Slips, trips and same-level falls
Over 29% of all accidents reported in the workplace consist of slips, trips and same-level falls, making them the most common cause of workplace injuries. The Labour Force Survey 2019/20 found that there were 693,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries in the workplace in 2019/20. 525,000 cases led to absences of up to seven days, while 168,000 resulted in more than seven days off work for the employee. These absences can have a significant impact on a business, yet businesses do not generally classify slips, trips and same-level falls among the most serious types of accident. Since 25% of fatalities in the workplace are caused by falls from a height, this type of accident is generally of greater concern to some businesses, with the HSE Fatal Injury Report 2021 stating that there were 35 fatal falls from a height in the workplace from 2020 to March 2021.
What legislation on slips and trips does my business need to comply with?
Whilst there is no legislation that governs specific control measures to prevent slips, trips and falls, the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (1992) does state specifically the conditions that welfare provisions have to meet (for example, flooring and lighting) which relate to slips, trips and falls.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act) states that employers are responsible for the health and safety not only of their employees, but also of anyone who could reasonably be anticipated to be affected by the work. They should take all necessary measures to minimise the risk of slips, trips, same-level falls and other workplace accidents. Employees also have a responsibility to avoid putting themselves or others in danger.
Other legislation that relates to the area of slips, trips and same-level falls includes:
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992)
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992)
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
What are the top hazards causing trips and slips?
The major causes of trips and slips are:
- Uneven floors
- Floor coverings that are unsuitable
- Slippery or wet floors
- Changes in level
- Trailing cables
- Inadequate lighting
- Poor housekeeping
Preventing slips, trips and same-level falls in the workplace
The first priority is to undertake a risk assessment throughout the workplace. This should be carried out by a qualified member of staff, or by a specialist health and safety consultant. The assessment needs to identify all hazards and recommend ways to mitigate the risks.
As part of the risk assessment, check that the current walkways are routed logically, and that they are wide enough for the anticipated usage. If necessary, adjust the layout of your workplace to allow wider walkways to be created. Check that flooring is suitable, bearing in mind that requirements may vary in different parts of the workplace. Don’t overlook outside areas, as these can also present potential slip hazards.
How to prevent slips
- Flooring: Any bubbling or raised pockets of floor coverings must be addressed as a priority.
- Signage: Ensure that signs are consistently used when spillages occur, and during and after floor cleaning, so that employees and customers are aware of the slip risk. In areas where there is an ongoing slip risk due to the nature of the work undertaken, display signage to remind employees of the risk.
- Timing: Freshly washed floors can be treacherous to walk on. Arrange for cleaning to be conducted during the quietest periods for customer, visitor and employee traffic in your premises.
- Footwear: Provide guidance on suitable footwear. Mandate the use of suitable footwear for all employees. If your premises are used by the public, make it clear through signage that certain types of footwear – for example, high heels – are not allowed where there is a slip or trip hazard.
- Be aware of weather conditions: Wet or wintery weather can create slippery conditions both indoors and outdoors. Moisture can be brought inside on shoes, drips from clothing, and in some areas on the wheels of vehicles. This can lead to slippery floors inside as well as the more obviously hazardous areas outside the building.
Signage for regular hazards
Unavoidable hazards arise every day or frequently, and many of these are expected. Examples include:
- Wet floors after cleaning
- Wet floors close to entry and exit points during wet weather
- Slippery surfaces in outdoor areas due to icy weather
Signage for accidents and mishaps
Use clear signage for temporary hazards. For example, when a spillage occurs, it is important that you quickly position signage to alert people to, and ideally block off, the hazard.
How to prevent trips
- Check floor surfaces and floor coverings regularly to make sure that they are in good condition.
- If you identify any damage to floors or coverings, arrange for repairs or replacements to be completed promptly.
- Conduct regular checks for obstructions and other trip hazards.
- Place clear signage in key areas of the workplace to remind employees of rules specific to particular areas.
- Provide employee training, where required, on keeping the workplace safe to minimise the risk of trips and falls.
Clutter is often an indicator of inadequate storage provision, as items without a designated storage point tend to be left lying around. If storage is not the issue, it may be that items that are no longer needed are not being disposed of promptly, such as used packaging materials. Put procedures in place to make sure that equipment and other items are put away when not in use and waste is cleared away.
The urgency of clearing obstructions and cleaning up spillages cannot be over-emphasised in particularly risky areas where there are additional hazards. A slip or trip in an office corridor is generally more likely to result in a single injury, whereas a slip or trip in a kitchen, for example, could result in the person suffering additional injuries from items such as sharp knives or boiling liquids.
For further information on managing the risks of slips, trips, same-level falls and other accidents in the workplace, contact our safety experts at Seton.