Slips, trips and falls are the kind of accidents that seem minor—until they’re not. In 2022, 865 workers lost their lives to falls, and countless others were injured badly enough to miss work, according to the National Safety Council. Whether it’s a slippery floor, a cluttered walkway or poor lighting, these hazards can show up in any workplace and lead to serious consequences.
The good news? Preventing slips, trips and falls isn’t rocket science—it’s about spotting the risks and addressing them before they become accidents. In this post, we’ll share five practical strategies to help you create a safer workplace and keep your team on solid ground.
A thorough workplace risk assessment helps identify hazards that could cause slips, trips and falls. Common risk areas include stairwells, ladders, raised surfaces like uneven flooring or sidewalks, and high-traffic zones such as entryways and parking lots.
Start from the outside and work your way in. Evaluate parking lots and sidewalks, focusing on conditions that could lead to slips and trips. Then, move indoors to inspect floors, stairwells and other potential risk areas.
Employers should also identify job-specific hazards, such as unsafe equipment or tasks with a history of accidents. Address these risks with corrective measures, additional training, and safety tools like personal protective equipment (PPE) or handrails.
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Poor lighting is a common culprit for slips, trips and falls. Ensure all areas where employees or guests move are well-lit, from parking lots to stairwells and hallways. For less frequently used spaces like storage rooms, place light switches near entry points and instruct workers to turn lights on before entering.
Replace burned-out bulbs, fix broken fixtures and address poorly lit areas promptly. To further enhance visibility, mark curbs, steps and uneven surfaces with reflective tape or paint.
Wet or slick floors are a leading cause of workplace accidents, with workers’ compensation claims often tied to slips on slick surfaces. Combat these risks by:
Using “Wet Floor” signs and absorbent mats during rainy days or after mopping.
Applying anti-skid paint or adhesive strips on inclined surfaces.
Installing awnings, handrails, and external mats at entryways.
Don’t forget about outdoor hazards like snow, ice and mud in parking lots. These should be promptly removed or treated, and access may need to be restricted during extreme weather. Additionally, inspect exterior surfaces like stairs and concrete regularly for seasonal damage or debris buildup.
Footwear plays a critical role in preventing slips and falls. Industries like construction and healthcare often require slip-resistant or closed-toe shoes, but even workplaces without strict requirements can benefit from guidelines.
Encourage employees to wear shoes with proper traction, and remind those wearing heels to choose stable options that don’t catch on carpeting or uneven flooring.
If an incident does occur, evaluate the employee’s footwear to determine whether it contributed to the accident and make adjustments to policies as needed.
Good housekeeping is essential for reducing trip hazards. Employers should routinely inspect floors to ensure they’re free of clutter and debris, particularly in high-traffic areas like conference rooms, aisles, and entryways. Encourage employees to keep their workstations tidy and store tools or products in designated areas away from main traffic zones.
By maintaining a clean and organized workplace, employers can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls while promoting a more professional environment.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls isn’t just good practice—it’s a requirement under OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This regulation, introduced in 2017, mandates that employers keep all walking-working surfaces clean, orderly, and in safe condition. Regular inspections and hazard identification are key components of compliance, as is providing consistent employee training.
Following OSHA’s guidelines not only helps avoid costly fines but also builds a culture of safety that prioritizes employee well-being and prevents accidents. Taking these steps ensures your workplace meets the highest safety standards.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls takes more than a checklist—it requires expert guidance and proactive planning. That’s where Axcet HR Solutions comes in. As a certified PEO headquartered in Kansas City, Axcet offers award-winning risk management services designed to help small and mid-sized businesses reduce workplace hazards.
Our team of health and safety experts partners with you to:
Identify potential risks.
Implement effective safety measures.
Ensure OSHA compliance.
Ready to create a safer workplace? Schedule a consultation with a risk management expert at Axcet to learn how we can support your business in preventing slips, trips and falls.
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