Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work. On average, they cause 40% of all reported major injuries and can also lead to other types of serious accidents, for example falls from height. Slips and trips are also the most reported injury to members of the public.
What Does the Law Say
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employees have a duty not to put themselves or others in danger, and must use any safety equipment provided. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess risks (including slip and trip risks) and, where necessary, take action to address them. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. People should be able to move around safely.
Recognize the Hazards
Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:
- Messy, cluttered work areas
- Tools, materials, cords, and other items lying on the floor in places where people walk
- Poor visibility caused by inadequate lighting or burned-out bulbs
- Not watching where you’re going or carrying something you can’t see over
- Running or walking too fast
- Spills and wet floors
- Open drawers (a not-so-obvious trip hazard!)
- Uneven, defective flooring, worn stairs, or worn spots in carpets that nobody has reported or fixed
- Failure to use handrails when going up or down the stairs
- Not enough caution on ladders
- Wearing shoes that are not appropriate for the work space or the job
Eliminate Trip Hazards
Many fall injuries occur on level ground when people trip over unexpected objects in their path. Help eliminate trip hazards by training employees to follow these do’s and don’ts.
Do:
- Keep work areas neat and tidy, putting tools, materials, and other items away after use
- Pick up items off the floor, even if they didn’t put them there
- Step over or around obstructions, not on them
- Walk slowly and change directions slowly, especially when carrying a load
- Watch for changes in floor level—such as a few steps or a ramp up or down
- Report lighting problems, such as burned-out bulbs, to maintenance right away
- Use a flashlight if they need more light leaving the facility in the dark
Don’t:
- Don’t leave boxes, bags, tools, or other materials on the floor
- Don’t block walkways with hand trucks, equipment, or materials
- Don’t leave cords or cables in walkways
- Don’t place anything on stairs
- Don’t leave drawers open
Don’t Slip Up on Slip Hazards
It’s easy to slip on wet or smooth surfaces, and down you go. Even a little slip can add up to a big injury. Here are some preventive measures:
- Put up signs or barriers to warn people when floors are wet or hazardous
- Put down mats near entryways on rainy days
In addition, instruct employees to:
- Clean up spills, drips, and leaks immediately
- Wear sensible shoes with non-skid soles, and wipe their feet when they come inside on wet days
- Shuffle feet on slippery surfaces
- Report slip hazards if they can’t fix them
For further information and advice on preventing slip and trip hazards please contact our Health & Safety Team on 01981 590514.
