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Slips, trips and falls

Common slip, trip and fall hazards and precautions you can take to prevent these

​People must be able to move around the workplace safely. Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of accidents and injury at work.

Visitors may also be at risk, both inside and outside premises under your control.

​Use the links below to find information on common slip, trip and fall hazards and how to assess these. You will also find resources and precautions you can take to prevent slips, trips and falls and your legal duties.

  1. Common slip, trip and fall hazards
  2. Slip, trip and fall safety precautions
  3. Slip, trip and fall legislation

 

1. Common slip, trip and fall hazards

Most slips and trips are caused by

  • poor lighting
  • trailing cables
  • unsuitable floor coverings
  • uneven or damaged floor surfaces
  • contaminated floor surfaces, for example liquid or grease​
  • poor housekeeping, for example tripping or falling over something left in a walk way.

When considering areas in your workplace that could cause a hazard remember to​ take into account

  • any outdoor areas
  • differing weather conditions
  • working activities carried out off your premises.

Carry out a risk assessment

The best way to identify Slip, Trip and Fall hazards and ways to control them in your workplace is to discuss the issue with staff and carry out a risk assessment.

Find out how to carry out a risk assessment

​Use the Slips Assessment Tool (SAT)

The SAT is a useful tool developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that helps you assess the slip potential of pedestrian walkway surfaces.

Visit the HSE site to use the SAT