Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of workplace injuries in the UK, accounting for over a third of all reported major injuries. They happen in every type of workplace, from offices to warehouses, shops to hospitals. The good news is that most are entirely preventable.
Have you experienced slip, trip or fall incidents in your workplace?
Let's identify your risk level.
Why slips, trips and falls matter
The statistics are sobering:
- Over 40% of all reported workplace injuries involve slips, trips or falls
- Around 95,000 workers are injured annually from same-level falls
- Approximately 29% of all over-7-day absence injuries are caused by slips, trips or falls
- The average time off work is 7 days for minor injuries, but serious cases can lead to months of absence
- Falls from height cause the most fatalities, but same-level falls cause the most injuries
"Same-level falls" means slips, trips and falls on the same level surface (not from height). These account for the vast majority of workplace fall incidents and are often dismissed as minor, but they can cause serious injuries including broken bones, head injuries, and long-term disability.
The human and business cost
Impact on individuals:
- Broken wrists, arms, and hips (common from trying to break a fall)
- Spinal injuries and back problems
- Head injuries, including concussion
- Soft tissue damage (sprains, strains)
- Long-term pain and mobility problems
- Loss of confidence and psychological impact
Impact on businesses:
- Lost productivity from staff absence
- Sick pay and temporary cover costs
- Investigation time and management resources
- Compensation claims (can reach tens of thousands of pounds)
- HSE enforcement action and potential fines
- Increased insurance premiums
- Reputational damage
Many slip, trip and fall incidents go unreported because people feel embarrassed or believe the injury is minor. This means the true scale of the problem is often underestimated, and hazards remain unidentified until a serious injury occurs.
Understanding slips, trips and falls
What's the difference?
Slips occur when there's insufficient friction between your foot and the walking surface:
- Wet or contaminated floors
- Highly polished surfaces
- Ice and snow
- Unsuitable footwear
- Sudden transitions between surfaces
Trips happen when your foot strikes an object or is caught, causing you to lose balance:
- Uneven surfaces
- Changes in floor level
- Trailing cables
- Poor lighting
- Obstacles in walkways
- Damaged flooring
Falls are the result of a slip or trip, or from losing balance:
- Can occur on the same level (most common)
- Can be from height (most serious)
- Often involve impact with the ground or other objects
- Severity depends on height, landing surface, and age/health of the person
Understanding the mechanism of injury helps you identify the right controls. Slips need friction improvements; trips need better housekeeping and visibility; falls need prevention at source.
Common causes
Wet and contaminated floors
The single biggest cause of slips in UK workplaces:
Indoor sources:
- Cleaning operations (mopping, pressure washing)
- Spillages (liquids, food, products)
- Rainwater walked in from outside
- Leaks from equipment or roofs
- Condensation from temperature differences
- Process water (kitchens, food production, healthcare)
Outdoor sources:
- Rain creating wet surfaces
- Ice and frost (especially in shaded areas)
- Snow accumulation
- Water from cleaning or maintenance
- Algae on paths and steps
Supermarket worker suffers broken hip on wet floor
A retail worker slipped on a wet floor in the back-of-house area of a supermarket during the morning restocking period. She fell heavily on her hip, requiring surgery and six months off work.
- ✗Spillage from refrigeration unit not immediately cleaned
- ✗No wet floor warning signs in place
- ✗Area not regularly inspected during busy periods
- ✗Staff not trained to report and clean spills immediately
- ✗Floor surface was polished tiles - inappropriate for wet area
HSE prosecution resulted in £35,000 fine plus costs. Worker received significant compensation. Company had to review all floor surfaces and cleaning procedures across the estate.
Wet floors are a known hazard that requires immediate action. Warning signs alone are not sufficient - spills must be cleaned promptly, surfaces must be appropriate for the environment, and staff must be trained to respond.
Trailing cables and obstructions
Particularly common in offices, but present in most workplaces:
Common trip hazards:
- Electrical cables across walkways
- Phone charger cables under desks
- Extension leads and power strips
- Network and computer cables
- Boxes and equipment stored in walkways
- Bags, coats, and personal items
- Cleaning equipment left out
- Temporary barriers or signage
- Delivery pallets and stock
- Mats and rugs that aren't secured
Poor lighting
Often overlooked, but a significant contributing factor:
Lighting problems:
- Insufficient light levels in corridors and stairs
- Broken or missing bulbs not replaced
- Inadequate lighting in car parks and external areas
- Shadows and glare causing visibility issues
- Sudden transitions from bright to dark areas
- Light switches positioned incorrectly (requiring you to walk in the dark)
- Lack of emergency lighting when main lighting fails
The Health and Safety Executive recommends minimum lighting levels: 100 lux for corridors and stairs, 200 lux for loading bays, and 500 lux for general office work. Areas with high slip or trip risks may need even higher levels.
Uneven surfaces and floor damage
Structural issues that develop over time:
Surface problems:
- Cracked or broken paving
- Potholes in car parks and yards
- Raised edges on flooring joints
- Worn or damaged carpets
- Loose floor tiles
- Ramps and slopes without clear marking
- Unmarked changes in floor level
- Subsidence causing uneven surfaces
- Temporary repairs that create lips or edges
- Worn stair nosings (the edge of steps)
Footwear and human factors
Often overlooked but important:
Footwear issues:
- Inappropriate footwear for the environment (smooth soles on wet floors)
- Damaged or worn shoes with reduced grip
- High heels increasing instability
- Footwear not kept clean (contamination reducing grip)
Human factors:
- Rushing or running
- Carrying items that obscure vision
- Distraction (using phones, talking)
- Fatigue affecting balance and attention
- Unfamiliarity with the environment
- Complacency ("I've walked here hundreds of times")
Prevention measures
Effective prevention requires a combination of controls addressing different causes:
1. Floor surfaces and maintenance
Choose appropriate flooring:
- Non-slip surfaces in areas prone to contamination
- Different slip resistance ratings (SRV or R-ratings) for different risk levels
- Smooth enough to be cleaned easily but textured enough for grip
- Appropriate for the environment (kitchens, wet areas, etc.)
- Avoid highly polished surfaces in public areas
Maintain flooring:
- Regular inspection for damage, wear, and deterioration
- Prompt repair of cracks, holes, and damaged areas
- Replace worn carpets before they become a trip hazard
- Ensure floor coverings are properly secured
- Mark or repair uneven surfaces and level changes
Reactive vs Proactive Floor Maintenance
Reactive Approach
- •Wait for damage to be reported
- •Fix problems after incidents occur
- •Emergency repairs disrupt operations
- •Higher long-term costs
- •Staff injuries and compensation claims
- •Enforcement action risk
Proactive Approach
Recommended- •Regular planned inspections
- •Identify and fix issues early
- •Scheduled maintenance during quiet periods
- •Lower long-term costs
- •Prevent injuries before they occur
- •Demonstrate compliance
Bottom line: Proactive maintenance is always more cost-effective. Regular inspections catch problems early, prevent serious incidents, and demonstrate that you're taking health and safety seriously.
2. Cleaning procedures and spill management
Develop safe cleaning protocols:
- Clean during quiet periods when fewer people are present
- Use appropriate cleaning methods (microfiber mops for damp cleaning, not soaking)
- Always use wet floor warning signs (but don't rely on them alone)
- Dry floors thoroughly after cleaning
- Use cleaning products that don't leave slippery residues
- Clean up spills immediately - have equipment readily available
Implement spill response:
- All staff know how to report spills
- Cleaning materials readily accessible (not locked away)
- Clear responsibility for immediate response
- Appropriate equipment (absorbent granules, mops, warning signs)
- Regular checks of high-risk areas
Place spill kits in accessible locations throughout your workplace. A simple kit containing absorbent material, warning signs, and cleaning supplies enables immediate response rather than waiting for cleaning staff.
3. Housekeeping and walkway management
Maintain clear walkways:
- Designate specific walkways and keep them clear
- No storage in corridors or walkways (even temporarily)
- Regular inspections to identify and remove obstructions
- Cable management systems (trunking, cable trays, under-desk routing)
- Secure mats and rugs or remove them entirely
- Keep fire exits and escape routes completely clear
Organize storage:
- Everything has its place
- Stock and materials stored appropriately
- Delivery areas don't encroach on walkways
- Regular clear-outs of unnecessary items
- "Clean as you go" culture
4. Environmental controls
Improve lighting:
- Conduct lighting surveys to identify inadequate areas
- Replace or repair faulty lights promptly
- Install additional lighting in problem areas
- Use sensors or timers to ensure lights are on when needed
- Consider natural light opportunities
- Reduce glare and shadows
- Emergency lighting for power failures
Address weather-related hazards:
- Entrance mats to remove rainwater (and clean them regularly)
- Canopies or covered walkways where practical
- Gritting/salting procedures for ice and snow
- Clear snow promptly from walkways
- Drainage to prevent pooling water
- Warning signs for areas that ice in cold weather
Control temperature and humidity:
- Address condensation issues (ventilation, heating)
- Fix leaks and roof problems promptly
- Manage steam and moisture in wet processes
- Ensure adequate ventilation in humid areas
5. Footwear and PPE
Provide guidance on appropriate footwear:
- Communicate footwear requirements clearly
- Provide or subsidize appropriate footwear where hazards are significant
- Specify slip-resistant sole requirements
- Ban inappropriate footwear (open-toed shoes in warehouses, etc.)
- Replace worn footwear regularly
Consider PPE where hazards can't be eliminated:
- Slip-resistant overshoes for visitors in wet areas
- Safety footwear with appropriate slip resistance ratings
- Regular inspection to ensure PPE is effective
Footwear is the last line of defense, not the first. Always prioritize eliminating or controlling the hazard itself (wet floors, obstacles) before relying on footwear to protect people.
6. Visibility and awareness
Mark hazards clearly:
- Yellow or high-contrast markings for step edges
- Clear signage for changes in level
- Hazard warning signs for areas that are routinely slippery
- Floor markings for designated walkways
- Mark temporary hazards (maintenance areas, repair work)
Create awareness:
- Induction training covering slip, trip and fall hazards
- Regular reminders through toolbox talks or noticeboards
- Encourage reporting of hazards
- Share lessons from near misses and incidents
- Visible safety campaigns
Employer duties
As an employer or person in control of premises, you have clear legal duties:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
You must, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- Provide and maintain a safe workplace
- Ensure safe access to and from the workplace
- Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision
- Assess and control risks
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Specifically require:
- Floors must be suitable, in good condition, and free from obstructions
- Surfaces must not be slippery or uneven
- Adequate lighting must be provided
- Sufficient space and access for safe movement
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Require you to:
- Conduct risk assessments
- Implement control measures
- Review and update assessments regularly
- Provide training and information to staff
Failing to manage slip, trip and fall risks can result in HSE enforcement action. This can include improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Recent cases have resulted in fines ranging from £10,000 to over £100,000, plus substantial legal costs.
Risk assessment for slips, trips and falls
A systematic approach to identifying and controlling hazards:
Step 1: Identify the hazards
Walk through your workplace and identify:
- Areas where floors are routinely wet or contaminated
- Locations with poor lighting
- Changes in floor level
- Uneven or damaged surfaces
- Areas with trailing cables or obstructions
- High-traffic areas
- Areas used by visitors unfamiliar with the layout
- External areas affected by weather
Step 2: Decide who might be harmed
Consider:
- Employees working in different areas
- Visitors and members of the public
- Contractors and delivery personnel
- Cleaners (often working outside normal hours in dim lighting)
- People with disabilities or mobility issues
- Elderly people (higher risk of serious injury from falls)
- People carrying items that obstruct their view
Step 3: Evaluate the risks and implement controls
For each hazard:
- Can you eliminate it? (Best option - remove the hazard entirely)
- Can you reduce it? (Make it less likely to cause harm)
- Can you protect people from it? (Warning signs, lighting, training)
Apply the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination (remove the hazard)
- Substitution (replace with something safer)
- Engineering controls (barriers, drainage, non-slip surfaces)
- Administrative controls (procedures, training, signs)
- PPE (slip-resistant footwear)
Step 4: Record your findings
Document:
- Hazards identified
- Who is at risk
- Control measures in place
- Further actions needed
- Who is responsible
- Target completion dates
Step 5: Review regularly
Review your assessment:
- At least annually
- After any slip, trip or fall incident
- When you identify new hazards
- After changes to the workplace or work activities
- If you have reason to think it's no longer valid
Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Schedule
Quick inspection of main walkways, stairs, and entrance areas for obvious hazards
Thorough check of all areas, including lighting, floor condition, and housekeeping
Analyze any near misses or incidents to identify trends and hazards
Professional cleaning, floor maintenance, lighting checks, and repairs
Comprehensive review of all controls, update risk assessment, plan improvements
Investigate what went wrong, implement corrective actions, share lessons learned
Office reduces slip and trip incidents by 90% with systematic approach
A professional services firm with 200 staff across three floors was experiencing 2-3 reportable slip, trip or fall incidents per year, plus numerous near misses. Claims were costing around £15,000 annually.
- ✓Conducted thorough risk assessment of all areas
- ✓Replaced worn carpets and repaired damaged flooring
- ✓Implemented strict cable management policy with desk trunking
- ✓Installed additional lighting in stairwells and corridors
- ✓Introduced daily walkway checks by facilities team
- ✓Launched safety awareness campaign with visible posters
- ✓Established spill response procedure with accessible equipment
- ✓Trained all staff on hazard identification and reporting
Zero reportable incidents in the following 18 months. Near-miss reporting actually increased (showing better awareness), but these were addressed before causing injury. Investment of £8,000 paid back within the first year through reduced claims and absence.
Systematic assessment and a combination of controls is more effective than reactive fixes. Involving staff in identifying hazards and creating a culture of awareness makes the biggest difference.
Special considerations
Visitor and public areas
Visitors are at higher risk because they're unfamiliar with your premises:
- Keep entrances and reception areas especially clear and well-lit
- Extra attention to weather-related hazards at entrances
- Clear signage for any unavoidable hazards
- Consider dedicated visitor walkways in high-risk areas
- Contractors and delivery personnel may need briefing
Vulnerable people
Some people are at increased risk of falling or suffering serious injury:
Older people:
- Reduced balance and reaction time
- More likely to suffer serious injury (hip fractures common)
- May have visual impairments affecting hazard perception
People with disabilities:
- Mobility impairments may affect stability
- Visual impairments reduce ability to spot hazards
- Cognitive impairments may affect hazard recognition
Pregnant workers:
- Changing center of gravity affects balance
- May be at risk of serious harm to themselves and the baby
Conduct individual risk assessments and make appropriate adjustments.
Weather-dependent hazards
UK weather creates seasonal challenges:
Winter:
- Ice and frost (especially early morning and shaded areas)
- Snow accumulation
- Water and mud walked in from outside
- Reduced daylight hours affecting lighting needs
Summer:
- Algae growth on external surfaces
- Condensation from air conditioning
- Open doors allowing rain in
Year-round:
- Wet weather creating wet floors
- Wind blowing debris onto walkways
- Leaves in autumn
Develop seasonal procedures and ensure responsibilities are clear.
Working alone
People working alone or outside normal hours face additional risks:
- May not be discovered quickly if injured
- Lighting may be different (security lighting vs. full lighting)
- Cleaning creates temporary hazards when fewer people are around
- No one to provide immediate assistance
Ensure lone workers have means to call for help and that high-risk activities are supervised.
Frequently asked questions
No, there's no specific legal requirement for yellow warning signs. However, you do have a legal duty to prevent slips, trips and falls. Warning signs are part of your control measures, but they're not a substitute for actually controlling the hazard. Always clean up spills and dry floors rather than just relying on signs.
The employer or person in control of the premises has overall responsibility. However, managers, supervisors, facilities teams, and individual employees all have roles to play. Employers must provide safe systems of work and training; employees must follow procedures and report hazards.
Potentially, yes. The HSE or local authority can prosecute if they believe you failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the incident. Simply having a wet floor sign is unlikely to be sufficient defense. You need to demonstrate that you assessed the risks, implemented appropriate controls, and maintained them effectively.
There's no fixed legal frequency, but best practice is daily visual checks of high-risk and high-traffic areas, with more thorough weekly inspections of all areas. The frequency should reflect your risk assessment - higher risk environments need more frequent checks.
The HSE recommends a minimum slip resistance value of 36 for pedestrian areas where wet contamination is unlikely. For areas that are routinely wet or contaminated (kitchens, shower areas, outdoor areas), you need higher ratings - typically 40+. Always assess based on your specific environment and contamination risks.
It depends. If your risk assessment identifies significant slip risks that cannot be adequately controlled by other means, you should provide appropriate footwear. This is common in kitchens, food production, and healthcare. The cost of footwear is far less than the cost of injuries and claims.
Not necessarily. Mats serve important functions (moisture control at entrances, anti-fatigue in standing work areas). The key is ensuring they're properly secured, in good condition, and appropriate for the location. Loose or curled mats are trip hazards; properly secured mats reduce slip risks.
Ensure the injured person receives appropriate first aid and medical attention. Secure the area to prevent further incidents. Investigate what happened while evidence is fresh (don't just clean up and move on). Document the incident, identify the root cause, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Report under RIDDOR if required.
Yes. You owe a duty of care to contractors working on your premises. This includes providing safe access, informing them of hazards, and maintaining safe conditions. Ensure contractors are briefed on site-specific hazards and that they follow your safety procedures.
Start with visible leadership commitment. Conduct thorough risk assessments and act on findings. Involve staff in identifying hazards. Make reporting easy and respond to reports promptly. Provide training and regular reminders. Investigate incidents to learn lessons. Most importantly, maintain good housekeeping - it's the foundation of prevention.
Creating a prevention culture
Technical controls are essential, but culture makes them work:
Leadership commitment
- Senior management visibly prioritizing slip, trip and fall prevention
- Resources allocated for maintenance and improvements
- Incidents investigated thoroughly, not dismissed as "just an accident"
- Good practice recognized and celebrated
Staff involvement
- Encourage hazard reporting without blame
- Respond promptly to reports (even if the fix isn't immediate, acknowledge and plan)
- Share lessons from incidents and near misses
- Listen to staff suggestions - they know the hazards they face daily
Communication
- Regular reminders through multiple channels
- Visible safety campaigns
- Clear procedures everyone understands
- Make it easy to do the right thing
Accountability
- Clear responsibilities at all levels
- Regular inspections and audits
- Action tracking (don't let improvements get forgotten)
- Learning from incidents, not just reacting
Small, consistent actions have more impact than occasional big initiatives. Daily management checks, prompt responses to hazards, and good housekeeping routines prevent more incidents than annual campaigns or poster displays.
Next steps
To reduce slip, trip and fall risks in your workplace:
-
Conduct a thorough risk assessment - walk through every area and systematically identify hazards.
-
Prioritize your actions - fix the highest risks first, but don't let lower risks be forgotten.
-
Implement a combination of controls - flooring, housekeeping, lighting, procedures, training.
-
Establish inspection routines - make daily checks part of normal management activity.
-
Create reporting culture - make it easy for anyone to report hazards and act on reports promptly.
-
Review regularly - at least annually, and after any incident.
Need help identifying and controlling slip, trip and fall hazards? A qualified health and safety consultant can conduct a comprehensive assessment, identify hazards you might have missed, and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to your workplace.
Related articles:
Useful tools: