Slips and trips

Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and make up over a third of all major injuries. Over 10,000 workers suffered serious injury because of a slip or trip last year. 95% of major slips result in broken bones. They can also be the initial cause for a range of other types of accident such as a fall from height. Everyone in the workplace has a part to play when it comes to preventing slips and trips, from the person who designed the building to the people working inside of it.

Causes

What causes slips and trips?

There are a number of factors that cause slips and trips:

flooring
environment
footwear
contamination and obstacles
people
cleaning

One or more of these may play a part in a situation or accident.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent slips and trips?

have an effective management system in place
assess the risks and eliminate where possible
clear up spillages as soon as they occur
ensure everyone is properly trained
ensure the most appropriate footwear is chosen for the work environment

Software

Slips assessment tool

The Slips Assessment Tool is a freely downloadable computer software package that allows an operator to assess the slip potential of pedestrian walkway surfaces.

Resources

Key legislation

Please note that these links are to the original legislation, visitors should verify for themselves whether legislation is in force or whether it has been amended or repealed by subsequent legislation.