Slips, Trips and Falls – Commercial

Assessing the Risks of Slips, Trips and Falls

1. Look for slip and trip hazards around the workplace, including floor coverings and their condition, uneven floors, stairways and handrails, condition of walkways, trailing cables and areas that are sometimes slippery due to spillages. Don’t forget to include any outdoor areas, remembering that weather conditions may be a factor. Snow covered, icy steps and walkways pose a serious slipping hazard.
2. Decide who might be harmed and how. Who comes into the premises? Are they at risk? Are some groups more at risk than others?
3. Consider the risks. Are there already measures in place to deal with the risks? Are floor coverings suitable for the area? Do stairways have handrails? Are walking surfaces straight and level? Do you conduct regular inspections? Are employees instructed to keep traffic routes clear?
4. Regularly review the assessment. If any significant changes take place, make sure that precautions are still adequate to deal with the risks.

Reducing the Risks of Slips, Trips and Falls

Reducing the risks of falls is usually easy, costs little or no money and often has other benefits.

Changes in Level and Slopes

Ensure the height between stairs and landings is consistent. Even a slight difference in height can create a loss of balance and a potential fall or injury. Walkway surfaces should be smooth and level as raised or depressed areas increase the risk of trips and falls. To prevent accidents in stairway and walkway areas, improve visibility and lighting, install hand rails and add tread markers or other floor markings.

Poor Lighting

Improve lighting levels and placement of fixtures to provide a more even lighting level over all pedestrian areas. Promptly replace broken and defective light bulbs and switches.

Slippery Surfaces

Assess the cause of slipperiness and treat or clean accordingly. For example, treat chemically and use appropriate cleaning materials and methods. In some cases you may need to repair or replace the floor surface. Use ice melt, salt or sand during the winter months to prevent slipping in outdoor areas.

Spillages

Clean up all spills immediately and sweep debris from walking areas. If the floor is wet or oily, use appropriate signs to mark the area and communicate that extra care is needed. Alternatively, use another route until the spillage or wetness is gone.

Trailing Cables

Place equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes. Use cable guards to cover trailing cables where required.

Change of Surface from Wet to Dry

Warn pedestrians of surface change risks by using signs and markers and locate doormats where these changes are likely.

Rugs or Mats

Where rugs or mats are used, make sure they are securely fixed and that edges or corners do not present a tripping hazard.