slip trip and fall toolbox talk

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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How to Deliver a Toolbox Talk on Slips Trips and Falls

In the world of workplace safety, slips, trips, and falls represent a significant risk that can lead to injuries and disruptions. Delivering a toolbox talk on slips, trips, and falls is a proactive approach to create awareness within your workforce and prevent accidents . This guide provides a step-by-step approach on how to effectively deliver a toolbox talk on slips, trips, and falls, ensuring that employees are well-informed and engaged in maintaining a safe working environment.

Understanding the Significance of a Toolbox Talk on Slips, Trips, and Falls

The prevalence of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

Before diving into the delivery process, it’s essential to recognise the occurrence and impact of slips, trips, and falls. This section discusses the statistics related to these incidents, emphasising that they are common but largely preventable with proper awareness and precautions.

Legal Obligations and Compliance in Addressing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Delve into the legal framework that places responsibility on employers to address slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Discuss how delivering a toolbox talk on this topic is part of best practice.

The Relationship Between Employee Awareness and Accident Prevention

Highlight the direct connection between employee awareness and accident prevention. Discuss how a well-informed workforce is better equipped to identify potential hazards , follow safety protocols, and actively contribute to maintaining a hazard-free environment.

Crafting Key Messages for a Toolbox Talk on Slips, Trips, and Falls

Understanding common causes of slips, trips, and falls.

Initiate the Toolbox Talk by discussing the common causes of slips, trips, and falls. Address factors such as wet surfaces, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, and inadequate lighting. Encourage employees to actively identify and report potential hazards.

Emphasising the Importance of Housekeeping Practices

Discuss the critical role of good housekeeping in preventing slips, trips, and falls. Highlight the importance of keeping walkways clear, promptly cleaning up spills, and properly storing tools and materials. Reinforce that maintaining a clean and organised workspace is everyone’s responsibility.

Promoting Personal Awareness and Safe Behaviour

Emphasise the importance of personal awareness and safe behaviour in preventing slips, trips, and falls. Discuss the significance of walking cautiously, using handrails on stairs, and avoiding distractions while walking. Encourage employees to report any unsafe conditions promptly.

Engaging Employees and Implementing Preventive Measures

Interactive discussions and scenario-based training.

Engage employees through interactive discussions and scenario-based training. Use real-life examples to illustrate potential hazards and the correct preventive measures. Encourage employees to share their experiences and insights, fostering a collaborative approach to safety.

Providing Adequate Signage and Warning Systems

Discuss the importance of using adequate signage and warning systems to alert employees to potential hazards. Emphasise the need for clear signage in areas prone to spills, changes in flooring, or other potential trip hazards. Reinforce that employees should pay attention to and respect warning signs.

Establishing a Reporting System for Hazards

Conclude the Toolbox Talk by establishing a reporting system for hazards related to slips, trips, and falls. Encourage employees to report any unsafe conditions immediately and outline the procedure for doing so. Reinforce that reporting hazards is a proactive step towards maintaining a safe working environment.

Delivering a toolbox talk on slips, trips, and falls is a proactive measure that empowers employees to be vigilant and proactive in preventing accidents. By addressing common causes, promoting good housekeeping practices, and fostering a culture of personal awareness, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Remember, a safe workplace is a collaborative effort where each member of the workforce plays a crucial role in maintaining a hazard-free environment.

If you are interested in slips, trips and falls within the workplace, then our Housekeeping Toolbox Talk or Slips Trips and Falls Toolbox Talk might be of interest to you. Alternatively, then we also offer a range of toolbox talk packages which include a number of ready to deliver toolbox talks toolbox talks at a cost-effective price.

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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.

Save your time by purchasing this slips, trips, and falls safety bundle!

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Toolbox talks for safety experts

How To Prevent Slips, Trips, And Falls

Nobody ever thinks that they will be the ones to slip, trip, or fall. Everything is going smooth until it’s not. The construction industry accounted for just less than 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.  

Unfortunately, this is not as surprising of a statistic as it should be. You might think that with the inherent risks of the trades, we should expect there to be such incidents. But slip, trip, and fall injuries are preventable.

Nothing will slow your work down more than a workplace injury. So, let’s see how we can contribute to the prevention of slips, trips, and falls.

“Prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.” 

Why Toolbox Talks & Safety Is Important

OSHA and other organizations encourage daily toolbox talks that give statistics and produce general awareness about workplace safety hazards. Sharing statistics and experiences like those mentioned above can be beneficial in increasing awareness so that you can prevent workplace injuries or death.

Reminders can help workers to be more cautious and aware of fixing problems before they happen and prevent accidents in general. An example toolbox talk template can be seen below.

OSHA Regulations & Standards for Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

An understanding of OSHA regulations can help us to be aware of data-driven safety measures that should be put in place to prevent injury and death. Relevant standards include:

• 1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces , 
• 1910.36 – Design and construction requirements for exit routes and  
• 1910.37 – Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes 

However, beyond just giving rules, OSHA recommends implementing programs and procedures to mitigate risks, so we must establish a job site culture that expects everyone to follow those regulations. 

OSHA regulations identify the following challenges related to slips, trips, and falls: 

• Poorly organized job sites can result in workers tripping over tools, materials, and trash. Bad housekeeping and failure to dispose of garbage or clear out debris and residue can also result in a compounding pile-up one day after the next, thus resulting in trip hazards. OSHA officers can perform random walkthroughs of job sites, and if they decide your housekeeping is not in order, they will fine the company.
• Falling from ladders is a real danger because of improper setup. OSHA 3150 mandates that you set up scaffolding and ladders on solid-level surfaces. You also might be in the bad habit of carrying items up and down an extension ladder, step ladders, or scaffolding. OSHA standards highlight that you should maintain 3 points of contact with your hands and feet. That means you can’t carry things up the ladder. It would be best if you instead used a roof derrick for more oversized items or a bucket and rope to hoist equipment and tools to upper levels.  
• Utilizing fall protection is essential in preventing falls , which have the highest potential for extreme injuries and death. The construction industry has been able to choose the fall protection systems it uses on a case-by-case basis since the 1990s. In 2017, OSHA extended this freedom to general industry. In the construction industry, personal protective equipment such as harnesses and lanyards is expected to be worn at heights 6 feet and above. On open exposures that are 4 feet and higher, you should use guardrails and toeboards.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards

To work towards the prevention of slips, trips, and falls, we need to understand what a safety hazard is. 

Examples of safety hazards in the construction industry are the following:

• Uncovered cables on the floor
• Uneven surfaces
• Debris or waste caused by poor housekeeping
• Wet surfaces
• Ladders that haven’t been secured

Slips, Trips, and Falls Toolbox Talk Template

In order to prevent slips, trips, and falls, it is important to be aware of the hazards that can cause these types of accidents. Some common causes of slips, trips and falls on construction sites include:

• Wet or icy surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Loose debris
• Tools on the ground
• Unguarded openings
• Lack of proper fall prevention equipment

To avoid these hazards, take the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant soles
• Use caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces
• Make sure all walkways and stairs are well-lit
• Sweep up any loose debris or tools on the ground
• Use appropriate PPE
• Understand how to use PPE correctly and safely

Who is responsible for preventing slips, trips, and falls?

Everyone at work has a responsibility. The employer is ultimately responsible, but we should all look out for the well-being of ourselves and our colleagues. 

We do this by learning and understanding instructions for PPE and for alerting colleagues to openings; by tidying away tools after use, and cleaning out workspaces. If you spot an issue relating to the weather or to lighting that is faulty, report it so that the company can fix it before it causes an accident. 

How To Prevent Illnesses And Injuries Related To Slips and Falls

• Immediately clean up any spills, and demarcate any hazards —rope-off areas where there could be chemicals or other condensates. An injury could occur from hitting the ground due to a slip. Moreover, severe illness and death could result from slipping in corrosive or biohazardous materials.
• Cover holes and eliminate uneven surfaces that could have foot traffic. You could unknowingly trip and fall to the ground. If the hole is large enough, you could fall in, thus risking more than a minor injury.
• Provide proper lighting to ensure visibility so you don’t trip on what you cannot see.  
• Use fall protection in the form of guardrails and personal protective equipment so that a person cannot fall over an open exposure, even accidentally. Falling from heights 4 feet and above puts you at serious risk of death.
• Establish a routine to inspect fall protection. It’s in place to save your life. You will want to make sure that it will work to protect you from injury or death.

Questions for the Employees

After a discussion, you may want to test everyone’s knowledge and retention of the information to apply what they’ve learned. 

• What percent of workplace fatalities are from the construction industry?
• What are the potential causes of injury, and what could happen on your job site?
• How would you feel if an injury or death occurred on your job site?
• What can you personally do to prevent slip, trip, and fall incidents?
• What is our slips, trips, and falls safety talk slogan?

Email Template To Promote Slips, Trips, And Falls Safety

Sending a concise email can help to promote safety. Use this email template, which includes the highlights, and add more bullets as needed to address particular concerns for your job site.

Hello Team,

Let’s all be aware to prevent falls and slips, or someone will have a hospital trip. 

The construction industry accounted for almost 50 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.  

Understanding our job site hazards and the ways we can mitigate risks is crucial to prevent us from being amongst those statistics. 

• Remember to clean as you go and stay organized. 
• Use handrails and ask for help when carrying big loads so that the extra hand is available to grab railings and you have full awareness of where you are walking. 
• Use fall protection and PPE.

Increase your awareness as you are working. When you see a potential hazard, immediately report it and work to resolve it to prevent injury to yourself and others.  

Construction Site Management/Foremen

Create A Safety Culture

You are now highly knowledgeable in the prevention of slips, trips, and falls. It is your responsibility to encourage your workers to increase awareness of potential hazards and processes for reporting. All incidents are preventable ! Remember, you must “prevent falls and slips, or you’ll have a hospital trip.”  

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Slips Trips Falls

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Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips and falls can result in head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, sprained muscles, cuts and lacerations or even death. A slip occurs when there is too little traction or friction between the shoe and walking surface, often causing a person to fall backwards. A trip occurs when a person's foot contacts an object in their way or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown of balance and typically fall forwards. A fall occurs when you are too far off balance. Some factors contributing to slips, trips and falls include wet slippery surfaces, environmental conditions, insufficient or inadequate lighting, changes in elevations or climbing and descending stairways, and housekeeping issues in working and walking areas.

• Wet and slippery surfaces. U s e absorbent mats, remembering that unanchored mats may cause slip hazards themselves. If you must walk on a slippery surface, wear proper footwear for better traction, or use rails or another stable object that you can hold onto.
• Environmental conditions such as rain, ice and snow can cause major slip hazards. No matter how well snow and ice are removed from sidewalks, parking lots and the surrounding streets, people will invariably encounter some slippery surfaces.
• Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or notice changes in a walking surface. Moving from light to dark areas or vice versa can cause temporary vision problems that may be just enough to cause a person to slip on an oil spill or trip over a misplaced object.
• Changes in elevation.  Even a change in walking surfaces of ¼ to ½ inch can be sufficient to cause a trip. Curbs, cracks in the sidewalk, flaws in parking lots, potholes, uneven lawns, ramps and single steps are all examples of these hazards. Keeping stairs in good repair is essential to preventing accidents. Make sure the stairs have secure handrails and guard rails, even tread height, and are free of deteriorating covering to prevent an accident.
• Proper housekeeping in working and walking areas can reduce the chances of slips, trips and falls on a work site. It is important to maintain a safe working environment and a clean walking surface free of obstacles such as clutter, material stacked or dumped in passageways and obstructions across hallways.

Most slip, trip and falls incidents are easily preventable if you follow one simple piece of advice: watch where you're going ! Walking is such a common activity that most people pay little attention to potential hazards, such as hidden steps, loose irregular surfaces, smooth surfaces, wet spots, and oil that can make it difficult for a person to maintain their footing. Ensure you report even a minor fall as it could prevent someone from experiencing a more serious injury down the line.

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Fall Protection Toolbox Talk

In this fall protection toolbox talk, learn the common causes of falls on construction sites, fall prevention tips, and basic ladder safety.

Fall Protection Safety Talk

Every year, falls are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities in construction.

A fall can happen at any time, whether you're climbing a ladder, working on scaffolding, or simply walking from one work area to another. Injuries from falls can range in severity from bruises and swelling to head injuries, broken bones, and lacerations.

Causes of falls in the workplace

Many different factors can lead to a fall, and the risk of falling is always present on the jobsite. It is important to try to understand the main causes of falls to help prevent them.

While occasionally falling is an unavoidable accident with no real cause, falls are often caused by unsafe working conditions or unsafe acts.

Unsafe conditions

Unsafe conditions in the workplace increase the risk of all accidents, including falls. Some examples of unsafe conditions include:

Slippery, cluttered, or unstable walking or working surfaces

Unprotected edges

Floor holes and wall openings

Unsafely positioned ladders

Misused fall protection

Improper guardrails

Damaged equipment (ladders, stairs, etc.)

Unmarked elevation changes

Wet or slippery floors

Unsafe acts

Sometimes falls happen because of the unsafe actions of employees. These include:

Working at heights without fall protection

Improper use of ladders

Leaning over guardrail

Lack of awareness

Fall protection best practices

A qualified employee should conduct a risk assessment in all work areas to identify hazards. Once hazards are identified, you can take proper steps to help reduce the risk of accidents.

You can also reduce potential hazards that lead to slips, trips, and falls by proactively managing your workplace environment and closely monitoring work as it is completed to help lower the risk of falls.

1. Walking surfaces

Keep walking surfaces clean and free of clutter. If you keep walkways clear, you can quickly and easily reduce the potential for injury.

Unobstructed pathways minimize the chance of anyone tripping over an unexpected object and reduce hazards that can lead to a fall or slip .

2. Stairways and handrails

Stairs are a common area for falls in a workplace and sometimes additional care is needed to reduce the risk here. Make sure stairways are well lit, clear of objects and debris, and free of unsecured objects at all times.

Do not run or jump on the stairs and only take one stair at a time. Always use handrails when climbing or walking downstairs.

3. Manage cords

Between extension cords , power cords, internet cords, phone cords, machine cords, and every other type of cord, cords can create a sea of obstacles.

Try to keep cords out of sight and behind walls or furniture. Never have cords running across a walkway.

4. Footwear

Make sure you are wearing the proper footwear for the job you are performing. Open-toe shoes should never be worn on the jobsite. Shoess should have the proper traction and be slip-resistant.

5. Lighting

Proper lighting inside and outside of your work area should always be used. Never try walking in the dark. Steps and tripping hazards can be hidden if a room is dark or has a shadow this is why lighting is important.

If you know of a potential risk that could lead to a fall but that cannot be immediately fixed, try to make sure there is adequate signage there. A sign indicating a step, a gap, uneven ground, or even loose rocks will call attention to the area and let others know to be more attentive. If you know the floor is wet, a wet floor sign can help others from potentially falling.

If you see an area that needs signage, please alert your supervisor.

7. Ladders and step stools

Use ladders and step stools with caution. Get someone to hold the bottom of the ladder when you are climbing. Never stand in a chair or on a desk or table to reach something.

8. Check floors

When you are walking, make sure you pay attention to your surroundings, including the ground. If you see a crack or a hole, try to avoid this area. Point these areas out to your supervisor so they can look into getting them fixed.

9. Clean up spills

If you spill something, clean it up immediately. Do not leave a spill for someone else to deal with. When a spill occurs, immediately place a hazard sign near the spill and get to work cleaning it up properly.

Ladder safety

Employees should follow certain safety rules when using ladders. Whether they are climbing up the ladder or climbing down, the same ladder safety rules apply.:

Hold onto the ladder with both hands. If you need to take materials up or down, do so using a rope or a different system.

Always face the ladder when going up or down.

Never slide down a ladder.

Be sure your shoes are clean of mud and grease and are not slippery.

Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder.

Carry tools on a tool belt and not in your hands.

Use a 4 to 1 ratio when leaning a single or extension ladder.

Inspect the ladder for defects before using it.

Never use a defective ladder.

Never splice or lash a short ladder together.

Never use makeshift ladders.

Make sure the ladder is fully open when in use.

Keep ladders clean from dirt and grease.

Never use a ladder during strong and high winds .

Never jump from a ladder.

Fall prevention is your best protection

Remember that most falls can be prevented. Falls often occur due to someone being careless or clumsy. It is critical to pay attention to what you are doing and to regularly survey your work area for potential hazards.

If you see a hazard that needs attention, let a supervisor know immediately. You should also let your supervisor know if you slip, trip, or fall at work, no matter how small you think your injury is.

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Related Toolbox Talks

• Falls in the Construction Industry Toolbox Talk
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• Slips, Trips, and Falls Toolbox Talk
• Ladder Safety Toolbox Talk

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Toolbox Talk Show

Episode 17 – Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls!

Toolbox topic: slip, trips, and falls.

According to the BLS – slips, trips, and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities per year. In this episode, we will discuss precautions you can take to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Definitions of Slips, Trips, and Falls

OSHA 1910.22 Walking/Working Surfaces outline precautions to avoid slips, trips, or falls.

How do we define each term?

• Slips are a loss of balance caused by too little friction between your feet and the surface you walk on.
• Trips can occur whenever your foot hits an object, and you are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance.
• Falls occur whenever you lose your balance, causing a sudden and uncontrollable descent.

Or in real simple terms slips are when your feet slide across a surface, trips are when your feet come in contact with an object and it causes you to lose of balance, and falls are when you suddenly lose your balance.

Some celebrity accidents have actually made it into the history books, and we are going to talk about a few.

Owen Hart was a Canadian WWF wrestler. He pressed the release button on a machine that was to lower him into the ring but he hit the button too early. This mishap caused him to fall to his death. He was only 34 years old.

Ann B. Davis , whom you know as Alice (the Housekeeper) on The Brady Bunch, died when she slipped and fell in her bathroom, sustaining a head injury. She was 88 years old.

The famous cardiologist, known for the Atkins low carb diet, Robert Atkins , died when he fell down an icy sidewalk and hit his head in 2003.

An English filmmaker, Ronald Neame , who produced the film “Oliver Twist.” fell and broke his leg in 2010. He died due to complications from that injury.

Bert Granet was a producer who worked on “The Twilight Zone.” On November 15, 2002, he died due to injuries sustained during a fall. He was 92 years old.

In 2009, British film star Natasha Richardson fell and struck her head during a skiing lesson. The actress claimed she was fine and even joked about the accident immediately after. The instructor asked her to seek medical attention, but she refused. Hours later, Natasha developed a splitting headache and was rushed to a hospital in Montreal, where she died from a traumatic brain injury. The actress was married to Liam Neeson. She died at just 45-years-old.

Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Slips, trips, and falls accounted for 27% of the 888,220 injuries involving lost workdays
• There were 229,410 lost workday injuries due to contact with objects and equipment
• contact with objects and equipment
• overexertion and bodily reaction
• falls, slips, and trips without a fall

805 workers died in falls, and there were 211,640 lost-time injuries. Also, 136 workers were killed in falls on the same level.

Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height – more than seven times the rate of other industries.

Safety Tips on Slips, Trips, and Falls

Safety tip#1 avoid slips.

Loss of traction is the leading cause of workplace slips. Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow, so always take extra precautions when walking on these surfaces. Slips are more likely to occur when you are in a hurry or not paying attention.

Tip#2 Housekeeping

Clean up and report spills immediately. Remember, even minor spills can be dangerous. Don’t let grease or other slippery substances accumulate on floors.

Tip#3 Avoid Tripping Hazards

Slow down and pay attention! Trips are more likely to happen when you are in a hurry or aren’t paying attention. To prevent trip hazards:

• Watch out for loose carpeting
• Don’t carry loads that are too high in other words make sure you can see where you are walking
• Keep working areas well lit
• Store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas- Keep it nice and tidy.
• Maintain walking areas -Arrange equipment so that it doesn’t interfere with walkways or pedestrian traffic

Tip#4 Avoid Falls

Falls account for more workplace fatalities than any other reason!

Avoid falls:

• Don’t jump off landings, loading docks, or equipment -use the stairs or ladders
• Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken
• Hold on to handrails when using the stairs
• Don’t lean over guardrails

Tip#5 Three Points of Contact

Anytime you are using a ladder or climbing on or off equipment, remember 3 points of contact – two hands, a foot or two feet, and a hand at all times. Also, be sure to get a firm grip on the ladder and wear proper foot attire, so you don’t slip while climbing or descending.

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Slips, trips, and falls (toolbox talk)

This slips, trips, and falls toolbox talk covers root causes and preventative measures. By providing a routine safety refresher, you can prevent workplace injuries and maintain a safer workplace. Add this talk to your rotation so everyone keeps a proactive approach toward trip hazards .

Free template!

Download this free OSHA injury and illness log template to document any slips, trips, and falls at your site.

Slips, trips, and falls toolbox talk overview

In this toolbox talk, we’ll discuss two main topics:

• Primary causes of trips, falls, and slips
• Preventative measures to take

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common workplace accidents, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures. These incidents can occur due to various factors, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and lack of proper footwear.

Primary root causes

Chances are you haven’t just tripped over your own feet. Most of the time, workplace falls happen because of environmental, situational, or behavioral factors. Some of the most common root causes of slips, trips, and falls are:

• Lack of awareness or attention to surroundings
• Improper or unsecured footwear
• Wet surfaces from spills, leaks, etc.
• Poor or nonexistent lighting
• Uneven walking surfaces from cracks, holes, floor damage, etc.
• Workplace clutter in walking paths
• Lack of use of handrails
• Building maintenance issues
• Improper equipment usage (ladders, stairs, etc.)

These incidents can cause serious injuries like fractures, breaks, or head trauma. It’s important to always maintain situational awareness so you can avoid injury and ultimately help improve the safety of the work area.

Preventative measures

To avoid slips, trips, and falls, everyone needs to do their part to keep the worksite hazard-free. This includes reporting any safety issues you find to management. Also, it involves practicing safe behaviors for each task you’re doing. You can avoid fall-related injuries by:

• Keeping your workstation clear of trash and clutter
• Putting tools, equipment, and materials away after each use
• Reporting or cleaning up spills immediately
• Wearing the right footwear for your work area
• Tying your shoelaces and tucking in long pant legs
• Keeping cables and plugs out of walkways
• Turning on the lights in active work areas
• Notifying maintenance of leaks and other building issues
• Walking, not running throughout the worksite
• Keeping your eyes on path
• Holding onto handrails when walking up and down stairs
• Gripping ladder rungs when going up and down

Remember, situational awareness is the key. You have to pay attention to where you’re at and what you’re doing to avoid injury. If you keep your eyes on path, then it’ll be easier to spot unsafe work conditions and either fix them or report them to someone who can.

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Working in cold weather (toolbox talk)

Mining safety tips for incident prevention

Preventing crane safety accidents (toolbox talk)

Home / blog / Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips and Falls

Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips and Falls

by Walker Safety · December 13, 2021

Why have this talk?  Every year many accidents resulting in injuries occur through slips, trips, and falls. Most of these slips, trips and falls that occur are easily preventable with a little consideration and care.

What will this talk cover?  The causes and prevention of slips, trips, and falls.

What causes slips, trips and falls?

• The most common reason for injuries from falls is poor housekeeping, ie mess. Items lying about will trip someone up if not put away in a safe place.
• Where oils and grease are used, spills will create a slip hazard if not immediately cleaned up.
• General debris from building works can quickly accumulate and form a tripping hazard.
• Trailing cables are another frequent cause of tripping.
• Mud left on equipment surfaces or ladder rungs will represent a slipping hazard for the next person.
• Reduced levels of natural light, for example during winter afternoons, can easily increase the tripping hazards if adequate access lighting is not provided. Tools, equipment, and materials that are visible in full daylight will be harder to spot in reduced lighting.

How to prevent slips, trips and falls

• Clear up waste materials as you create them. Lightweight waste should be bagged or bundled, and all sharp objects removed, eg nails from waste timber.
• Do not leave tools, equipment or unused materials lying about on the floor.
• If you are using substances which could spill, ensure that you have a means of effectively clearing up any spillage.
• As far as possible, cables for work equipment should be secured above head height. If cables must be routed at floor level, try to avoid crossing pedestrian walkways and use fluorescent or warning tape to highlight potential trip hazards at floor level.
• If the workplace is muddy, scrape off mud from footwear before using access equipment or walking anywhere that may be a danger to others.
• Be aware of the increased risks of tripping as the level natural light fades; use additional lighting and ensure that all tools, equipment, and materials are stored in a safe location.

Questions for employees

• What can you do in your job to reduce slip, trip, or fall hazards?
• How can you manage the risk from trip hazards at floor level?
• What is the correct procedure for clearing up a spilt liquid?
• How can you improve workplace lighting as the sun sets?

Do you have any questions for me?

Contact us if you require further assistance.

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