Small hazards, significant consequences
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips and falls on the same level accounted for 30% of all self-reported non-fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain during 2024/25, making them the most common cause of non-fatal injury at work.
While slips and trips are often associated with everyday hazards, their consequences can range from minor injuries to lengthy absences from work. The good news is that many incidents can be prevented by identifying common hazards and implementing effective controls.
Common causes of slips, trips and falls
Slip and trip hazards can arise in almost any workplace, regardless of industry or size. Common causes include:
- Wet or contaminated floors
- Poor housekeeping and cluttered walkways
- Trailing cables and equipment
- Uneven flooring or damaged surfaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Obstructed access routes.
The risk of an accident can increase when several of these factors occur together. For example, poor lighting may make an uneven surface or misplaced object harder to spot, increasing the likelihood of a fall.
Good housekeeping remains one of the most effective controls
Many slip and trip incidents can be prevented through simple housekeeping measures.
Walkways, corridors and emergency routes should be kept free from obstacles, while equipment and materials should be stored safely when not in use. Spillages should be dealt with promptly, and waste should be removed regularly to prevent hazards from accumulating.
Regular housekeeping inspections can help identify issues before they develop into incidents and encourage employees to take an active role in maintaining a safe working environment.
Maintaining safe walking surfaces
The condition of floors and pedestrian routes plays an important part in reducing risk.
Damaged floor coverings, loose mats, uneven paving and worn surfaces should be identified and repaired as soon as reasonably practicable. Particular attention should be paid to entrances and exits, where water can be brought indoors during wet weather.
External pathways, car parks and other pedestrian areas should also be included in inspection and maintenance programmes to ensure hazards are addressed promptly.
The importance of inspections and reporting
Routine inspections provide an opportunity to identify hazards before they result in an injury.
All areas used by employees, contractors and visitors should be assessed regularly, with defects recorded and addressed within appropriate timescales. A clear reporting process can also help ensure hazards are brought to management's attention as soon as they are identified.
Prompt action can often prevent a minor defect from becoming a more serious safety issue.
Seasonal risks require additional attention
Autumn and winter can bring increased slip and trip risks both inside and outside the workplace.
Rainwater, mud, fallen leaves, reduced daylight, frost, snow and ice can all create hazardous conditions. Entrances, walkways, car parks and external access routes may require more frequent inspections during periods of adverse weather.
Organisations should review seasonal arrangements and ensure appropriate controls are in place, such as gritting, enhanced cleaning regimes and adequate lighting where required.
The business impact of slips, trips and falls
The impact of slips, trips and falls extends beyond the immediate injury. Workplace accidents can lead to employee absence, operational disruption and financial costs for organisations.
The HSE estimates that 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury at work in Great Britain during 2024/25, with slips, trips and falls on the same level accounting for the largest proportion of self-reported non-fatal injuries.
Taking a proactive approach to identifying hazards, maintaining premises and encouraging employee engagement can help organisations reduce risks and create safer workplaces.
