Slips, Trips and Falls Campaign

Pedestrian injuries due to Slips, Trips and Falls are always a concern at Berkeley Lab.  Analysis by EHS shows the factors contributing to these injuries include being distracted while walking (like while looking at a cell phone), irregular step height, and carrying objects with both hands (thus preventing staff from using hand rails). 

The Lab’s hilly terrain can be challenging to navigate and as the seasons change this can become increasingly difficult.  The Facilities Division does its part to maintain landscaping, improve roadways, clear tree debris and repairs damaged walkways. To complement these efforts, the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee has applied temporary chalk stencils on the ground that remind staff to Walk Mindfully, Pocket Your Phone, and Hold the Rail in order to reduce distractions and keep focus on the pathway or stairs being used. 

Berkeley Lab’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee has worked to raise awareness to reduce these types of injuries/incidents at Berkeley Lab over the years.  The group has taken over managing the Slips, Trips and Falls campaign, which was started back in 2016 by the Safety Culture Work Group. A POV video was created as well, demonstrating the dangers of walking around the lab site while distracted or with full hands.  Learn more about the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee and how they are making Berkeley Lab a safer place every day.

What else can you do to help? Discuss potential safety hazards with your coworkers and other employees. If you see someone walking while looking at their phone, let them know you are concerned for their safety and suggest they pocket their phone. If you are on the receiving end of your colleagues' concern, thank them for caring about your well-being and be more mindful going forward.