How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace?

Slips, trips and falls represent the most common cause of workplace injuries in the UK, yet they remain among the most preventable accidents. Understanding how to identify and control these hazards is fundamental for creating safer working environments.

The Scale of the Problem

The statistics surrounding slips, trips and falls in the workplace show a clear picture. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these incidents account for 31% of all non-fatal employee workplace injuries reported by employers in 2023/24.

The financial impact is equally staggering. The HSE estimates that slips, trips and falls cost UK businesses more than £500 million annually. These accidents result in substantial disruption to businesses and personal hardship for injured workers.

The good news, most slips, trips and falls are entirely preventable through simple, cost-effective measures. As the HSE's guidance document Preventing slips and trips at work (INDG225) emphasises, the solutions are often straightforward and require minimal investment.

Understanding the Difference: Slips, Trips and Falls

While these three terms are often grouped together, it's important to understand the distinct mechanisms behind each type of incident:

Slips

A slip occurs when there's insufficient traction or friction between footwear and the walking surface. This sudden loss of grip causes a person to lose their balance. Common causes of slips include:

• Wet or contaminated floors from spillages, cleaning activities or weather conditions.

• Smooth or polished floor surfaces that become slippery when wet.

• Oil, grease or food substances on walking surfaces.

• Loose or displaced floor coverings and mats.

• Poor drainage systems leading to water accumulation.

  
  

Trips

A trip happens when a person's foot strikes an object or encounters an uneven surface, causing the lower body to stop suddenly whilst momentum carries the upper body forward.

• Trailing cables and loose wiring.

• Items left in walkways or corridors.

• Damaged or uneven flooring.

• Changes in floor level or height.

• Loose carpeting or floor coverings.

• Boxes, equipment or materials stored inappropriately.

  
  

Falls

Falls occur when a person's centre of gravity shifts unexpectedly, resulting in them losing their footing and hitting the ground or a nearby object. Falls are categorised into:

• Same-level falls: Occurring on the same surface where the person is standing.

• Falls from height: Involving a drop to a lower level, such as from ladders, scaffolding or platforms.

  
  

Whilst falls from height carry higher risks of fatal injuries, same-level falls can still result in serious harm, including fractures, head injuries and long-term disability.

Legal Responsibilities and Regulations

The law places clear duties on both employers and employees to prevent slips, trips and falls. Understanding these legal obligations is important to creating a safe workplace.

Employer Responsibilities

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to protect, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This includes implementing measures to control slip, trip and fall risks.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandate that employers must:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify slip, trip and fall hazards.

• Implement appropriate control measures based on the findings.

• Regularly review and update risk assessments as workplace conditions change.

• Provide adequate information, instruction and training to employees.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that:

• Floors must be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in good condition.

• Walking surfaces should be free from obstructions.

• People must be able to move around the workplace safely.

• Adequate lighting must be provided throughout the premises.

  
  

Employers must also keep records of significant findings from risk assessments and the control measures implemented, particularly for businesses with five or more employees.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

• Not put themselves or others in danger.

• Use any safety equipment provided correctly.

• Report any hazards, defects or dangerous situations to their employer.

• Cooperate with their employer on health and safety matters.

  
  

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding what causes slips, trips and falls is necessary for effective prevention. Whilst every workplace is different, certain factors consistently contribute to these incidents.

Environmental Factors

Poor Housekeeping: Inadequate cleaning and maintenance routines create hazards. Cluttered walkways, unmarked spillages and accumulated debris increase slip, trip and fall risks.

Inadequate Lighting: Insufficient or poorly positioned lighting makes it difficult to spot hazards, changes in floor level or obstacles in walkways.

Weather Conditions: Rain, snow and ice create additional challenges, particularly at entrance areas where moisture is tracked inside. Without adequate matting and drainage, these conditions can make floors slippery.

Floor Surface Issues: Unsuitable flooring materials, worn or damaged surfaces and improper floor finishes all contribute to slip and trip risks. Glossy tiles in wet areas or loose carpet tiles create unnecessary dangers.

Organisational Factors

Work Pressures: Rushing due to tight deadlines or understaffing can lead to shortcuts being taken, such as not cleaning up spillages immediately or leaving equipment in walkways.

Poor Communication: Failure to warn others about hazards, inadequate signage and lack of reporting systems often mean that known risks aren't addressed promptly.

Inadequate Training: Without instruction on hazard identification and control measures, employees may not recognise risks or know how to respond appropriately.

Maintenance Failures: Delayed repairs to damaged flooring, faulty drainage systems or worn-out entrance matting allow hazards to persist and worsen over time.

Human Factors

Distraction: Mobile phones, conversations and preoccupation with tasks can reduce awareness of surroundings and potential hazards.

Carrying Objects: Loads that obscure vision make it impossible to see where you're walking or to spot hazards in your path.

Physical Limitations: Fatigue, medical conditions affecting balance or mobility and the natural ageing process can all increase susceptibility to slips, trips and falls.

Risk Assessment: The Foundation of Prevention

Conducting a thorough risk assessment is the foundation of effective slip, trip and fall prevention.

Step 1: Identify the Hazards

Walk through your workplace and actively look for potential slip, trip and fall hazards. The HSE's hazard spotting checklist provides an excellent framework for this process. Consider:

• Are there areas where floors regularly become wet or contaminated?

• Are there objects, cables or equipment obstructing walkways?

• Are floor surfaces damaged, uneven or unsuitable?

• Is lighting adequate in all areas, including stairs and corridors?

• Are there changes in floor level that could cause trips?

• Do entrance areas have effective matting systems?

Involve your employees in this process, they often notice hazards that aren't immediately obvious to you.

Step 2: Decide on Who May Be Harmed and How

Consider all persons who may be affected and how they might be injured:

• Employees working in different areas and on different shifts.

• Contractors and temporary workers who may be unfamiliar with the premises.

• Visitors and members of the public.

• Vulnerable individuals, including those with mobility issues, visual impairments or other disabilities.

• Delivery drivers and external service providers.

Think about the types of injuries that could occur, from minor bruises to serious fractures or head injuries.

Step 3: Evaluate the Risk and Decide on Precautions

For each hazard identified, assess the level of risk and determine what control measures are needed:

• Evaluate the likelihood of an incident occurring.

• Consider the potential severity of injuries that could result.

• Determine how many people could be affected.

• Assess how frequently the hazard is present.

  
  

Apply the hierarchy of controls to manage identified risks:

1. Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely where possible.

2. Substitution: Replace hazardous materials or processes with safer alternatives.

3. Engineering Controls: Implement physical changes to reduce risks.

4. Administrative Controls: Introduce safe systems of work and procedures.

5. Personal Protective Equipment: Provide PPE such as appropriate safety footwear.

Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them

Document the significant hazards found, who might be harmed, what you're doing to control the risks and any further action needed. Whilst businesses with fewer than five employees aren't legally required to record their findings, it's still considered good practice.

Put your control measures into practice. Assign responsibilities, set timelines and allocate resources. Make sure everyone understands what's expected of them and why the measures are important.

Step 5: Review and Update the Risk Assessment

Workplaces change constantly, new equipment is installed, layouts are modified and different activities take place. Regularly review your risk assessment, particularly when:

• There have been changes to the workplace, work activities or equipment.

• An incident has occurred.

• There's evidence that control measures aren't working effectively.

• New information about hazards becomes available.

Set a regular review schedule (annually at minimum) and treat it as a living document that evolves with your workplace.

Practical Prevention Strategies

Preventing slips, trips and falls requires a multi-faceted approach combining environmental controls, proper procedures and ongoing vigilance.

1. Stop Floors Becoming Contaminated

Prevention is always better than cure. Implementing measures to keep floors clean and dry is fundamental:

Entrance Matting: Install effective entrance matting systems that are long enough for people to take several steps. Matting should be well-maintained, properly secured and capable of absorbing moisture and trapping dirt.

Leak Prevention: Regularly maintain plant, machinery and buildings to identify and fix leaks promptly. Water from roof leaks, condensation or equipment failures should never be allowed to accumulate on walking surfaces.

Process Design: Review work activities to minimise the potential for spillages. This might include using lids on containers, redesigning workstations or installing guards on machinery.

Route Planning: Separate pedestrian and vehicle routes where possible and keep walkways away from areas prone to contamination.

2. Implement Effective Cleaning Programmes

Method Selection: Choose cleaning methods suitable for the floor type. Some floor finishes require specific cleaning products and techniques to maintain their slip-resistance properties.

Timing: Schedule cleaning during quiet periods when fewer people are using the space. If this isn't possible, clean in sections and use barriers to restrict access until floors are dry.

Spillage Response: Establish clear procedures for dealing with spillages immediately. Provide appropriate cleaning materials in accessible locations and make sure all staff know how to respond.

3. Maintain Suitable Flooring

The condition and type of flooring impacts slip and trip risks:

Regular Inspections: Check floors routinely for damage, wear or defects. Look for loose tiles, damaged floor coverings, holes or uneven surfaces.

Prompt Repairs: Fix damaged flooring quickly before it deteriorates further or causes accidents. Don't allow temporary repairs to become permanent solutions.

Appropriate Selection: When replacing flooring, choose materials suitable for the intended use. Areas likely to get wet should have slip-resistant surfaces, whilst maintaining cleanability requirements.

Transition Strips: Make sure transitions between different floor surfaces or levels are properly finished with appropriate threshold strips or ramps.

4. Optimise the Working Environment

Environmental factors play a substantial role in preventing incidents:

Adequate Lighting: Provide sufficient illumination throughout the workplace, paying particular attention to stairs, corridors and areas where floor levels change. Keep lights maintained and replace bulbs promptly.

Clear Walkways: Keep all pedestrian routes free from obstructions. Implement a 'clean as you go' policy and store materials, equipment and waste appropriately.

Visible Hazards: Make changes in floor level, steps or slopes clearly visible through contrasting colours, edge markings or appropriate signage.

Cable Management: Eliminate trailing cables wherever possible. Use cable management systems, wireless technology or overhead cable routes to keep floors clear.

5. Provide Appropriate Footwear

Where environmental controls alone cannot prevent slips, slip-resistant footwear becomes necessary:

Suitability Assessment: Footwear must be appropriate for the specific environment and hazards present. Consult manufacturers and consider the surfaces, contaminants and working conditions.

Trial Before Purchase: Always trial footwear with a representative sample of workers before making bulk purchases. Consider comfort, fit and practicality as well as slip-resistance.

Provision as PPE: When footwear is required as personal protective equipment, it must be provided free of charge to employees.

Maintenance: Workers should know how to clean and maintain their safety footwear properly. Worn soles significantly reduce slip-resistance.

6. Address Organisational Factors

Work Planning: Design work schedules and processes to avoid rushing, overcrowding or creating situations where safety is compromised.

Employee Involvement: Involve workers in decisions affecting their safety, such as choosing PPE or modifying working methods. Their practical experience is invaluable.

Incident Reporting: Establish clear procedures for reporting hazards, near-misses and incidents. Use this information to prevent future occurrences.

Communication: Share information about hazards and control measures effectively with all who need it, including contractors and visitors.

Training and Awareness

Even the best physical controls will fail without adequate training and ongoing awareness. Developing a strong safety culture requires continuous effort.

Essential Training Elements

All employees should receive training that covers:

• Hazard Recognition.

• Reporting Procedures.

• Personal Responsibilities.

• Control Measures.

• Emergency Response.

  
  

Promoting Ongoing Awareness

Training shouldn't be a one-off event. Maintain awareness through:

• Toolbox Talks: Regular short safety discussions focusing on specific aspects of slip, trip and fall prevention, using real examples from your workplace.

• Safety Campaigns: Periodic campaigns highlighting particular issues, such as housekeeping, appropriate footwear or weather-related hazards.

• Visual Reminders: Posters, signs and floor markings that reinforce key safety messages and highlight specific hazards.

• Refresher Training: Regular updates to keep knowledge current and help staff understand new hazards or control measures properly.

• Leading by Example: Management and supervisors must visibly demonstrate commitment to safety standards, addressing hazards promptly and following procedures themselves.

  
  

Measuring Effectiveness

Monitor the success of your training programme through:

• Reduction in slip, trip and fall incidents and near-misses.

• Increased reporting of hazards by employees.

• Observations of safe working practices.

• Employee feedback and suggestions for improvement.

• Regular safety audits and inspections.

  
  

Special Considerations for Different Environments

Different workplaces present unique challenges requiring tailored approaches to slip, trip and fall prevention.

Office Environments

Whilst often perceived as low-risk, offices have their own hazards:

• Trailing cables from IT equipment require proper cable management.

• Filing cabinets and desk drawers left open create trip hazards.

• Spillages from drinks in workspaces need immediate attention.

• Wet weather can make entrance areas slippery.

• Poor storage practices can obstruct walkways.

Construction Sites

Construction presents some of the highest risks:

• Constantly changing site conditions and layouts.

• Uneven ground and temporary walking surfaces.

• Weather exposure affecting surface conditions.

• Multiple contractors and visitors unfamiliar with the site.

Warehousing and Distribution

These environments commonly experience:

• Forklift and vehicle movements affecting walkways.

• Loading and unloading activities creating temporary hazards.

• Spillages from damaged goods or packaging.

• Temperature variations causing condensation.

• 24/7 operations with varying staffing levels.

  
  

Responding to Incidents

Despite best efforts, incidents may still occur. How you respond can prevent recurrence and demonstrate your commitment to safety.

Immediate Actions

When a slip, trip or fall occurs: provide first aid, make the area safe, preserve evidence, report under RIDDOR if applicable and notify relevant parties.

Investigation and Learning

Investigate thoroughly to understand what happened, why it happened and how to prevent recurrence. Check whether existing controls were adequate and identify any additional measures needed. Use findings to update risk assessments, modify procedures, provide targeted training and share lessons across the workforce.

Key Takeaways

Preventing slips, trips and falls requires:

1. Clear Understanding causes of these incidents.

2. Legal Compliance with relevant regulations and best practice guidance.

3. Thorough Risk Assessment to identify and prioritise hazards.

4. Effective Controls addressing environmental, organisational and human factors.

5. Ongoing Training to develop competence and maintain awareness.

6. Strong Safety Culture where everyone takes responsibility for preventing incidents.

7. Continuous Improvement through learning from experience and embracing innovation.

   
   

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and maintaining vigilance, organisations can significantly reduce slip, trip and fall incidents, protecting their most valuable asset, their people.

If you need any help with preventing slips, trips and falls, please contact us: