Safety Tip: Slip, Trip and Fall
November 8, 2018
Did you know...
- There is a high risk of slip, trip and fall (STF) due to ground or other walking surfaces being uneven, wet and/or frozen.
- Approximately 25% of all musculoskeletal injuries are attributed to STF. Falls account for 12.5% of fatal occupational injuries. Falls on the same level account for 19.9% of all nonfatal occupational injuries involving days away from work.
- It takes longer to recover from STF injuries on the same elevation and can be a future predisposition to similar injuries.
- STF can be caused by loss of coordination, loss of balance, fatigue, slippery and uneven surfaces, transitions in floor surfaces, cold weather and poor housekeeping.
- A loss of traction between the shoe and the floor surface leads to a foot slide and possible fall. Slippery walking surfaces account for 40-50% of all fall related injuries.
- Falls occur when walking, getting on or off equipment or moving from a higher level to a lower level on steps or a slope.
Tips to reduce the risk of STF injury:
- Check and maintain all walkways, stairways and ladders. Inspect pathways for unexpected holes or uneven pavement. Sweep up loose debris. Check when getting on or off equipment or ladders.
- Wear appropriate, well-fitted footwear with quality shoes for traction.
- Consider fall risks when starting at a new jobsite.
- Post warning signs around areas that may be slippery, properly de-ice walkways and stay off of mud or slick surfaces.
- Do not walk while using cell phones and do not carry objects that obstruct view.
- Provide lighting so uneven or unexpected ground changes can be seen.
- Vision should be checked by physician regularly. Be aware that aging and medications can affect balance and alertness.
When it comes to HVAC systems, no two buildings are exactly alike. The success of your system doesn’t end at installation - it depends on how it’s serviced and maintained for years to come. That’s why choosing the installing contractor for ongoing service provides an edge few building owners take full advantage of. With AT Mechanical, we bridge the gap between construction and service, ensuring our clients benefit from the same knowledge, skills, and engineering capabilities that went into designing and installing their systems. 1. We Know the System from the Inside Out No one knows your equipment better than the team that put it in place. From day one, we’ve had hands on the design, layout, and installation giving us intimate knowledge of every piece of equipment, its location, and its role in your building’s comfort and efficiency. 2. We Hold the Original Data Drawings, submittals, equipment lists, as-builts - these aren’t just pieces of paper. They’re a roadmap for long-term performance. Because we were the contractor, we already have this information on file, meaning fewer delays, better troubleshooting, and more informed maintenance planning. 3. Our Service Techs Work with Engineering Backing Typical service companies dispatch techs who may never have seen your system before. AT Mechanical’s team combines field experience with engineering knowledge, ensuring problems aren’t just fixed, they’re solved with foresight into long-term performance. 4. Faster Problem-Solving, Smarter Preventive Maintenance When an issue arises, our background as the installer cuts down on diagnostic time. And when it comes to preventive maintenance, we know exactly what to prioritize based on how your system was designed to perform. That means less wasted time, fewer surprises, and a longer system life. 5. A True Lifecycle Partner From construction through decades of service, we’re built to be your partner for the entire lifecycle of your system. That continuity sets us apart from companies that only handle one side of the equation. From Construction to Care Your HVAC system is one of the largest investments in your building, and its performance directly affects energy costs, comfort, and even your reputation with tenants or customers. Working with the contractor who installed your system means you’re not starting from scratch every time you need service. Instead, you gain a partner who: Already understands the unique design and performance goals of your equipment. Has immediate access to all original documentation, drawings, and specifications. Can provide both short-term fixes and long-term planning strategies. Brings engineering knowledge and service capabilities together under one roof. With AT Mechanical, you get more than a service provider - you get the same team that designed, built, and understands your system at its core. That’s the kind of continuity and expertise that keeps your building running efficiently for years to come.
Strength Comes Not From Size But From Utilizing a Flexible and Dynamic Approach The HVAC industry is constantly changing, improving, and evolving. With a company culture that is collaborative and client-focused, AT Mechanical has been able to achieve success and growth, continuing to gain the trust and respect of those in the industry. As a full-service HVAC mechanical design contractor, AT Mechanical has differentiated itself from competitors by eliminating mistakes, focusing on being flexible and dynamic, utilizing forward-thinking systems and solutions and providing the best technology, resources, and tools to the team. To read the article featuring AT Mechanical, please visit SMACNA Greater Chicago .

