trip hazard examples

• Toolbox Talks

What is a Trip Hazard and how do you prevent them?

• by Afnan Tajuddin
• Trip Hazard & prevention

Table of Contents

Trip hazards

Trips occur when your foot strikes or collides with something, causing you to lose your balance. In most situations, individuals trip over obstacles that aren’t visible, such as uneven flooring edges, messy equipment, tools, or cables.

Accidents from trips are among the most common causes of accidents at work! Trip hazards result in thousands of injuries every year. The most common ones are musculoskeletal, cuts, and bruises but more serious conditions can also occur such as fractures or dislocations 

You can’t have a safe and healthy work environment if people aren’t able to move around it freely.

Every day, you are tasked with performing tasks that require the use of your legs. Below I’ve listed common trip hazards and how to assess them so they don’t cause injury or accident.

Common trip hazards

• Cluttered environment and poor housekeeping
• Scattered tools, material, electrical cables & hose in workplace
• Lack of illumination
• Floor surfaces that are uneven or damaged or floor coverings that are unsuitable
• Obstructed view
• Failure to use handrails when climbing on the stairs

Safety Controls for trip hazards:

The incidence of trips in the workplace can be dramatically reduced by implementing policies to regulate behavior. Time pressures on employees who are completing tasks might cause them to rush through work or not pay attention which could lead them into dangerous situations if they do not know what precautions need to be taken when it comes down to hazards like poor housekeeping for example.

The most common type of walking hazard is the slip or trip. This can be prevented by making sure that employees have been trained on how to avoid these dangers. With the proper education, you can avoid trip hazards and reduce your risk of injury or accident. When workers are given training on trip hazards it can help them be more aware of the risks involved, as well as prevent injuries.

Housekeeping:

Housekeeping is the first step towards preventing trip hazards. Maintaining good house- Keeping includes material & waste management to keep your workplace safe for everyone

• Housekeeping and maintenance should be handled by dedicated workers, if necessary.
• At the workplace, sufficient trash containers in various locations must be provided with a distinct color code system for all trash containers.
• All workplaces must maintain the greatest possible degree of cleanliness in order to ensure a safe working environment and prevent incidents. In addition, Good housekeeping contribute to safe working conditions, while poor housekeeping is one of the most common causes of accidents.
• Before beginning a task, before ending shifts, and after finishing a job, the workplace should be clean. This must be noted and clearly defined on the Work Permit..
• Housekeeping should be given adequate time to ensure that the premises are well maintained.

Material & cable Management:

• Materials must be stacked or kept in a secure way that prevents sliding, falling, or collapse.
• Provide separate storage areas apart from working places
• Hoses, ropes, and electric cables should be arranged & should never be allowed to remain on walkways.
• Providing electrical outlets at worksite will help avoid risk of tripping over wires.
• Place equipment closet and electrical outlets where possible
• Avoid the use of extension cables if possible. Instead, use retractable reel that can be wrapped up when not in use and takes up less space.
• When trailing cables is used temporarily, it is important that they be properly secured. hang power cords over work areas rather than on floor, Use cable ties or hangers.

Illumination:

Poor illumination in the workplace is associated with an increase in accidents. Use proper lighting for walkways, stairs, and ramps to reduce accidents at workplaces where there’s no light source available such as basements or work in the nighttime; keep your space well lit by turns on before entering any dimly-lit rooms so you can see what surrounds you easily without bumping into anything while walking around aimlessly!

Walking Surfaces:

Floor surfaces that are uneven or damaged can present a trip hazard. Floors must be kept clean at all times. Stairways, gangways, passageways, and doorways should all be free of obstructions. Floor coverings with an improper safety measurement could also be dangerous, Damaged surfaces/floors are reported for rectification. Safety precautions should also be taken when covering them. A trip can happen at any time so take extra care!

Stairs / Ladder:

Handrails are important when climbing or descending stairs. Make sure that the Ladder you are using often has been inspected! Damaged rungs also lead directly towards trips. stairs should be kept clean and tidy.

Trip Hazard Sign:

Trip Hazard Sign is a cautionary signal to protect from potential trip hazards. It does not substitute for maintaining personal safety, but instead helps communicate that there are things close by which can cause injury or accident if you weren’t careful enough with what you’re doing!

Responsibilities:

Employer responsibilities:.

Employers have a responsibility to control & manage trip hazards. This includes:

• Visiting workplaces and conducting workplace-specific risk assessments .
• To ensure that obligations are fulfilled, it is important to carry out periodic audits as needed.
• Ensure that employees are adequately trained and instructed.
• That suitable arrangements, are in place to maintain site tidiness to a high standard.
• To monitor daily site conditions and ensure that any remedial actions are implemented through his organization.

Employees responsibilities:

Employees also have responsibilities in relation to controlling the risk from trip hazards including: 

• Report anything dangerous, e.g. damaged flooring.
• Keep care of the working environment in which they are working;
• Remove all unnecessary tools and equipment from the work site and return them to the stores.

Regulation about trip hazards:

Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

OSHA – Walking-Working Surfaces – 1910.22

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7 Strategies to Avoid a Trip Hazard

Worker safety is paramount in today’s ultra-competitive and fast-moving working environment. However, job sites expose team members to several risks, few more prevalent than a trip hazard.

Slips, trips, and falls are often common occurrences on the worksite and a cause of injury. Employers must recognize, assess, and remove trip hazards from the workplace to lower the risk of workplace injuries and provide an environment that encourages productive work.

This article discusses seven strategies safety teams should consider to identify, assess, and remove trip hazards.

7 Ways to Prevent a Trip Hazard

1. remove obstacles in walkways.

Injuries often occur when workers trip over objects – such as waste, building materials, and equipment – left in designated walkways on the worksite.

The best way to prevent this risk is to support proper cleanliness in busy work and traffic areas, which might include the following steps:

• Conduct periodic slip and trip hazard
• Avoid stringing cords, cables, or air hoses across walkways.
• Keep all work areas clean and orderly.

2. Maintain Floor Safety

Fall protection involves more than just cleaning up spills from the floor. It also entails paying attention to the surfaces’ standards for walking and working.

Changing the floor area can help ensure safety from trips, slips, and falls. The following suggested practices can help businesses improve the quality of their floors:

• Invest in non-slippery, durable flooring.
• Set up mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips, paint-on coatings with abrasives, and synthetic decking. They offer sufficient friction and lessen foot stress.
• Regularly check floors for dangers that could cause trips and falls, such as cracks, holes, missing blocks, and uneven surfaces.

3. Wear Proper Shoes

Footwear can have a significant impact on preventing falls, and safety teams should consider the following to avoid trip hazards:

• The type of heels worn
• How smooth the bottoms are
• How the shoelaces are tied

Additionally, when management reviews a fall-related injury, they must assess footwear worn at the time, decide if it played a role in the incidence, and require that workers switch to shoes that are right for the responsibilities of their job.

4. Use Signage

Signage is a valuable warning system for many worksite risks, especially trip hazards. There are two sign types safety teams can use to prevent falls:

• Temporary signage. Safety teams should establish temporary warning signs while addressing a new trip hazard, such as removing walkway debris, cleaning up a spill, or repairing damaged floors. However, while these short-term signs help prevent injuries, management must address the hazard immediately.
• Permanent signage: A permanent sign can help warn workers to watch out for unavoidable hazards, such as uneven ground. However, safety teams should use these only when necessary because workers might ignore a cluster of signs or ones they see daily.

5. Ensure Proper Lighting

Workers need to be able to see their surroundings to avoid slips, trips, and falls, and poor lighting on job sites makes that problematic. Safety teams can help make work sites more visible through the following strategies:

• Repair switches and cords immediately after they stop working.
• Use sufficient lighting in walkways, hallways, and on staircases and ramps.
• Clear the area around light switches and ensure they are easily accessible.
• Instruct workers to turn on the light before entering a dark room.

6. Provide Trip Hazard Training

Educating workers on finding and preventing a trip hazard will help keep them safe, and safety teams should provide them with detailed instructions on the conditions they’ll work in and the dangers they’ll encounter.

Furthermore, management should conduct regular safety meetings or presentations, which are a terrific way to update the team on newly implemented safety measures or to remind them about seasonal concerns.

7. Develop safety plans

All efforts to promote fall prevention, especially in high-risk workplaces, are solidified by a well-thought-out safety strategy, which might include the following steps:

• Developing safety practices and standards
• Conducting trip hazard assessments
• Performing periodic maintenance inspections
• Studying specifications for safety equipment

Along with these recommendations, safety officers, onsite workers, and authorized staff can hold frequent toolbox discussions about trip hazards. These safety lectures can increase team members’ awareness and highlight the risks involved with their jobs, giving them better protection against accidents caused by slips, trips, and falls.

Preventing Trip Hazards Requires the Best Safety Solutions

In the workplace, trip hazards are relatively common and, unfortunately, can cause severe injuries. Management must do its best to identify and eliminate potential risks to ensure workers perform their duties safely by considering the abovementioned strategies.

The best employees want to work on the job sites of companies that put safety first, and those employers who take these proactive steps to remove hazards demonstrate their concern for workers, contribute to developing a culture of safety that helps everyone involved, and attract better talent.

Consider partnering with us to tailor a solution that helps you create a safer workplace for your workers, customers, and visitors.

Contact us today to learn more.

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• Weill Cornell Medicine

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating Risks

By Gian Joseph, Safety Advisor

As we enter the rainy and cold season, we face several risks , which include slips , trips, and fall s in our day-to-day activities. It is important t o be aware of hazards around us and learn how to properly identify and assess any risks with each step.  

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common accidents that can lead to severe injuries. These incidents occur in various settings, from homes and workplaces to public spaces , and i t is essential to understand the causes, consequences, and , most importantly, strategies for prevention and mitigation.   

1. Understanding the Dynamics of STFs. STFs are caused by the following .  

Insu fficient friction between the shoe and the walking surface. Common causes include wet or greasy floors, spills, and loose debris (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

When a person's foot collides with an object or an uneven surface, it caus es them to lose balance. Typical trip hazards include cluttered walkways, electrical cords, uneven flooring, and damaged or upturned mats (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

2. The Impact of STFs  

Slips, trips, and falls have far-reaching effects, affecting individuals and society . Personal i njuries range from minor cuts , bruises, sprains , and abrasions to fractures, dislocations, and head injuries (National Safety Council, 2021). The medical expenses associated with treating STF-related injuries can be substantial , including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care (National Safety Council, 2021). STFs can result in missed workdays and reduced productivity for both individuals and employers. Workers' compensation claims and absenteeism contribute to economic costs (National Safety Council, 2021). Lastly, t he physical and psychological consequences of STFs can limit mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, especially among older adults ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies  

Preventing and mitigating STFs involves a combination of awareness, environmental modifications, and education . H ere are some ways you can take precaution s against STFs in your daily activities;  

Clear Pathways: Maintain clear, unobstructed walkways by removing clutter and tripping hazards such as cords, toys, and loose rugs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2002).  

Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in all areas, both indoors and outdoors, to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles (OSHA, 2002).  

Slip-Resistant Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring materials, especially in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens (OSHA, 2002).  

Footwear: Encourage the use of proper footwear with good traction, especially in environments where slip hazards are prevalent ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Handrails and Guardrails: Install and maintain handrails and guardrails on stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms to provide support and prevent falls (OSHA, 2002).  

Warning Signs: Use signage to alert individuals to potential hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces (OSHA, 2002).  

Education and Training: Promote awareness and provide training to individuals on recognizing and avoiding STF hazards (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2015).  

Workplace Safety: Employers should implement safety protocols and conduct risk assessments in the workplace, addressing potential STF risks (NIOSH, 2015).  

Regular Maintenance: Routinely inspect and maintain buildings, walkways, and outdoor areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

4. A Holistic Approach to STF Prevention  

Preventing and mitigating STFs require a collaborative approach involving individuals, organizations, and communities:  

Individuals : Exercise caution when walking, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments. Wear appropriate footwear and take your time, especially in wet or slippery conditions ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Employers: Create a safe work environment by identifying and mitigating STF risks. Provide training to employees on safety protocols and the proper use of equipment (OSHA, 2002).  

Property Owners and Managers: Ensure properties are well-maintained and free from hazards. Regularly inspect and address issues promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

Government and Local Authorities: Enforce building codes and regulations that promote safety, especially in public spaces and commercial buildings (OSHA, 2002).  

Conclusion  

Slips, trips, and falls are preventable accidents that carry substantial personal, economic, and societal costs. By comprehending the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the incidence of STFs and mitigate their impact. Whether at home, at work, or in public spaces, prioritizing safety and fostering awareness about STFs is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Let us strive collectively to create environments where everyone can move safely and confidently, free from the fear of falling.  

References:  

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2015). Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-100/pdfs/2015-100.pdf  

National Safety Council. (2021). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/work-safety-introduction/work-...  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2002). OSHA Publication 3151-12R. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf  

Sahyoun , N. R., Pratt, L. A., & Lentzner , H. (2020). The Changing Profile of Nursing Home Residents: 1985-1997. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(3), 336-363.  

Slip and Fall Accidents. (2021). InjuryClaimCoach.com. https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/slip-and-fall-accidents.html  

Please note that the sources cited are accurate as of the time of writing this article. For the most current information, consult authoritative sources and local health authorities.  

Go to the staff directory for individual contacts within EHS. You may also use the Weill Cornell Medicine online directory to search for faculty and staff.

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19th July, 2023

The Simple Guide To Slip And Trip Hazards At Work

In this simple guide to slip and trip hazards at work, we will look at some examples of slip and trip hazards, and the best ways to prevent those hazards from creating slips and trips in your workplace.

Slip and trip hazards probably won't be top of your health and safety concerns at work. But managing slip and trip hazards is a quick, easy (and often cheap) way to improve health and safety in your workplace.

30% of workplace injuries in the UK were caused by slips, trips and falls on the same level in 21/22, according to HSE statistics . That's over 150,000 reported accidents!

And that's just the reported injuries, where people were seriously injured. Most slips and trips probably don't get reported.

In this simple guide to slip and trip hazards at work, you can find some common examples of slip and trip hazards, and how to control them so you and your team don't become one of the 400+ people injured at work each day in the UK.

We'll start with trip hazards.

What is a trip hazard?

A trip hazard is something that could trip you up. The curled-up edge of a mat on your floor is a trip hazard. The cable running across your office is a trip hazard. The sticky-out corner of your desk could be a trip hazard. Anything left on the floor, that shouldn't be there, is probably a trip hazard.

And your trip hazards can trip people up, literally.

The more trip hazards you have, the more likely someone will trip up at some point. Any trip hazard could be an accident waiting to happen .

Examples of trip hazards

We've already discussed some trip hazards above. Before you keep reading, take a quick look around you. Can you see any trip hazards?

How many could you see? I bet you spotted a few. Trip hazards can be found in most places, here are some common examples of trip hazards at work:

• Uneven floors
• Trailing cables
• Obstructions
• Loose flooring
• Loose footwear
• Poor housekeeping
• Poor lighting
• Changes in floor level
• Untied shoelaces
• The straps of a bag

How to control trip hazards

The examples above might seem common, and some even unavoidable, but they shouldn't be ignored. Even small trips can cause serious injuries .

Not every trip hazard will create a huge risk, but by controlling the hazard, you can reduce the risk .

You can control trip hazards by:

• Removing them
• Moving them
• Fixing them
• Highlighting them

Remove trip hazards

If trip hazards can be removed, they should be. Very often, trips are caused by something being left on the floor that shouldn't be there.

And because it's not usually there, no one expects it, and so they trip over it!

For example, discarded packaging from your work might be creating a trip hazard for other people walking through your work area. By keeping your work area tidy and disposing of waste immediately, you help create a safer environment for yourself and others.

Removing a hazard is the best way to eliminate the risk. You can't trip over something that's not there.

Move trip hazards

You might not be able to remove a trip hazard, as it might be something that's needed.

For example, you can't dispose of a trailing cable if you need to be able to plug in the equipment you are using. But you can re-route the cable so that it doesn't cross a walkway.

Fix trip hazards

Some trip hazards don't need to be removed, but they can be fixed. For example, a pothole in a walkway can be fixed by resurfacing or filling the hole. Or a frayed carpet edge can be replaced.

Sometimes, a temporary fix might be all that's necessary. For example, putting a cover or ramp over a trailing cable or an uneven surface.

Highlight trip hazards

If something can't be removed, you could highlight it instead. Trips usually happen when the hazard is not expected.

If you can warn people of the hazard, e.g. making a stair tread a contrasting colour or making sure that lighting is good in walkways, it helps people to see the hazard before it trips them up.

What is a slip hazard?

A slip hazard is any hazard that creates a risk of slipping. The rainwater coming in on people's shoes is a slip hazard. The floor wet from being mopped is a slip hazard.

And it's not just water and liquids that are slip hazards. The smooth soles of your shoes could be a slip hazard. A dusty floor can be a slip hazard.

Slip hazards, as the name suggests, can make people slip.

Skip hazards are usually created by something temporary, like rain, ice, dust, cleaning, or leaks.

Examples of slip hazards

We've mentioned a few slip hazards above. Before you keep reading, can you think of any more?

Think about your workplace and different weather events or the different activities that happen. Do any slip hazards get created?

How many could you think of? Here are some common examples of slip hazards at work:

• Slippery floors
• Dusty floors
• Loose floor coverings
• Slippery soles
• Icy conditions

How to control slip hazards

Like trip hazards, slip hazards being present are a sign that people could get hurt. Broken legs, backs, arms and even head injuries can happen as a result of slip hazards being uncontrolled.

If you control the hazard, you can reduce the risk, and prevent slips in your workplace.

You can control slip hazards by:

• Preventing them

Prevent slip hazards

Slip hazards can occur due to new situations, rather than being permanent.

For example, a floor might not usually be slippy, but during wet weather, people's shoes bring rainwater in creating a slippery surface. Or during winter puddles may freeze.

While these slip hazards are not permanent, they can be predictable. If you have a tiled floor or smooth floor near an entrance, it's likely to get wet and slippery when people enter with wet shoes.

Using control measures like entrance mats to dry shoes, clearing ice from walkways, and having suitable a footwear policy can ensure that slip hazards are less likely to be created.

Remove slip hazards

Some slip hazards can't easily be predicted, like a burst pipe or a spilt drink or a leaky container. But they should be removed (and the source of the leak or spill fixed) as quickly as possible.

If you have a storage area, or an activity, that contains liquids, providing spill kits and training for what to do if a spill occurs can help make sure that any spill hazards get removed before they slip you up.

Highlight slip hazards

Not every slip hazard can be prevented or removed. For example, when you are mopping a floor, it's probably going to be slippery during the activity.

And if you are doing an activity that creates dust or loose fragments, the floor might be slippery until you are done and can clean it up.

In addition to making sure those doing the activity are wearing suitable footwear, you should also highlight the risk to other people so they don't accidentally step onto a slippery surface.

You could use a simple warning sign, or temporary barriers, depending on the risk level.

Download the free slips and trips toolbox talk template as a short refresher on slips and trips for you and your team.

This article was written by Emma at HASpod . Emma has over 10 years experience in health and safety and BSc (Hons) Construction Management. She is NEBOSH qualified and Tech IOSH.

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How To Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls

Nobody ever thinks that they will be the ones to slip, trip, or fall. Everything is going smooth until it’s not. The construction industry accounted for just less than 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.  

Unfortunately, this is not as surprising of a statistic as it should be. You might think that with the inherent risks of the trades, we should expect there to be such incidents. But slip, trip, and fall injuries are preventable.

Nothing will slow your work down more than a workplace injury. So, let’s see how we can contribute to the prevention of slips, trips, and falls.

“Prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.” 

Why Toolbox Talks & Safety Is Important

OSHA and other organizations encourage daily toolbox talks that give statistics and produce general awareness about workplace safety hazards. Sharing statistics and experiences like those mentioned above can be beneficial in increasing awareness so that you can prevent workplace injuries or death.

Reminders can help workers to be more cautious and aware of fixing problems before they happen and prevent accidents in general. An example toolbox talk template can be seen below.

OSHA Regulations & Standards for Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

An understanding of OSHA regulations can help us to be aware of data-driven safety measures that should be put in place to prevent injury and death. Relevant standards include:

• 1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces , 
• 1910.36 – Design and construction requirements for exit routes and  
• 1910.37 – Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes 

However, beyond just giving rules, OSHA recommends implementing programs and procedures to mitigate risks, so we must establish a job site culture that expects everyone to follow those regulations. 

OSHA regulations identify the following challenges related to slips, trips, and falls: 

• Poorly organized job sites can result in workers tripping over tools, materials, and trash. Bad housekeeping and failure to dispose of garbage or clear out debris and residue can also result in a compounding pile-up one day after the next, thus resulting in trip hazards. OSHA officers can perform random walkthroughs of job sites, and if they decide your housekeeping is not in order, they will fine the company.
• Falling from ladders is a real danger because of improper setup. OSHA 3150 mandates that you set up scaffolding and ladders on solid-level surfaces. You also might be in the bad habit of carrying items up and down an extension ladder, step ladders, or scaffolding. OSHA standards highlight that you should maintain 3 points of contact with your hands and feet. That means you can’t carry things up the ladder. It would be best if you instead used a roof derrick for more oversized items or a bucket and rope to hoist equipment and tools to upper levels.  
• Utilizing fall protection is essential in preventing falls , which have the highest potential for extreme injuries and death. The construction industry has been able to choose the fall protection systems it uses on a case-by-case basis since the 1990s. In 2017, OSHA extended this freedom to general industry. In the construction industry, personal protective equipment such as harnesses and lanyards is expected to be worn at heights 6 feet and above. On open exposures that are 4 feet and higher, you should use guardrails and toeboards.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

To work towards the prevention of slips, trips, and falls, we need to understand what a safety hazard is. 

Examples of safety hazards in the construction industry are the following:

• Uncovered cables on the floor
• Uneven surfaces
• Debris or waste caused by poor housekeeping
• Wet surfaces
• Ladders that haven’t been secured

Slips, Trips, and Falls Toolbox Talk Template

In order to prevent slips, trips, and falls, it is important to be aware of the hazards that can cause these types of accidents. Some common causes of slips, trips and falls on construction sites include:

• Wet or icy surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Loose debris
• Tools on the ground
• Unguarded openings
• Lack of proper fall prevention equipment

To avoid these hazards, take the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant soles
• Use caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces
• Make sure all walkways and stairs are well-lit
• Sweep up any loose debris or tools on the ground
• Use appropriate PPE
• Understand how to use PPE correctly and safely

Who is responsible for preventing slips, trips, and falls?

Everyone at work has a responsibility. The employer is ultimately responsible, but we should all look out for the well-being of ourselves and our colleagues. 

We do this by learning and understanding instructions for PPE and for alerting colleagues to openings; by tidying away tools after use, and cleaning out workspaces. If you spot an issue relating to the weather or to lighting that is faulty, report it so that the company can fix it before it causes an accident. 

How To Prevent Illnesses And Injuries Related To Slips and Falls

• Immediately clean up any spills, and demarcate any hazards —rope-off areas where there could be chemicals or other condensates. An injury could occur from hitting the ground due to a slip. Moreover, severe illness and death could result from slipping in corrosive or biohazardous materials.
• Cover holes and eliminate uneven surfaces that could have foot traffic. You could unknowingly trip and fall to the ground. If the hole is large enough, you could fall in, thus risking more than a minor injury.
• Provide proper lighting to ensure visibility so you don’t trip on what you cannot see.  
• Use fall protection in the form of guardrails and personal protective equipment so that a person cannot fall over an open exposure, even accidentally. Falling from heights 4 feet and above puts you at serious risk of death.
• Establish a routine to inspect fall protection. It’s in place to save your life. You will want to make sure that it will work to protect you from injury or death.

Questions for the Employees

After a discussion, you may want to test everyone’s knowledge and retention of the information to apply what they’ve learned. 

• What percent of workplace fatalities are from the construction industry?
• What are the potential causes of injury, and what could happen on your job site?
• How would you feel if an injury or death occurred on your job site?
• What can you personally do to prevent slip, trip, and fall incidents?
• What is our slips, trips, and falls safety talk slogan?

Email Template To Promote Slips, Trips, And Falls Safety

Sending a concise email can help to promote safety. Use this email template, which includes the highlights, and add more bullets as needed to address particular concerns for your job site.

Hello Team,

Let’s all be aware to prevent falls and slips, or someone will have a hospital trip. 

The construction industry accounted for almost 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.  

Understanding our job site hazards and the ways we can mitigate risks is crucial to prevent us from being amongst those statistics. 

• Remember to clean as you go and stay organized. 
• Use handrails and ask for help when carrying big loads so that the extra hand is available to grab railings and you have full awareness of where you are walking. 
• Use fall protection and PPE.

Increase your awareness as you are working. When you see a potential hazard, immediately report it and work to resolve it to prevent injury to yourself and others.  

Construction Site Management/Foremen

Create A Safety Culture

You are now highly knowledgeable in the prevention of slips, trips, and falls. It is your responsibility to encourage your workers to increase awareness of potential hazards and processes for reporting. All incidents are preventable ! Remember, you must “prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.”  

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Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

On this page, how do falls happen, how to prevent falls due to slips and trips, what can you do to avoid falling at work.

Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on "falls on the same level" (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in other documents since each type of fall must be assessed as part of a fall prevention program .

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

• wet or oily surfaces
• occasional spills
• weather hazards
• loose, unanchored rugs or mats
• flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

• obstructed view
• poor lighting
• clutter in your way
• wrinkled carpeting
• uncovered cables
• bottom drawers not being closed
• uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Both slips and trips result from unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This fact shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall incidents.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:

• cleaning all spills immediately
• marking spills and wet areas
• mopping or sweeping debris from floors
• removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter
• securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
• always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
• covering cables that cross walkways
• keeping working areas and walkways well lit
• replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.

For more information about effective housekeeping, visit the OSH Answers document on Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide .

Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.

In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers is highly recommended.

Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. For more information on footwear visit the OSH Answers document on Safety Footwear .

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:

• taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
• adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
• walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
• making wide turns at corners

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:

• keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions
• keeping flooring in good condition
• always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
• using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
• making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
• Fact sheet last revised: 2023-03-28

• Health & Safety
• Hazards & exposures

Slips, trips & falls

Slips, trips, and falls put workers at risk of sprains, strains, bruises, concussions, and fractures. Falls often result from slipping or tripping.

Slips happen where there is not enough grip or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. This can be a result of water, oil, grease, or dust on the floor. Loose rugs or mats, floors with varying traction, and the wrong footwear can also cause slips.

Trips and falls can happen when people lose their balance after their feet collide with objects. Common tripping hazards in the workplace include:

• Damaged or worn carpets, rugs, and mats
• Uneven flooring
• Cluttered walkways
• Uncovered cables
• Poor lighting
• Obstructed views

See our resources for information about reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

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Kitchen Safety: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls due to wet or greasy floors are common occurrences in kitchens. This video demonstrates safe work procedures to prevent injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls.

Safe in the Hall

Firefighter safety training routinely focuses on fire-related safety issues. However, at least one-third of all injuries to firefighters occur in fire halls. This video uses three scenarios to illustrate...

• Slips, trips, and falls are B.C.’s costliest workplace incidents: WorkSafeBC Published on: October 24, 2023

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Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

The tips contained in this article will give you some useful ideas for preventing slips, trips and falls in your workplace, but if you are looking at implementing control measures across your business then you may want to take our online Slips, Trips & Falls Training Course .

It’s very easy to catch your foot on a stray cable or lose your footing when walking along a wet path, and gravity is everyone’s worst enemy – all it takes is one false step while working at height to find that you’ve fallen and seriously injured yourself.

While it may be hard to believe that something as seemingly innocent as a loose mat or discarded object in a walkway can cause major injuries, the fact remains that slips and trips are the most common causes of work-related injuries every year.

Slips, Trips and Falls Statistics

According to the  Health and Safety Executive :

• Slips, trips, and falls accounted for around 32% of employee injuries in 2022/23.
• They are the most common cause of non-fatal workplace injury.
• Falls from height are the most common cause of fatalities .

Statistics don’t exaggerate; these injuries all happened to real people while at work.

Both employers and employees have a duty to protect people’s wellbeing at work. In order to prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers must put in place control measures and procedures for preventing hazards from ever materialising, and it’s down to employees to uphold and follow them.

Control Measures to Prevent Slips

Slips occur when a person’s feet cannot make contact with or grip a floor’s surface effectively, and this usually happens because the floor is contaminated with liquids. But other hazards include powder and dust, loose mats, bad footwear, or uneven surfaces.

Hazards may be created by:

• Spillages from drinks or liquids used as part of work activities, e.g. paint.
• Puddles or patches of wetness left behind by cleaning.
• Trails of wetness, leaves, and mud from outside during wet weather.
• Loose mats and rugs.
• Poor flooring.
• Lack of housekeeping.

9 tips for preventing slip hazards:

Working with contaminants: use drip trays when working with liquids to prevent them from spilling on the floor, use lids and fill-lines on containers, and use screens to stop splashes and overspray when using hoses.

Preventing access: carry out cleaning activities after-hours to prevent exposure to wet floors, but if this is not possible restrict access to the area. Also, minimise the amount of people present in areas where contaminants are handled.

Design and use: floors should be made of materials designed to reduce slipping. Only use cleaning equipment specifically designed for that material so you don’t wear down the anti-slip quality.

Cleaning activities: do not leave puddles behind, use the correct cleaning materials for the type of floor, and let floors air dry or use a dry mop to speed up drying time if you can’t prevent access to the area. Use wet floor signs.

Footwear: when people work with potential contaminants or in wet or dusty environments, they should wear proper non-slip footwear that is designed for the hazards specific to the work activities.

Good housekeeping: clean up spillages immediately (if it is a chemical spill that you are unable to handle, contact someone qualified immediately). Store liquids in cupboards, and report loose, damaged, and worn flooring or equipment.

Anti-slip equipment: use anti-slip tape, mats, covers, and grating to prevent areas of the premises from becoming slippery and posing a risk to workers, particularly entranceways and stairs.

Wet, cold, and dark weather: in colder seasons pathways become wet or icy, and there is less natural light. Pathways should be well lit, be cleared of leaves, snow, and ice regularly, and have good drainage in place.

Lighting: poor or low lighting will prevent people from seeing hazards; ensure all walkways and rooms are properly lit with natural and/or artificial light.

Control Measures to Prevent Trips

Trips occur when a person’s foot is obstructed or snagged, which results in a loss of balance. This leads to the person stumbling forward and potentially injuring themselves on a nearby surface or object. One common trip hazard is cables running along floor spaces, but even small objects such as a discarded shoe or curled up edges of mats are enough to catch a person’s foot.

• Poor housekeeping, e.g. leaving obstructions lying around walkways.
• Trailing cables from machinery or equipment, including both fixed (e.g. computers) and portable equipment (e.g. hoovers)
• Loose flooring and mats or poorly installed carpeting.
• Bad design, e.g. sudden changes in floor level.

7 tips for preventing trip hazards:

Design of premises: avoid single steps and sudden changes in floor level, but if unavoidable clearly highlight them with signage. Ensure there are numerous plug sockets so cables don’t need to be trailed across the floor.

Installing flooring: carpeting and other materials should be installed properly so there are no bumps or areas that are not level. Report areas where carpeting or lino/laminate has worn down and become uneven.

Trailing cables: plug in equipment as close to where it needs to be as possible. For stationary equipment, if trailing cables are unavoidable use cable tidies and cover strips.

Organise work activities: prevent rushing or overcrowding, ensure employees know how to use equipment safely, and restrict access to areas where temporary trailing cables are unavoidable.

Good housekeeping: report mats or carpeting with curled edges or fraying, keep equipment in suitable storage spaces, clear obstacles away from walkways and stairways, and dispose of/recycle rubbish on the premises.

Manual handling: employees must use proper manual handling techniques , and manual handling activities must be organised to ensure safety. A person carrying a load may not see an obstacle and could seriously injure themselves by tripping over it and/or dropping the load on them as they fall.

Lighting: poor or low lighting will prevent people from seeing hazards. Ensure all walkways and rooms are properly lit with natural and/or artificial light.

Control Measures to Prevent Falls

Falls occur when someone is working above ground level and loses their footing, causing them to fall to the ground. This probably makes you think of people working on a ladder or on a roof, but the reality is that many serious or fatal fall injuries are from falls below head height. Sometimes all it takes is hitting your head hard or landing on a limb at a bad angle to incur a serious injury.

Fall hazards need to be taken into serious consideration. Falls are the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities and are one of the main causes of major injuries.

• Working on a ladder incorrectly or using one that is not stable.
• Working on a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) that is not safe for use.
• Working close to an opening, hole in the ground, or excavation site.
• Working on scaffolding or the back of a truck unsafely.
• Not using safety gear when working at height, e.g. harnesses.
• Using inappropriate platforms for accessing heights, e.g. chairs and tables.
• Surrounding hazards, e.g. high winds, overhead power lines, and other at-height obstructions that can throw off a person’s balance.

Fall hazards may also be indirect . For example: slip and trip hazards at height puts a person at risk of falling even if they are doing everything else right, as does faulty equipment that could cause an electric shock and make the person suddenly jerk backwards.

8 tips for preventing fall hazards:

Safety equipment: use airbags and safety nets below at-height work areas and ensure people are equipped with fall arrest harnesses. Use scaffolding, podium steps, and MEWPs where needed (equipment used for lifting people must adhere to regulations. Check out our LOLER Inspection Checklist ).

Ladder safety: only use ladders and stepladders for up to 30 minutes and always rest them on a firm, level surface. Do not lift more than 10kg up a ladder, do not overreach, and do not use the top 3 rungs and platform. Furthermore, make sure the ladder is leaned against a solid, stable surface and locking devices are fully engaged.

Good work practices: do not use any unsuitable platforms for accessing heights, e.g. a chair. Always use a proper ladder and follow safe procedures.

Instruction and training: follow all instruction and training provided for working at height safely. Use your initiative: discontinue work activities if conditions are evidently unsafe, e.g. high winds or an unstable ladder.

Barriers: when working at height or near excavation sites, barriers must be erected or already in place to prevent people from falling, i.e. guards on scaffolding and MEWPs and fences around holes in the ground.

Space: ensure there is plenty of open space around the area when working at height: each platform requires a minimum amount of space. Having to duck or twist will increase the risk of losing footing and falling.

Equipment maintenance: ensure that equipment used for working at height, e.g. MEWPs and ladders, is installed safely, fully operational, and free of issues. Carry out pre-use checks on equipment before using it.

Prevent other hazards: eliminate slip and trip hazards, as well as risks of electrocution by ensuring that equipment is free of faults.

Slips, Trips and Falls Risk Assessments

Employers must carry out a general risk assessment and working at height risk assessment to ensure that no hazards are being posed to people during work activities. Risk assessments for working at height is particularly vital; circumstances could easily change between activities and put people at risk of falling.

General risk assessments enable employers to spot slip and trip hazards that may be present on the premises and put in place control and preventative measures – like those listed throughout this article – so no one has to suffer injuries from easily-preventable risks while at work.

Further Resources:

• Common Office Injuries and How to Prevent Them
• Slips, Trips and Falls Quiz
• What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Health and Safety Manager?
• Working at Height Risk Assessment

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Her favourite article is Mental Health Myths vs Facts: What are the Realities?

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Trip hazards in the workplace

Although they are perhaps less dramatic than some of the other risk factors frontline workers face, trip hazards are no less of a threat. In fact, they are some of the most common workplace dangers out there.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many trips that don’t result in a fall lead to injuries. In 2020, there were 15,930 recorded trips that did not end with a fall but still caused an employee to miss work.

These types of nonfatal injuries cost companies millions of dollars each year. But they’re preventable. Reduce the prevalence of trip hazards in your facility by auditing often and following these best practices.

Common trip hazards

Compared to other workplace hazards, trip hazards are relatively easy to spot. So, you might wonder why they’re so common. The reason is because many trip hazards blend in with the operation. They come from standard objects and areas that most people overlook.

If your facility has been running for a while, you might not notice many hazards during your safety walks. The longer a hazard exists without being addressed, the more commonplace it will seem. The key is to fix issues as soon as you see them.

Some of the most common trip hazards include:

• Loose cords and cables
• Unmanaged clutter
• Missing handrails
• Unsecured floor mats, tiles, or carpeting
• Poor lighting
• Uneven walkways
• Open cabinets and doors
• Incorrectly laced shoes or boots

The biggest source of these issues is lackluster housekeeping and hazard management. While it might be easy to blame those problems on the cleaning staff, this would be incorrect.

In most cases, trip hazards come from daily operations. And they are often the result of careless and mindless activity. Safety leaders, operations managers, frontline workers, and any other people who are directly involved in the operation have a responsibility to find, eliminate, and prevent trip hazards.

Best practices for eliminating trip hazards

A strong safety culture can help you reduce trip hazards in the workplace. If everyone from the general manager to frontline employees proactively eliminates hazards, your trip incident rate will likely drop.

Implement the following best practices to remove trip hazards, improve your site’s cleanliness, and keep workers safe.

Clean regularly and thoroughly

Cleanliness and safety are closely related. A messy facility is likely to be full of trip hazards. At the very least, you should have a regular cleaning schedule. This should include a dedicated cleaning staff. Depending on the size of your operation, you may need an entire team or just a few workers.

The cleaning schedule should dictate:

• What areas need to be cleaned
• How often areas need to be cleaned
• The person or people responsible for cleaning each area

Audit the execution of this cleaning schedule often to ensure all items are being followed.

Address bad behaviors

A major part of facility safety is individual behavior. If your workers do not keep their workstations clean, there will be many more trip hazards to avoid.

Combat this issue by addressing bad behaviors at once. Letting employees get away with untidiness has several negative effects. It weakens your safety culture. It makes the facility more dangerous. And it hinders productivity.

Aside from cleanliness, it’s also important that workers follow their safety training. Make sure to remind employees not to run in the facility. Also, ensure that employees don’t text and walk at the same time, as this makes them more likely to trip over objects and workstation setups.

Manage the workspace layout

Oftentimes, a hazard cannot be removed. This means that you will have to make the workspace safer by reorganizing it. When performing a safety walk, look for issues with 5S. Note which areas are prone to collect clutter. Is there a better way to store the clutter? Consider adding a pallet drop zone, organizational bins, or storage racks to keep the area clear. Once you’ve implemented the change, don’t forget to update the floor 5S to match.

Track action items

Have you ever seen a trip hazard one day, fixed it, and then seen it again the very next day? This is a sign that you need more effective action items .

For example, if you see a broom on the floor, it is easy to simply pick it up and put it where it goes. But if it keeps ending up in the same place, you need to consider that the storage area might not be effective. Try moving the storage location to a more convenient area. This may prevent the hazard from resurfacing on a regular basis.

This same approach works for loose rugs and mats. Certain rugs simply don’t stay put. Every time it rains, employees come into the facility only to trip dramatically in the front entrance. When this keeps happening, you should try a different type of rug or mat.

Whenever you implement these types of changes, document them. Make sure to log action items for each safety walk and process hazard analysis . If you input the same hazard in a future audit, come up with a new action item. Doing this allows you to keep a detailed log of all your solutions. That way, if a recordable trip injury occurs, you have a demonstrated history of trying to address the issue.

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