Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace: The Ultimate Guide for Managers

What are slips, trips and falls at work?

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common types of accidents that can occur in the workplace. A slip is when a person loses their balance and falls as a result of their feet sliding on a smooth or slippery surface. A trip is when a person falls as a result of their feet catching on an obstacle or uneven surface. A fall is when a person falls from a higher level to a lower level, such as from a ladder or a roof.

STFs can be caused by a variety of factors, including wet or slippery floors, cluttered or obstructed walkways, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and inadequate safety equipment. They can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees and to take steps to prevent STFs from occurring. This may include maintaining a clean and orderly workplace, providing adequate lighting and safety equipment, and ensuring that employees have the training and resources they need to work safely.

What can employers take to prevent slips, trips, and falls?

There are a number of steps that employers can take to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace:

1. Keep the workplace clean and organized: This includes regularly cleaning and maintaining floors and walkways, and removing any hazards or obstructions that could cause an STF.
2. Use caution signs and barriers: Caution signs and barriers can be used to alert employees to potential hazards and to prevent them from entering areas where STFs are more likely to occur.
3. Provide proper lighting: Adequate lighting is important for ensuring that employees can see potential hazards and navigate safely through the workplace.
4. Use non-slip flooring: Using non-slip flooring in areas where STFs are more likely to occur can help prevent accidents.
5. Implement safety protocols: Employers should establish protocols for reporting and addressing hazards, and train employees on how to identify and report potential STF hazards.
6. Provide proper training: Employers should ensure that employees receive proper training on how to work safely, including how to identify and avoid potential STF hazards.
7. Use appropriate safety equipment: Employers should provide employees with the safety equipment they need to work safely, including protective footwear, safety glasses, and other relevant gear.

What legislation covers slips, trips and falls in the UK workplace?

In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSW Act) sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and of other people who may be affected by their work. This includes the duty to take steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also apply and set out specific requirements for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, including requirements for lighting, flooring, and the maintenance of workplaces and equipment.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees and to take appropriate action to control those risks. This includes the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Employers who fail to comply with their duties under these regulations can be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a local authority. If an employee is injured as a result of an STF in the workplace, they may also be able to bring a claim for compensation.

What should an employer consider when conducting a risk assessment for slips, trips and falls in the workplace?

When conducting a risk assessment for slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, an employer should consider the following factors:

1. The nature of the work: Different types of work may have different risks of STFs. For example, work that involves walking on slippery surfaces or working at heights may have a higher risk of STFs.
2. The layout of the workplace: The design and layout of the workplace can affect the likelihood of STFs occurring. Factors to consider may include the condition of the flooring, the presence of stairs or other elevated surfaces, and the availability of handrails or other safety equipment.
3. The condition of the flooring: The condition of the flooring, including its surface and any cracks or defects, can affect the risk of STFs.
4. The presence of hazards: The risk of STFs may be increased by the presence of hazards such as wet or slippery floors, cluttered or obstructed walkways, and uneven surfaces.
5. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE): The use of PPE, such as non-slip shoes or safety glasses, can help to reduce the risk of STFs.
6. The use of warning signs: Warning signs can be used to alert employees to potential STF hazards and to encourage them to take precautions.
7. The training and supervision of employees: Providing employees with proper training and supervision can help to prevent STFs by ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills to work safely.

By considering these factors, an employer can identify the risks of STFs in the workplace and take steps to control those risks. This may include implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate PPE, and making changes to the workplace to reduce the risk of STFs.

What are the most important first aid tips for helping people who have suffered slips, trips and falls at work?

If someone has suffered a slip, trip, or fall at work, it is important to follow these first aid tips:

1. Stay calm and reassure the person who has fallen.
2. Check for any injuries. If the person is unconscious, call for emergency medical help immediately.
3. If the person is conscious and able to speak, ask them if they are in pain and where they feel pain.
4. If the person is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage.
5. If the person is in pain, try to keep them comfortable by adjusting their position or providing support.
6. If the person is having trouble breathing, try to help them sit up and lean forward slightly.
7. If the person has a neck or back injury, do not move them unless they are in danger. Instead, wait for emergency medical help to arrive.
8. If the person has a head injury, try to keep them awake and alert by asking questions and checking their responsiveness.
9. If the person has a broken bone, try to immobilize the injury by splinting or bandaging it.
10. Record all injuries and circumstances of the fall for future reference.

It is important to remember that first aid is only a temporary measure and that the person should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are unsure of what to do, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Can you provide a model policy for slips, trips and falls in the workplace?

Here is a model policy for slips, trips, and falls in the workplace:

Policy Statement:

The company is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, the company has implemented the following policies and procedures:

Procedures:

1. Keep work areas clean and organized.
2. Use caution signs and barriers to alert employees to potential hazards.
3. Provide proper lighting in all work areas.
4. Use non-slip flooring in areas where STFs are more likely to occur.
5. Implement safety protocols for reporting and addressing hazards.
6. Provide proper training to all employees on how to work safely and identify and report potential STF hazards.
7. Use appropriate safety equipment, including protective footwear, safety glasses, and other relevant gear.

Employee Responsibilities:

1. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to a supervisor or the safety officer immediately.
2. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
3. Wear the appropriate safety equipment provided by the company.
4. Take care when walking around the workplace and watch for potential hazards.
5. Use caution when working on or near stairs, ladders, or other elevated surfaces.
6. Follow all instructions provided by supervisors or the safety officer.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

This policy is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

What online resources are available for employers to learn more about managing slips, trips and falls in the workplace?

There are several online resources available for UK employers who want to learn more about managing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace:

1. Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The HSE is the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety, and welfare in Great Britain. Their website (https://www.hse.gov.uk/) provides information and guidance on a wide range of health and safety topics, including slips, trips, and falls.
2. Health and Safety Executive – Risk Assessments: The HSE’s risk assessments webpage (https://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/) provides information and guidance on conducting risk assessments in the workplace, including how to identify and control risks associated with slips, trips, and falls.
3. Health and Safety Executive – Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: The HSE’s Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 webpage (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l24.htm) provides information on the specific requirements for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, including requirements related to slips, trips, and falls.
4. Health and Safety Executive – Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: The HSE’s Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 webpage (https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm) provides information on the requirements for employers to assess and control risks to the health and safety of their employees, including risks related to slips, trips, and falls.