ADVICE & OPINION
COMPLIANCE
In association with According to the Health and Safety Executive, slips, trips
and falls are the single most common cause of major
incidents in UK workplaces, accounting for 20% of
all reported specifi ed (major) injuries in 2016/17.
The key risk factors are:
Poor lighting that prevents people seeing obstructions, slippery surfaces etc.
Damaged or incorrect flooring.
Obstructions and objects le lying around.
Inappropriate footwear.
Employer recommendations:
Assess the risks to workers, decide how significant the risks are, prevent or
control the risks and develop a clear management plan.
Consult with the workforce and their representatives about risk assessments
and actions.
Ensure everyone is aware of the risk assessments and procedures in place.
Control methods or risk reduction
techniques must be used to:
Ensure conditions are correct
from the start. Ensure flooring and
lighting are fit for purpose and have
the appropriate surface roughness
characteristics.
Provide sta with information and
training on good working practice.
Adopt a programme of planned preventative
maintenance and undertake repairs when identified.
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When identifying hazards
consideration should be given to
issues which may increase the
likelihood of an incident
occurring or the seriousness
of any injury.”
Where floors may become wet or contaminated, ensure they are regularly
inspected and dried immediately.
Ensure spillages are promptly cleaned up.
Ensure appropriate signage is displayed when areas are being cleaned
and removed when the floor can be used normally.
Ensure all accidents are investigated and sta made aware of the findings
and actions taken.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS WHEN IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
When identifying hazards consideration should be given to issues which may
increase the likelihood of an incident occurring or the seriousness of any injury,
for example where the slip or trip hazard exists on or near to stairs. Similarly,
slips or trips near to plant and equipment, particularly moving equipment raises
the level of control that would be considered ‘reasonably practicable’.
LEGAL DUTIES
The key areas of health and safety law relevant to slips, trips
and falls are:
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA).
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees
Regulations 1977.
Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
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