Slips, trips and falls

Information on the legislation around slips, trips and falls in the workplace

Slip, trip and fall legislation

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

These cover all aspects of the workplace, including a requirement that floors are suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (external site) places the general duty on you to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all your employees.

To achieve this you need to provide adequate:

  • training
  • instruction
  • information
  • supervision

It also places duties on employees to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. They must co-operate with their employer to help them meet their legal obligations.

Management of Health and Safety at Work

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (external site) state you must assess the risks to employees and make arrangements for their health and safety by effective:

  • planning
  • organising
  • control
  • monitoring
  • review

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992

The Personal Protective Eq​uipment Regulations 1992 (external site) place duties on you to protect your employees from the risk of injury in the workplace. This includes a requirement to provide and ensure the correct use of suitable personal protective equipment. This could include footwear if required.