Statistics 'Slips & Trips'

Preventing slips and trips at work

Over a third of all major injuries reported each year are caused as a result of a slip or trip (the single most common cause of injuries at work).

These cost employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs.

Slips and trips also account for over half of all reported injuries to members of the public.

Recognising the importance of slips and trips, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have included this topic in their programmes of work designed to achieve national targets set to improve health and safety performance. These targets were published by the Government and the Health and Safety Commission in the Revitalising Health and Safety strategy statement of June 2000.

Legal actions brought as a result of an injury can be extremely damaging to business, especially where the public are involved. Insurance covers only a small proportion of the costs.

Anyone at work, but particularly employers, can help to reduce slip and trip hazards through good health and safety arrangements.

Effective solutions are often simple, cheap and lead to other benefits.

What the law says

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employees must not endanger themselves or others and must use any safety equipment provided. Manufacturers and suppliers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe. They must also provide adequate information about appropriate use.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on HSWA and include duties on employers to assess risks (including slip and trip risks and where necessary take action to protect health and safety.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. People must be able to move around safely.

The information above is taken from the Publication -'Preventing slips and trips at work' by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

Why does it matter?

Most slips occur in wet or contaminated conditions and most trips are due to poor housekeeping. The solutions are often simple and cost effective. a suitable assessment of the risks should identify the necessary controls and these should include (in no particular order):
  • prevention of contamination
  • management of spillages and cleaning regimes
  • effective matting systems
  • choice of suitable footwear
  • design of workplace and work activities
  • maintenance of plant and the work environment
  • specification of appropriate flooring
  • housekeeping
  • effective training and supervision
Did you know?

Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and can happen almost anywhere. 95% of major slips result in broken bones and they can also be the initial cause for a range of other types of accident such as a fall from height.

Slips and trip are responsible for, on average:
  • over a third of all reported major injuries
  • 20% of over-3-day injuries to employees
  • 2 fatalities per year
  • 50% of all reported accidents to members of the public that happen in workplaces
  • cost to employers £512 million per year (lost production and other costs)
  • cost to health service £133 million per year
  • incalculable human cost
  • more major injuries in manufacturing and in the service sectors than any other cause.
The biggest barriers to putting the problems right include:
  • People not taking the risks seriously.
  • Little understanding of the causes of slipping.
  • Thinking that slips and trips are inevitable.
  • Poor application of risk assessment and management controls.
But simple cost effective measures can reduce these accidents!

There are many simple steps you can take to reduce risks. You will find a few below:


Hazard   Suggested Action
Spillage of wet & dry substance   Clean spills up immediately, if a liquid is greasy, make sure a suitable cleaning agent is used. After cleaning, the floor can be wet for some time; dry it where possible. Use appropriate barriers to tell people the floor is still wet and arrange alternate bypass routes. lf cleaning is done once a day, it may be possible to do it last thing at night, so it is dry for the start of the next shift.
Trailing cables   Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes, use cable covers to securely fix to surfaces, restrict access to prevent contact. Consider use of cordless tools. Remember that contractors will also need to be managed.
Miscellaneous rubbish, eg. plastic bags   Keep areas clear, remove rubbish and do not allow it to build up.
Rugs/mats   Ensure mats are securely fixed and do not have curling edges.
Poor lighting   Improve lighting levels and placement of light fittings to ensure more even lighting of all floor areas.
Slippery surfaces   Access the cause and treat accordingly, for example always keep them dry if wet causes the problem. In certain situations you may have to treat them chemically and use appropriate cleaning method etc.
Change from wet to dry floor surface   Provide suitable footwear, warn of risks by using signs, locate doormats where these changes are likely.
Changes of level   Try to avoid. lf you can't, improve lighting, add high visible tread nosing (ie white/reflective edge to step).
Slopes   lmprove visibility, provide hand rails, use floor markings.
Smoke/steam obscuring view  

Eliminate or control by redirecting it away from risk areas: improve ventilation and warn of it.
Unsuitable footwear   Ensure workers choose suitable footwear, particularly with the correct type of sole. lf the type of work requires special protective footwear, the employer is required by law to provide it free of charge.
For Further advice / information to prevent 'Slips & Trips' in your workplace please contact us