Over a 1/3 of all major injuries reported each year are caused by slipping and tripping.  It is the most common cause of injuries at work. 

Anyone at work, but particularly employers, can help reduce slip and trip hazards through good health and safety arrangements.  Slips and trips should be consdered during the risk assessment process, for more information, click here. 

Solutions are often simple and cheap, for example:

• choose suitable floor surfaces, avoiding very smooth floors in areas that will become wet or contaminated;
• check floors regularly for loose finishes, holes, cracks and other defects - encourage staff to report defects;
• check lighting levels, ensuring that there is suitable and sufficient lighting for people to see;
• ensure objects such as stock, waste materials, etc. are not left lying around - make staff responsible for maintaining their areas in a tidy condition;
• ensure safe cleaning procedures - use suitable cleaning products, clean at times when there is no or limited access to the area, put up warning signs, etc.;
• clean up spillages immediately or cordon the area off / put up warning signs until it can be dealt with.

If you require further information, look at the HSE website by clicking here.

If you would like to report a hazard at a workplace, contact the Council or use the online service request form.