Slips, trips and falls

Many injuries in the workplace are caused by slips, trips and falls. These injuries are generally due to poort housekeeping practices such as:

  • spills of liquid or solid material
  • wet cleaning methods
  • wind-driven rain through doorways
  • a sudden change in floor surface, for example joins between carpet and polished timber
  • ridges in floors or carpets
  • uneven surfaces
  • worn floor coverings or broken tiles
  • potholes and cracks in floors
  • changes in floor level
  • dusty and sandy surfaces
  • the incline of a ramp
  • loose or bumpy flooring
  • incorrect use of steps and ladders
  • thresholds and doorstops
  • change from wet to dry surface
  • floor sockets and phone jacks
  • cables from power extension units
  • loads that obstruct vision
  • objects such as boxes, cartons, bins and furniture stored in passageways or other inappropriate areas
  • unsatisfactory light levels
  • use of unsuitable footwear

Slips, trips and falls often result in minor injuries. However, they can potentially cause serious injuries, mostly to the ankle, knee or back, leaving workers with long-term problems, which can significantly affect their quality of life.

Slippery floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

Identifying hazards

A person conducting a business or undertaking must identify slip, trip and fall hazards that have the potential to cause injury. The person conducting a business or undertaking should consider all possible sources of information that could establish how workers may be exposed to slip, trip or fall hazards including:

  • completing a workplace inspection
  • reviewing injury records
  • consulting workers

Reducing the risk

The risk of injury can be reduced through implementing controls such as:

  • installing slip resistant floors
  • using slip resistant mats
  • installing acid etching, adhesive strips and slip resistant paint
  • installing ramps and rails when appropriate where floors are different heights
  • installing drainage where appropriate to prevent pooling of water and grease
  • introducing a spill procedure that requires immediate mopping up of all spills followed by a 'dry mop' to ensure the surface is not left wet
  • posting warning signs around spills or when the floor is slippery due to walked in rain or when floors are freshly mopped
  • using polishes and cleaning agents that produce the maximum natural traction of the floor surface
  • using rubber mats in areas where the floors are constantly wet
  • wearing appropriate non-slip footwear for the work tasks and the floor surfaces
  • ensuring cords are not placed across walkways
  • avoiding walking on slippery floors
  • minimising the need to carry full pots or pans
  • installing and using storage areas appropriately to keep walkways free of clutter
  • providing umbrella and coat stands to prevent water dripping across floors
  • using stools and ladders that have slip-resistant feet
  • setting ladders on flat, firm surfaces
  • installing effective lighting.
  • keeping hallways and corridors clear of equipment, rubbish and electrical cords
  • maintaining floors in a safe condition by repairing or replacing loose flooring
  • ensuring steps have non-slip surfaces and edge strips where appropriate and that treads are of adequate depth
  • minimising the use of dividing strips between floor surfaces as they can cause trips and make pushing wheeled equipment difficult
  • ensuring parking and outdoor areas are kept in good repair
  • storing items at a suitable height
  • using a stepladder when required
  • having appropriate procedures in place to clean floors and mop spills up immediately
  • providing non-slip mats in problem areas such as the entrance to a shower room

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