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624 Healthcare: Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention
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Outdoor Walking Surface Irregularities

Poorly maintained, uneven ground, protruding structures, holes, rocks, leaves, and other debris can cause employees to stumble, trip, slip, or fall.

A change in elevation (greater than 1/2 inch) in a walkway outside a hospital building needs to be fixed.

Where Does the Hazard Occur?

  • Entrances
  • Lawns
  • Parking garages and lots
  • Walkways
  • Around drains in the ground

Prevention Strategies

  • Patch or fill cracks in walkways greater than 1/2 inch wide.
  • Patch, fill, or repave outdoor areas that have deep grooves, cracks, or holes.
  • Create visual cues. Highlight changes in curb or walkway elevation with Safety Yellow warning paint.
  • Concrete wheel stops in parking lots can be a tripping hazard and should not be used.
  • Remove stones and debris from walking surfaces.
  • Ensure that underground watering system structures are covered or highlighted.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-7. You should patch or fill cracks in walkways greater than _____.