Tips to Stop Slip and Falls

“Horse farms and equine facilities are not unlike many businesses that need to address the inherent dangers around the premises. What makes these unique is the variety of footing and floor surfaces common to the industry. Having a dirt floor that meets the concrete wash pad and then transitions to a linoleum office and carpeted lounge, creates many hazards. The changes in grade and elevation are also  exaggerated when dealing with entry points into stables or part of a dressed arena.” George Sotter, a registered Professional Engineer and author of STOP Slip and Fall Accidents, specializes in the prevention and investigation of slip, trip, and fall accidents. We have included some of Sotters simple and costeffective ways of stopping slip and fall accidents.

• Warning signs with ANSI standard images for known areas of hazard, such as hay lofts or uneven flooring at entry points.
• Good lighting throughout can prevent shadows that obscure tripping hazards.
• Reduce the use of extension cords, especially for long term usage. All cords should be properly stored after each use off the floor/ground.
• Provide clean, absorbent floor mats so students, boarders or visitors can dry the soles of their shoes when entering an office or lounge area.
• Use absorbent mats and rugs in wet areas, such as drinking fountains and ice or beverage vending machines. Make sure the mats have beveled edges and are not tripping hazards.
• Use abrasive mats to trap rain, mud, and snow at the entrance. When mats get dirty or saturated, exchange them for clean ones.
• Make sure stairs comply with your local building code, stair treads are easy to see, and handrails are firmly mounted and easy to grip.
• Apply abrasive tapes or coatings to floors and stairs. Replace the tape if it becomes loose, worn, or torn.
• Maintain surveillance of potentially slippery areas, and clean up spills immediately to prevent falls.
• Wash racks/areas need to be well kept with good drainage. Racks for hoses and Inspect floors for debris, brooms, clothing, and equipment that may create a tripping hazard. If there is anything in the walkway that should not be there, remove it immediately.
• Hay carts, forks and muck buckets need to have a designated storage area out of the main stable aisle.
• Tack should be brought out once the mount is ready and removed and returned to the tack room or wash rack when finished and not placed on the ground.
• Ramps for loading horses or equipment on trailers need to have an anti-slip coating or mat as well as other inclined or elevated surfaces, such as mounting blocks.

Parking lot areas should not be overlooked in the evaluation of the premises as many incidents happen on the way in and out of the facility. It is always a good idea, if every so often you take a walk around your farm and try to look for inherent dangers.

DressageDaily's Mary Phelps (mary@horsesdaily.com) is a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist and CSR Tracey Scharf (tracey@horsesdaily.com) provide the personal attention needed to help make the lives of their clients smooth and easy when it comes to the process of insuring your Farm, business and equine mortality needs. While Mary travels to the shows and barns, you can count on Tracey in the office to be available to answer questions and manage the details with ease. 1-800-572-3286.