Slips, Trips and Falls

The Health and Safety Executive has identified slips, trips and falls as one of the major, avoidable, causes of accidents at work. There are a number of causes that a responsible employer should examine and provide solutions for:

•  Wet or slippery floors caused by spillages and cleaning;
• Trailing cables and wires;
• Obstructions left in gangways, or even on escape routes;
• Rugs and mats;
• Changes of level, including stairs, steps and slopes;
• Uneven floor surfaces;
• Poor lighting;
• Unsuitable footwear.

Good working practices and maintenance should be sufficient to remove most of these hazards, but employers should carry out risk assessments on their activities and review them regularly to avoid problems in the first place.