Each year over a third of all major injuries reported are the result of slips and trips and are the single most common injury in the workplace. The cost to business is over £512 million a year, and Insurance covers only a small proportion of the costs.
In both manufacturing and the service sector injuries from slips and trips are the most common cause of non-fatal major injury. The food industry in particular has the highest incidence (about twice the average rate for manufacturing industry).
However, effective solutions are often simple, cheap and should be part of a system to manage hazards in the workplace.
Managing the problem of slips and trips
The HSE recommend a “five step" approach to assessing the risk of slips and trips occurring.
- Identify slip and trip hazards in the workplace
- Decide who might be harmed and how
- Consider the risks, and what precautions are in place
- Record your findings
- Review your assessments regularly
A checklist [PDF] (49k) is available to help you with this process.
Hazards and Control Measures
Below are some key factors in the occurrence of slips and trips in the workplace and some suggested preventative steps:
Floors and floor coverings.
- Floors should be in good condition, free from holes, cracks and loose coverings.
- Where there are slopes or changes in floor level use handrails, floor markings and obvious tread nosings on steps.
- Spillages should be cleaned up immediately.
- Slippery surfaces can be treated chemically, mechanically or by a change of cleaning method. Seek specialist advice when choosing a floor for difficult conditions.
Lighting
Lighting should enable people to see clearly where they are walking or working so they can avoid potential slip or trip hazards. Make sure lights are regularly cleaned, repaired or replaced to maintain good levels of illumination.
Obstructions.
Objects left lying around unnecessarily should be tidied away. If obstructions can’t be removed use warning signs and barriers. Trailing cables need to be securely fixed to surfaces with cable covers.
Footwear.
Ordinary footwear may be safe enough on clean, dry floors. But if floors can’t be kept free of water or dust then footwear with special slip resistant soles may be required.
Good Working Practice
Staff awareness and training are important factors in reducing the risk of slips and trips in the workplace. Poor organisation, housekeeping and work-practices can increase the risk. Ensure effective training of staff and involve them in keeping the workplace safe.
Safe Step
Environmental Health Officers use a Slip Assessment Tool to measure the roughness of floor surfaces and calculate the risk of slipping given the floor type, its usage and how it is cleaned. The majority of floors can have their slip risk lowered simply by a change in cleaning regime. For further information contact us at
Environmental Health and Licensing Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk
Further guidance is available in HSE publication 'Preventing slips and trips at work' [PDF] (67k), INDG225(rev1), and specifically for the food industry HS(G)156. Please refer to Useful Contacts list for details of HSE Books.