathways clear, using appropriate ladders, and following handrail guidelines. The document emphasizes reporting any incidents or hazards to supervisors.

1. Slips, Trips and Falls
A Risk Management Initiative to Keep Fairfax County Employees
and Residents Safe and Injury Free.

2. » Use fall protection when working six feet or
more above ground level.
» Stay on established walking paths
– don’t use shortcuts.
» Always follow safety rules.

3. » Some work sites require special footwear
(safety shoes).
» Replace damaged/worn soles before they
become a slip/trip or fall hazard.
» Don’t let your shoes trip you up.

4. » Clean up spills immediately.
» Alert others to spills—surround spills with
containment barriers & post/place wet
floor/caution signs around spill area.
» Clearly mark/sign any hazards that cannot be
removed immediately.
» Have buckets close to areas where drips or leaks
occur.

5. » Do not obstruct walkways, stairways and exits.
» Do not use walkways, stairways and exit
pathways for storage.
» Do not run wires, hoses, cables, etc. across
walkways.
» Do not throw trash on the floor;
put in receptacles.

6. » Use appropriate step stool/step ladder, not a
chair, to reach objects above your head
» Check walking working structures for
soundness—report and repair damaged
structures prior to use.

7. » Use handrails.
» Take one step at a time.
» Be sure you can see where you are going.
» Don’t run up or down stairs.
» Report broken stairs, hand rails and loose
stair coverings.

8. » Keep pathways clear of cords, clutter, or boxes –
they are a tripping hazard.
» Keep floors clear of small objects like pens or
paper clips – they are a slipping hazard.
» Close cabinet doors and drawers immediately –
they are a tripping hazard.
» Replace non-working light bulbs.

9. » Tuck chin in, turn head, twist and roll into the side of
the fall.
» Use your arm to protect your head.
» Try to avoid breaking the fall with your hands or
elbows.
» Spread out the impact, let shoulders, buttocks and
legs absorb the shock.
» Keep wrists, arms, and knees bent
and relaxed.
» If you think you are injured,
do not move; call for help.

10. See a Hazard, Stop an Injury Hotline
Call 703-324-HZRD (4973)
If you slip, trip or fall, make sure you
report the incident to your supervisor.