Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace: A Common but Preventable Risk
Slips, trips and falls remain one of the most common causes of workplace injuries across the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), they account for over a third of all reported major injuries (HSE statistics). These incidents can occur in almost any workplace – from offices and schools to factories and construction sites – and they are often avoidable with simple, practical measures.
Why Slips, Trips and Falls Happen
Slips occur when there is not enough grip between footwear and the floor surface, usually because of spillages, contamination, or poor cleaning.
Trips typically occur when people catch their foot on an obstacle or uneven surface.
Falls can follow either a slip or trip, or result from working at height without proper precautions.
Even a minor fall can cause serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head trauma – and beyond the human cost, businesses face lost productivity, compensation claims, and damage to their reputation.
Common Workplace Hazards
The most frequent causes of slips, trips and falls include:
- Wet or contaminated floors – often caused by spillages, routine cleaning, leaks, or rainwater carried in from outside. Kitchens, washrooms, and building entrances are particularly high-risk areas. Failure to clean properly, or using the wrong cleaning products, can also leave floors slippery.
- Poor housekeeping – cluttered walkways, trailing cables, boxes left in corridors, or equipment not stored correctly all increase the risk of trips. Even small, temporary obstructions can create hazards if not dealt with quickly.
- Uneven flooring, loose mats, changes in levels, or damaged carpets – cracked tiles, worn flooring, raised edges, or sudden steps and slopes are all common causes of accidents. Without clear markings, these changes can easily catch people off guard.
- Inadequate lighting – poorly lit corridors, stairwells, and outdoor areas make it harder to spot hazards. Burnt-out bulbs, insufficient natural light, or poor placement of fixtures can all contribute.
- Failure to use the correct equipment when working at height – standing on chairs, makeshift platforms, or unsuitable ladders significantly increases the chance of a fall. Even a short fall from low height can cause serious injury.
These hazards are present in almost every type of workplace – whether in an office, a warehouse, a school, or a construction site. They need to be identified and controlled through regular inspections, risk assessments, and prompt corrective action.
Legal Responsibilities in the UK
Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specifically require floors to be suitable, in good condition, and free from obstructions. Employers must provide safe access and ensure that floors are kept as dry and clean as possible.
Employees also have responsibilities: they must follow training, report hazards promptly, and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. Together, these duties form the foundation of effective workplace safety.
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
To reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls, employers must implement a range of practical control measures that go beyond quick fixes. Effective prevention requires planning, regular monitoring, and clear responsibilities.
Key measures include:
- Keeping walkways clear by ensuring storage areas are used correctly, corridors remain uncluttered, and deliveries are managed safely.
- Cleaning up spillages immediately, using appropriate cleaning products and techniques, and making sure staff have the right materials available at all times.
- Choosing flooring that is suitable for the task, such as slip-resistant surfaces in kitchens, workshops, or entrance areas where wet conditions are likely. Damaged flooring should be repaired without delay.
- Ensuring work areas and access routes are well lit, both indoors and outdoors. This includes replacing faulty bulbs quickly and considering motion sensors in areas with lower foot traffic.
- Securing cables with covers, rerouting trailing leads where possible, and storing tools and equipment in designated spaces to avoid tripping hazards.
- Providing suitable access equipment for work at height, including steps, ladders, and platforms, and ensuring staff are trained and competent to use them safely.
- Specifying or providing slip-resistant footwear where required, particularly in environments where floors may become wet or greasy.
- Using clear signage when cleaning floors and, where possible, scheduling cleaning tasks outside of peak working hours to reduce risks to staff and visitors.
- Encouraging staff to adopt a “clean as you go” policy, dealing with hazards such as dropped items, spillages, or misplaced equipment immediately rather than leaving them for others to address.
- Conspicuously marking changes in floor levels or other transitions using high-visibility methods such as chevron tape, floor markings, or signage so they are clearly identified by all staff and visitors.
- Clearing snow and ice from outdoor areas and applying grit or salt during inclement weather, ensuring safe access routes for staff and visitors.
- Reporting defects and maintenance issues promptly, so they can be repaired or corrected before they cause an accident.
Employers should also ensure that risk assessments are kept up to date and reviewed whenever changes to work processes, layouts, or staff roles occur. Supervisors and managers must lead by example, reinforcing safe behaviours and challenging unsafe practices.
By combining physical controls with good housekeeping and an active safety culture, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.
Building a Safety Culture
Preventing slips, trips and falls is not only about the physical environment but also about workplace culture. Employees should be encouraged to report hazards, highlight near misses, and take part in regular reviews of risk assessments. Training and toolbox talks should be used to reinforce safe practices and to remind all staff of their role in maintaining a safe workplace.
A strong safety culture ensures that everyone plays their part in reducing risks.
How Practical Safety Ltd Can Help
At Practical Safety Ltd, we support organisations in reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls through:
- Workplace risk assessments tailored to your environment.
- Health and safety training sessions, including toolbox talks.
- Guidance on selecting suitable flooring, signage, and footwear.
- Support in developing and reviewing safety policies and procedures.
We can help you create a safer workplace, protect employees, and remain compliant with UK health and safety law.
Conclusion
Slips, trips and falls are among the simplest workplace risks to control, yet they remain one of the most common causes of injury in the UK. By maintaining clean and orderly workplaces, managing floors and lighting, and ensuring safe systems of work, organisations can protect employees and reduce unnecessary accidents.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is intended to provide general guidance on slips, trips and falls in the workplace. It should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. Employers should always consult the relevant UK legislation and, where necessary, seek professional health and safety advice tailored to their specific circumstances. Practical Safety Ltd aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is incorrect, incomplete, or out of date.
