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Environmental Health and Safety

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating Risks

By Gian Joseph, Safety Advisor

As we enter the rainy and cold season, we face several risks , which include slips , trips, and fall s in our day-to-day activities. It is important t o be aware of hazards around us and learn how to properly identify and assess any risks with each step.  

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common accidents that can lead to severe injuries. These incidents occur in various settings, from homes and workplaces to public spaces , and i t is essential to understand the causes, consequences, and , most importantly, strategies for prevention and mitigation.   

1. Understanding the Dynamics of STFs. STFs are caused by the following .  

Insu fficient friction between the shoe and the walking surface. Common causes include wet or greasy floors, spills, and loose debris (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

When a person's foot collides with an object or an uneven surface, it caus es them to lose balance. Typical trip hazards include cluttered walkways, electrical cords, uneven flooring, and damaged or upturned mats (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

2. The Impact of STFs  

Slips, trips, and falls have far-reaching effects, affecting individuals and society . Personal i njuries range from minor cuts , bruises, sprains , and abrasions to fractures, dislocations, and head injuries (National Safety Council, 2021). The medical expenses associated with treating STF-related injuries can be substantial , including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care (National Safety Council, 2021). STFs can result in missed workdays and reduced productivity for both individuals and employers. Workers' compensation claims and absenteeism contribute to economic costs (National Safety Council, 2021). Lastly, t he physical and psychological consequences of STFs can limit mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, especially among older adults ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies  

Preventing and mitigating STFs involves a combination of awareness, environmental modifications, and education . H ere are some ways you can take precaution s against STFs in your daily activities;  

Clear Pathways: Maintain clear, unobstructed walkways by removing clutter and tripping hazards such as cords, toys, and loose rugs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2002).  

Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in all areas, both indoors and outdoors, to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles (OSHA, 2002).  

Slip-Resistant Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring materials, especially in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens (OSHA, 2002).  

Footwear: Encourage the use of proper footwear with good traction, especially in environments where slip hazards are prevalent ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Handrails and Guardrails: Install and maintain handrails and guardrails on stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms to provide support and prevent falls (OSHA, 2002).  

Warning Signs: Use signage to alert individuals to potential hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces (OSHA, 2002).  

Education and Training: Promote awareness and provide training to individuals on recognizing and avoiding STF hazards (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2015).  

Workplace Safety: Employers should implement safety protocols and conduct risk assessments in the workplace, addressing potential STF risks (NIOSH, 2015).  

Regular Maintenance: Routinely inspect and maintain buildings, walkways, and outdoor areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

4. A Holistic Approach to STF Prevention  

Preventing and mitigating STFs require a collaborative approach involving individuals, organizations, and communities:  

Individuals : Exercise caution when walking, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments. Wear appropriate footwear and take your time, especially in wet or slippery conditions ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Employers: Create a safe work environment by identifying and mitigating STF risks. Provide training to employees on safety protocols and the proper use of equipment (OSHA, 2002).  

Property Owners and Managers: Ensure properties are well-maintained and free from hazards. Regularly inspect and address issues promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

Government and Local Authorities: Enforce building codes and regulations that promote safety, especially in public spaces and commercial buildings (OSHA, 2002).  

Conclusion  

Slips, trips, and falls are preventable accidents that carry substantial personal, economic, and societal costs. By comprehending the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the incidence of STFs and mitigate their impact. Whether at home, at work, or in public spaces, prioritizing safety and fostering awareness about STFs is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Let us strive collectively to create environments where everyone can move safely and confidently, free from the fear of falling.  

References:  

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2015). Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-100/pdfs/2015-100.pdf  

National Safety Council. (2021). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/work-safety-introduction/work-...  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2002). OSHA Publication 3151-12R. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf  

Sahyoun , N. R., Pratt, L. A., & Lentzner , H. (2020). The Changing Profile of Nursing Home Residents: 1985-1997. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(3), 336-363.  

Slip and Fall Accidents. (2021). InjuryClaimCoach.com. https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/slip-and-fall-accidents.html  

Please note that the sources cited are accurate as of the time of writing this article. For the most current information, consult authoritative sources and local health authorities.  

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10 Simple Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

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Slips, trips, and falls are the leading causes of time lost in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited fall protection standard violations more frequently than any other standard.

These types of hazards are serious issues for workers and employers, but their risk can be minimized with 10 simple ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls. With the risk of injury ranging from a simple sprained ankle to serious injury or death, fall protection and prevention should be everyone’s top priority.

These 10 ways to prevent injury should be considered best practices in every industry.

Like any other safety hazard, slips, trips, and falls can be highlighted during safety training. Make sure that everyone can recognize and avoid slip, trip, and fall hazards and that they use PPE correctly when necessary.

With these types of hazards being common to every type of work environment, it is important to notify supervisors or maintenance crews of slip, trip, and fall hazards when they are present. With so many ways to avoid or lessen the severity of slip, trip, and fall hazards, hopefully businesses will take steps to abate this hazards and less time will be lost by workers.

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A "caution wet floor sign" in an entryway to prevent slips trips and falls with people walking past.

Prevent Workplace Slips, Trips, and Falls—8 Safety Tips

Mopping up a spill or double-checking a guardrail might seem like simple common sense, but slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of death at work. These are life-saving procedures. Keep reading for practical tips to prevent workplace accidents.

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  • Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards Listed
  • Clarifying OSHA Standards
  • Prevent Workplace Slips, Trips, and Falls

These are familiar scenarios at home: slipping on a wet floor in the kitchen and tripping over a toy left out by the kids. While annoying, these accidents are typically minor hazards in the home. You might stub your toe, but rarely are there severe consequences.

In the workplace, it’s a different and far more serious story. Slips, trips, and falls account for over 200,000 workplace injuries per year. In 2020, nearly one in five accidents leading to missed work was due to a slip, trip, or fall. They’re also the second-leading cause of workplace fatalities.

As a safety leader, you’re responsible for your company’s duty of care and for providing a safe workplace . This blog post will examine common hazards leading to slips, trips, and falls and the steps you can take to minimize injury risks for your team.

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What are slip, trip, and fall hazards in the workplace.

Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls are often grouped together. While they’re similar, it’s important to understand the distinction since they each have different causes and consequences.

Slips occur when someone’s footwear loses traction with the surface they’re on, causing a loss of balance. Under some circumstances, slipping can lead to a fall.

Trips happen when someone hits their foot or lower leg on an object. As their upper body continues moving forward while their lower body remains stationary, the person may lose their balance in the process.

Falls often result from slips or trips, but they can also happen on their own. For example, a worker on a ladder or scaffolding can lose their balance and fall without slipping or tripping. Falls are also possible on flat surfaces and can still cause serious injuries.

Once you understand the hazards that lead to each type of accident, you can identify and mitigate risks in your workplace. Here are some of the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace:

Slip Hazards

  • Spills of wet or dry substances
  • The cleaning process during spill removal
  • Employees rushing or not paying attention to workplace conditions, especially while carrying objects
  • Slippery floor surfaces such as marble or laminate
  • Wet surfaces
  • Poor lighting that obscures hazards
  • Inappropriate footwear for the environment
  • Transitioning between different types of surfaces

Trip Hazards

  • Objects or obstructions in walkways
  • Uneven surfaces on flooring or concrete
  • Cables, cords, and hoses that aren’t properly secured or organized
  • Unmarked steps or ramps
  • Irregular stairs or stairs without railings
  • Carpet, rugs, or mats with wrinkles or lifted edges

Fall Hazards

  • Improperly used or poorly maintained ladders
  • Elevated surfaces without guardrails
  • Floor and wall openings
  • Working in elevated environments without a safety harness
  • Ill-fitting or improperly used PPE, such as helmets and safety lines

slip trip fall safety

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Are There OSHA Standards Related to Slips, Trips, and Falls?

Despite how common these injuries are, there is no specific OSHA standard on slips, trips, and falls. However, several OSHA rules indirectly address the same hazards.

The most important regulation to be aware of is 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, which covers walking and working surfaces. OSHA updated the standard in 2017, introducing many upgrades to fall protection system requirements, improved employer-provided inspection guidelines, and a greater emphasis on safety training for employees.

For the construction industry, 29 CFR 1916 contains numerous fall-related regulations. Subpart M specifically addresses fall prevention, but other sections, such as Subpart L (scaffolds) and Subpart E (personal protective and lifesaving equipment), are also relevant. OSHA used 29 CFR 1916 as guidance when revising 29 CFR 1910, so the two guidelines now reflect many of the same OSHA violations .

As with any other workplace hazard or accident, OSHA recordkeeping requirements still apply in the event of a slip, trip, or fall incident. Internally, the reporting process is also an opportunity to review the details of the incident and determine how you can update your workplace safety policy to prevent similar accidents in the future.

How to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

Many hazards that cause slips, trips, and falls are inevitable. However, injuries and accidents are not. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, train your employees to follow a three-step process:

  • Recognize the hazard: Identify conditions that could lead to a slip, trip, or fall.
  • Evaluate the hazard: Examine the situation and determine what level of risk it presents and who it affects.
  • Control the hazard: Avoid the risk by removing the hazard (such as mopping up a spill) or implementing safety equipment and procedures (such as installing handrails on an elevated platform).

Here are eight workplace safety tips to prevent falls, trips, and slips.

1. Teach situational awareness

Since many causes of slips, trips, and falls are foreseeable, situational awareness in the workplace is one of the best preventative measures. Encourage your employees to pay attention to their surroundings and the risks they present:

  • Look at walking surfaces for spills, obstacles, or other potential hazards
  • Watch for signage that warns of increased hazards
  • Be aware of conditions such as weather or time of day that might increase the risk of an accident
  • Take shorter and more cautious steps on slippery surfaces

2. Encourage proper footwear

Like any other form of PPE, proper footwear can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Research has found that slip-resistant shoes can reduce injury claims by 67% in environments with slippery work surfaces.

Employees should regularly inspect their shoes and make sure the soles aren’t worn out, as the lack of tread increases the danger of slipping. Additionally, anyone who works in conditions exposed to winter weather hazards should wear insulated boots. Cold temperatures can decrease muscle function, increasing the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling.

3. Utilize signage

Signage is an effective warning system for many workplace risks, but it can be especially effective in preventing slips, trips, and falls. There are two types of signs you can use to increase occupational safety:

  • Temporary: Use warning signs while addressing a new hazard, such as cleaning up a spill, repairing a handrail, or replacing a ripped carpet. While temporary signage can help prevent injuries, you still need to address the actual hazard as quickly as possible.
  • Permanent: For unavoidable hazards, such as slippery surfaces, a permanent sign can help warn employees to be careful. Use these sparingly, though, as it’s easy for people to ignore signs they see every day.

4. Keep floors clear and clean

Good housekeeping can help prevent most slips, trips, and falls. The details of keeping walking areas clean will vary widely by work environment, but there are a few common themes to encourage workplace safety:

  • Report spills immediately, and warn nearby employees until someone can clean the contaminated surface
  • Keep walkways clear of obstacles, loose objects, and anything that someone could trip over
  • Place mats at entrances and exits so people can dry their shoes and avoid tracking water or other substances around the workplace
  • Install handrails on stairways and elevated walkways

5. Apply non-slip mats and coatings

In some situations, keeping floors from becoming slippery is nearly impossible. Whether it’s liquid splashing or steam condensing, you must focus on mitigating the risk rather than avoiding it altogether.

For smaller or less demanding settings, non-slip mats can help employees maintain traction while walking around. In other cases, treating the floor with a permanent coating can help reduce slipping risks, even in the constant presence of liquids.

Who is at risk for slips, trips, and falls?

While all industries have some level of risk for a slip, trip, or fall, there are some industries where the risk is much higher, and the potential result could be much more dangerous. Here are some of the highest-risk industries:

  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation/shipping/logistics
  • Outdoor maintenance/groundskeeping
  • Foodservice/hospitality

6. Ensure proper lighting

To identify slip, trip, and fall hazards, your employees need to be able to see their surroundings. Make sure that all of your work areas have proper lighting, especially in areas that are more prone to unsafe conditions.

While this can be a challenge in outdoor work environments, especially at night, it’s even more critical in those situations. Environmental conditions can lead to increased risks, and employees need to be able to see and avoid them. Adequate lighting should also extend to parking lots and walking areas around your facilities.

7. Develop safety programs

Your company’s safety plans and programs should include specific guidelines for preventing slips, trips, and falls. There are a few key topics to consider when developing these policies:

  • The types of surfaces employees work and walk on and whether they present extra risks
  • Seasonal or regional conditions that could heighten hazards, such as winter weather threats
  • Specific OSHA regulations that apply to your workplace
  • Potentially hazardous equipment training such as ladder safety
  • Regular inspection plans to ensure your team is maintaining a safe work environment
  • Policies to report hazards using your company’s two-way communication platform
  • First aid training , so employees are prepared to respond safely should injuries occur

8. Provide Slips, Trips, and Falls Training

Lastly, training your employees to avoid slips, trips, and falls will help keep them safe. Provide specific guidance on the environments they’ll work in and the hazards they’ll face. For example, a slips, trips, and falls safety talk for food service workers should focus on wet floors and walking safely in crowded, fast-paced environments. Conversely, office workers could use extra reminders to watch for stray power cords and keep walkways clear of boxes, files, and other tripping hazards.

Working slips, trips, and falls into your safety topics for meetings is also helpful. Regular safety talks or safety moments are an excellent opportunity to remind your team about seasonal risks or update them on newly installed safety measures.

Don’t Let Your Safety Standards Slip

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common workplace injuries. Fortunately, you can usually prevent them with proper planning and safety measures.

By making slip, trip, and fall prevention a part of your company’s safety culture, you can ensure your employees are aware of their surroundings and ready to look out for each other’s safety. Enable them to report hazards easily, address risks quickly, and train them to avoid situations that are likely to cause injury.

With the right planning and prevention, even the most intense work environments can be as safe as a walk in the park.

More Articles You May Be Interested In

Winter Slips, Trips, and Falls: Prevention and Training to Protect Your Employees

Workplace Safety Checklist

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Slips, Trips, and Falls toolbox talk

A simple, 5 minute outline of what to cover in a toolbox talk on Slips, Trips, and Falls.

Download a Slips, Trips, and Falls toolbox talk pdf

Slips, trips and falls are a common reason for many of the injuries in workplaces. They can cause minor injuries but can also lead to serious, long-term injuries. Many slip, trips and falls are avoidable and there are usually easy solutions a workplace can apply to control the risk, either by eliminating or minimising it. It could be as simple as cleaning up a spillage straight away, or moving a cord off a walkway which can prevent injuries from occurring.

Why run a Slips, Trips, and Falls Toolbox Talk?

  • Prevent unnecessary injury from slip, trips and falls by improving awareness and training
  • Fewer injuries means higher productivity
  • Makes sure workers know what to look for and what to do about it to reduce the risk of an injury occurring

What to watch out for that are common causes of slip, trips and falls? 

  • Poor housekeeping & messy sites 
  • Poor lighting 
  • Uneven walking surfaces 
  • Clutter on site 
  • Uncovered cords and cables 
  • Weather conditions (e.g. rain, ice, dust) 
  • Obstructed views 
  • Unsuitable footwear 
  • Distractions (e.g. cell phone, other workers) 

What can you do to help prevent slips, trips and falls occurring? 

  • Keeping work areas clear & tidy from clutter, obstructions and rubbish 
  • Any waste placed in designated bins 
  • Clean up any leaks or spills immediately 
  • Put tools and equipment away
  • Wear suitable footwear (e.g. grippy, anti-slip) 
  • Ensure work areas are well lit and sufficient light for work
  • Keep cords and cables out of walkways, covered or secured 
  • Be aware of your surroundings and focus on what you are doing 
  • Work to the weather conditions 

What if a slip, trip or fall occurs or nearly occurs? 

  • Report all slip, trip and fall accidents and near misses, with or without injury, this will help identify the hazards and implement control measures to prevent reoccurrence

Key takeaways 

  • Simply cleaning up your work area as you go, can help reduce slip, trips and falls 
  • Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and look where you are walking  

If you see a hazard that has the potential to cause a slip, trip or fall then pick it up or fix it – don’t wait for someone else to do it. Do it yourself!

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Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

On this page, how do falls happen, how to prevent falls due to slips and trips, what can you do to avoid falling at work.

Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on "falls on the same level" (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in other documents since each type of fall must be assessed as part of a fall prevention program .

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

  • wet or oily surfaces
  • occasional spills
  • weather hazards
  • loose, unanchored rugs or mats
  • flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

  • obstructed view
  • poor lighting
  • clutter in your way
  • wrinkled carpeting
  • uncovered cables
  • bottom drawers not being closed
  • uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Both slips and trips result from unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This fact shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall incidents.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:

  • cleaning all spills immediately
  • marking spills and wet areas
  • mopping or sweeping debris from floors
  • removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter
  • securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
  • always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
  • covering cables that cross walkways
  • keeping working areas and walkways well lit
  • replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.

For more information about effective housekeeping, visit the OSH Answers document on Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide .

Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.

In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers is highly recommended.

Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. For more information on footwear visit the OSH Answers document on Safety Footwear .

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:

  • taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
  • adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
  • walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
  • making wide turns at corners

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:

  • keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions
  • keeping flooring in good condition
  • always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
  • using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
  • making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
  • Fact sheet last revised: 2023-03-28

NIOSH logo and tagline

Young Workers: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injuries.

Young workers can slip when they lose their footing, trip when catching their foot on or in something, and fall when coming down a ladder. Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:

  • Greasy floors
  • Snow and rain
  • Loose mats or rugs
  • Stepladders

Did you know?

Falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries.

Poor lighting and clutter can also cause injuries such as sprains, bruises, fractures, scratches, and cuts.

Tips to Stay Safe

Employers can remind young workers to:

  • Clean up spills and anything slippery. Check with supervisors about how to use cleaning products. Don’t use cleaners that could make the floor slippery.
  • Clear walkways, stairs, and lobbies of anything that might be a tripping hazard, such as cords, wires, empty boxes, and clutter.
  • Make sure that floor mats lay flat rather than wrinkled or bunched.
  • Use handrails when walking up and down steps.
  • Before using any ladder or stepladder, make sure it opens fully.
  • Check that ladder extensions are fully locked and that the ladder legs are stable on a flat, non-slippery surface.
  • Clean off any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet of a ladder before use.
  • Don’t go over the load limit noted on the ladder.

Slip-Resistant Shoes: Learn how 5-star rated slip-resistant shoes can reduce food services worker slip injuries.

  • Infographic (also available in Spanish )

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers

  • Portable Ladder Safety Quick Card
  • Ladder Safety App
  • Safe Work for Young Workers
  • Young Workers – Employer Responsibilities for Keeping Young Workers Safe

Talking Safety Curriculum

Research from NIOSH illustrates that more needs to be done to ensure that as young people join the workforce they are better protected from hazards. The “ Talking Safety Curriculum ”, intended for use in classrooms and other group settings, can be used for this purpose.

Related Topics

  • Traumatic Occupational Injuries
  • Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative
  • Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program
  • Safety Matters

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Slips, Trips, and Falls

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Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Talk

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. According to OSHA, slip, trip, and fall incidents cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicle incidents as a cause of fatalities on the job. These types of incidents can result in life-changing injuries to the employees who suffer them.

Common Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents

  • Falls from elevation are often deadly or result in serious injury and may include falls from ladders, falls off of mobile equipment, falls from roofs or other elevated structures, etc.
  • Slip incidents on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice are common in colder geographical areas in the U.S. Wet floor conditions or spilled liquids are also common causes of slip incidents at work.
  • Trips can be caused by a multitude of reasons, including poor housekeeping , changes in elevation, poor lighting conditions, improper footwear, etc.

Mitigation Actions to Prevent Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents

  • Always use fall prevention or protection for work over 4ft in general industry work and 6ft in the construction industry. Protect workers by using proper guarding of any holes or open windows and use guardrails to prevent falls. Where guardrails are not feasible, use adequate fall protection.  An example of adequate fall protection is a full-body harness and a self-retracting lanyard attached to an approved anchor point with 100% tie-off.
  • Proper housekeeping is very important in preventing slip, trip, and falls incidents. Objects on the ground create a hazard for anyone walking or working in the area. Maintain clearly defined paths for walking in the work area. Maintain organized laydown yards for tools and equipment out of the way of employee foot traffic.
  • Address any wet, slippery, or icy walking surfaces in your work area. Post signs of any hazardous surfaces until the situation is taken care of completely.
  • When climbing up or down a portable or fixed ladder, ensure that you use proper techniques, such as using three points of contact and keeping your belt buckle within the sides of the ladder. Do not lean to reach objects- this can throw off your balance, and you could fall.

Discussion points:

-Are there trip hazards due to improperly placed objects in your work area?

-Has anyone or a close family member of yours experienced a severe fall? How has it affected you/ them?

-What are other ways we can protect ourselves from slips, trips, and falls here at our site?

Slip, Trip, and Fall Safety Presentation

Looking for a complete safety meeting on slips, trips, and falls? This safety meeting focuses on injury statistics, common slips/trips/fall hazards, and best practices to reduce the risk of injuries.

This product bundle includes an editable 10-slide PowerPoint presentation, an editable 7-question quiz, an answer sheet, three related safety talks , and a sign-in sheet.

This product provides everything you need to have a safety meeting and the supporting materials to create a longer safety campaign to keep safety at the top of your employees’ minds.

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IMAGES

  1. 4 tips to avoid slips, trips & falls

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  2. Slips, trips & falls

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  3. Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

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  4. Preventing slips, trips and falls

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  5. Slips, Trips and Falls: Safety Tips You Need to Know

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  6. Slips Trips And Falls Safety Posters 590mm x 420mm

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VIDEO

  1. Slips, trips and falls

  2. NFSI Quick Statistics

  3. Slip, Trip & Fall

  4. #Housekeeping #Safety #learning #Slip #trip #fall #basics #risk to know more write on [email protected]

  5. Slips, Trips And Falls Safety Video in Hindi

  6. Home Safety Video

COMMENTS

  1. How to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

    Fortunately, most slip, trip, and fall incidents are avoidable. By using the right safety tools and by training employees, companies can prevent these incidents from happening in their workplaces. Safety officers should take note of the following aspects to keep their workplaces and fellow employees safe from slips, trips, and falls.

  2. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing Workplace Trip Hazards

    Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention. Some slip, trip, and fall prevention measures are permanent, including: Adequate lighting. Handrails. Slip-resistant surfaces in high-risk areas. Effective drainage, ventilation, and other methods to keep surfaces dry. Marking the edges of steps or elevation changes.

  3. Slips, Trips and Falls

    Slips, Trips and Falls. It may come as a surprise that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,686 people died in falls at home and at work, according to Injury Facts ®. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.

  4. PDF Slips Trips Falls Hand out for Safety Committee Meetings

    Slips, trips, and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities per year and many more injurious accident in the workplace according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are three physical factors involved in slips, trips, and falls: friction, momentum, and gravity. Each one plays a role. Friction is the resistance between objects, momentum is affected ...

  5. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating

    Slips, trips, and falls are preventable accidents that carry substantial personal, economic, and societal costs. By comprehending the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the incidence of STFs and mitigate their impact. Whether at home, at work, or in public spaces, prioritizing safety and fostering awareness about STFs is crucial for the well-being of ...

  6. 6 Tips to Help Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

    A stumble down a stairway. A trip over an uneven surface. Slipping on the ice. It can lead to a variety of regrettable events ranging from a simple bruised shin to an extremely serious injury. It's just one of a number of conditions and situations that set the stage for slips, trips and falls in the workplace. According to the U.S. Department ...

  7. PDF SLIP, TRIP AND FALL PREVENTION

    SLIP, TRIP AND FALL PREVENTION Slips, trips and falls can result in injuries with lasting effects and even death. It is important to understand how slips, trips and falls happen, how to identify hazards and how to eliminate or minimize the hazards. Slips happen because of a lack of friction or traction between a person's footwear and the walking

  8. Slips, Trips, and Falls Training: The Basics

    Importance. Slips, trips, and falls are common workplace accidents that can lead to injuries and financial losses for businesses. Most commonly, this training aims to protect lives and comply with safety regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ().Proper safety training helps organizations identify and prevent hazards, which protects both of its employees and helps ...

  9. PDF Slips, Trips & Falls

    National Safety Council. Due to underreporting, the number could be even higher. Distractions and hazards Slips, trips and falls are the No. 2 cause of nonfatal disabling injury in the workplace following overexertion. Fortunately, by being aware of our surroundings, slips, trips and falls are easily preventable. It starts with awareness.

  10. PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS CHECKLIST

    Employees are 2.5 times more likely to suffer a disabling fall in an office setting than anywhere else, according to the National Safety Council. The Council offers the following tips on avoiding fall hazards in the office: Walk - don't run Wear footwear that reduces the risk of slips, trips and falls

  11. 10 Steps to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

    5. Block off temporary trip hazards. Use barricade tape, cones, and other floor safety products to restrict access to areas that present temporary slip, trip and fall hazards. 6. Mark out clear passageways. Use floor marking tape to show where walkways are and that these areas should be kept clear.

  12. Prevent Workplace Slips, Trips, and Falls—8 Safety Tips

    Here are eight workplace safety tips to prevent falls, trips, and slips. 1. Teach situational awareness. Since many causes of slips, trips, and falls are foreseeable, situational awareness in the workplace is one of the best preventative measures. Encourage your employees to pay attention to their surroundings and the risks they present:

  13. PDF Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

    Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention | 5 Table 1. Slip, trip and fall (STF) workers' compen-sation claims by body part injured, 1996-2005. Body part n % of total STF claims Lower extremities 185 44.9 Upper extremities 69 16.7 Multiple body parts 67 16.7 Back/trunk 73 16.2 Head/neck 18 4.3 Unknown 60 12.7 Total 472 100.0 Source: Bell et al. 2008 ...

  14. PDF Slip, trip, and fall hazards

    10-minute safety talk. Slip, trip, and fall. hazards. Key takeaways: • Many workers are hurt due to slips, trip, and falls. • Housekeeping is key to preventing slips, trips, falls. • Keep walkways and paths in good condition and free of items and debris. • Move with a clear view of surroundings, have good footwear tread, and avoid ...

  15. Slips, Trips, and Falls toolbox talk

    Download a Slips, Trips, and Falls toolbox talk pdf. Slips, trips and falls are a common reason for many of the injuries in workplaces. They can cause minor injuries but can also lead to serious, long-term injuries. Many slip, trips and falls are avoidable and there are usually easy solutions a workplace can apply to control the risk, either by ...

  16. PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

    Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of workplace injuries in the United States. In this video we look at the causes and prevention and h...

  17. PDF Slips Trips, and Falls

    The Costly Effects of Slips, Trips and Falls It's amazing what one small drip or one misplaced tool can lead to. When it comes to safety and compliance, a slip, trip or fall can lead to serious injuries, a variety of citations and costs, and an overall impact on the running of your facility. Let's explore the impact an incident can have

  18. PDF Slip, Trip & Fall Prevention Handbook

    Prevention of slips, trips and falls starts with good design of the workplace. When fitting out new premises/extensions or refur bishing the workplace, incorporate features to prevent slips and trips. When commissioning or purchasing new equipment, as well as ensuring that it is safe, ensure it provides adequate containment of any possible by -

  19. CCOHS: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

    Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes: cleaning all spills immediately. marking spills and wet areas. mopping or sweeping debris from floors. removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter.

  20. Fall Prevention: Safety Tips For Workplaces

    SafetyCulture can help you create a safe workplace by identifying fall hazards and providing recommendations on how to mitigate them. SafetyCulture is a safety app that can be used to conduct regular safety inspections of your workplace. With SafetyCulture, you can spot fall hazards, track corrections, and ensure that your workplace is safe for ...

  21. Young Workers: Slips, Trips, and Falls

    Last Reviewed: October 16, 2023. Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Young workers can slip when they lose their footing, trip when catching their foot on or in something, and fall when coming down a ladder. Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include: spills, greasy floors, ice, snow and rain, loose mats or rugs ...

  22. PDF Postal Bulletin 22579, August 26. Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

    To bring awareness to this issue, USPS® is sponsoring National Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Week, a public ser-vice campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the impact that slip, trip, and fall incidents have on employees, customers, and the organization. USPS National Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Week runs October 16-22, 2021 ...

  23. Slips, Trips, and Falls

    Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Talk. Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. According to OSHA, slip, trip, and fall incidents cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicle incidents as a cause of fatalities on the job. These types of incidents can result in ...