Hazards

Slips/trips/falls may be a specific concern in the surgical suite, as exemplified by the following scenarios:

• Falling over portable equipment of a color that visually blends into the floor.
• Slipping on debris (bandages, tubing, blood, IV fluids) that has fallen to or been spilled on the floor.
• Tripping on electrical cords that may cross floors.

Requirements under OSHA's Walking-Working Surfaces Standard, 29 CFR 1910.22

• Keep floors clean and dry. [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]
• Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. [29 CFR 1910.22(a)]

Other OSHA Requirements

Follow Bloodborne Pathogens Standard spill clean-up requirements for spills containing blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) [29 CFR 1910.1030].

Additional Information

• See Hospital-wide Hazards - Slips/Trips/Falls.
• Walking-Working Surfaces. OSHA.
• Inspection Guidance for Inpatient Healthcare Settings. (June 25, 2015). OSHA memorandum establishing guidance for inspections conducted in inpatient healthcare settings.