Slips, trips, and falls are involved in many work-related injuries. To prevent them, everyone must follow proper procedures to protect themselves and each other.

Good housekeeping is important, every day:

• Don’t leave tools, parts, or anything else where people can trip over them.
• Keep walkways clear.
• Don’t store anything on steps, and keep steps clean and dry.
• Close open drawers and cabinets when not in use.
• Clean up spills immediately, place warning signs by wet floors, and dry them if possible.

Follow procedures when working with equipment:

• Never jump down from a tractor, wagon, truck, etc.
• When mounting or dismounting, always face the machine, and always use the three-point system – keep at least both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot, in contact with the steps or ladder.
• Keep equipment steps clean and clear of tools, parts, etc.
• Never be an extra rider on a tractor or other farm machine.

Use Ladders Safely (see Tip Sheet on Ladder Safety):

• Inspect ladders before using, and never use a cracked, bent, or broken ladder.
• Follow proper setup procedures – ask you supervisor.
• Never put a ladder on unstable footing or in the bucket of a front-end loader.

Be Responsible:

• No horseplay. No running.
• Do not change directions suddenly while carrying something.
• Use handrails on steps.
• Turn on the lights in dark areas.
• Wear good, slip-resistant footwear.

Tell your supervisor if you see slip, trip, or fall hazards, such as:

• Broken or uneven floors, walkways, steps, or ladders
• Wet or slippery areas
• Floor openings that should be guarded
• Anything else that might result in a slip, trip, or fall

Safety Training for Employers and Supervisors of Adolescent Farmworkers

Funding provided by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, grant no. 5 U50 0H008107-02

Publication #: U50 OH07544