Don't get tripped up by OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard

Date posted: 05/08/2019.

Trip Hazard

OSHA's  Walking-working surfaces  standard,  29 CFR 1910.22 , addresses workplace hazards that cause slip, trip, and falls. The standard focuses on proactive safety management — meaning that OSHA expects employers to find and fix workplace hazards BEFORE they become an issue. OSHA says exposure to these types of hazards pose a "significant risk" of death or serious harm to workers.

The requirements under Subpart D, "Walking-Working Surfaces," provide employers with the flexibility to decide which fall protection method or system works best for the work operation. OSHA says that these multiple options, along with required  inspections  and  training , will help employers prevent and eliminate walking-working surface hazards.

What is a walking-working surface?

They are surfaces like floors, aisles, stairs, ladders, roofs, platforms, dockboards, and more. When you identify walking-working surface hazards, they must be eliminated with proactive measures such as use of  fall protection . Fall protection includes using: covers, designated areas, guardrails, handrails, personal fall protection systems, ladder safety systems, and safety nets.

The standard requires employers to conduct regular inspections to identify and mitigate slips, trips and fall hazards. Things to keep in mind while performing these inspections include:

  • Passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces must be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
  • Walking-working surfaces must have a proper load rating to safely support loads applied to it.
  • If a corrective action or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface.
  • False floors, platforms, and mats must be provided when wet processes are used.
  • Workroom floors must be kept clean and dry.
  • Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces must be corrected or repaired before an employee can use it again.
  • Employers must provide safe access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.
  • Protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice are not allowed on walking-working surfaces.
  • Only a qualified person can repair structural integrity issues on a walking-working surface.

How Safety Management Suite Can Help

Many OSHA standards require your employer to provide training to workers, including this standard. Training should occur initially at new hire orientation and thereafter on an ongoing basis. Walking-working surfaces training topics include: hazard identification, fall protection use, ladder safety, scaffold-user safety, and stairway requirements.

In addition to your site-specific training, you can find classroom training materials in the J. J. Keller® SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE . The training feature offers online training courses in English and Spanish to enhance or jump start your site-specific training. You can also use the Workplace Inspections in SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE to customize your walking-working surface inspections.

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Causes of falls: environment, equipment, and behaviors, proposed rule to address stair rail height confusion, to help reduce slips and falls, check the floor material, faqs on walking-working surfaces.

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Max threshold height before becoming tripping hazard?

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Hi all, I have to replace a floor tile in a restaurant. This is bluestone that was used to make a threshold at some point. As you can see, the slab rests directly atop the wood floor in order to be level. Problem is, the public tends to trip over it all the time. The height from wood floor to saddle is 1 1/8". The owners asked me what I could do about it. Short of chamfering it with the grinder i'm short on ideas. Anyone have any thoughts? Keith  

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Floor Property Flooring Hardwood Wood

Try something like these: http://www.planetmobility.com/store/ramps/planet/treshold/index.html or make one out of hardwood.:thumbsup:  

First of all, how in the H$)) are there no lawsuits pending? That is a trip hazard that you will inherit responsibility for once you correct it. Ramp it up with mapecem quickpatch from feather 2ft out, then cover it with 3' wide by length with walk off mat.  

Another idea, If you can get a close match out of porcelain, slate, etc., in 1/2 " thick material, pull that row of bluestone and ramp it down from the 2nd piece to the hardwood. Using medium bed mortar, ensuring solid bed of material, then use reno-ramp, or wood reducer to hardwood. Decorative concrete to match color and texture ramped down. Unsure of maximum incline per foot ( ADA OR GOVERNING AUTHORITY)  

greg24k

1008.4 Floor Elevation Exception Rule Variations in elevation due differences in finished materials should be no more then 1/2".  

Weather its 1'' or 1/2'' its still a tripping hazard . You still need to make a smooth transition between the two .  

JBM

Mason logic here so bear with me. option A: Remove all the bluestone and put down matching flooring option B Add more bluestone so that it all matches  

Eaglei said: Weather its 1'' or 1/2'' its still a tripping hazard . You still need to make a smooth transition between the two . Click to expand...

Just want to give a shout out that I ended up building a transition out of red oak 5/4 x 8. I made it on the tablesaw with a 13 degree angle and 1" deep rebate on the stone. It came out beautifully and I thank you all for the advice. Keith  

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Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards for protruding objects.

Notational tips for users of screen reading software follow.  In this document ″ indicates inches and ′ indicates feet.  Some images are paired with visually hidden notes.&nbsp These annotations are prefaced with begin and end image notes.

Protruding Objects

To prevent hazards to people with vision impairments, the standards limit the projection of objects into circulation paths. These requirements apply to all circulation paths and are not limited to accessible routes. Circulation paths include interior and exterior walks, paths, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings.

Examples of Protruding Objects

maximum height trip hazard

Protrusion Limits

People with vision impairments often travel closely along walls which can provide wayfinding cues sometime called a “shoreline.” Objects mounted on walls, partitions, columns, and other elements along circulation paths can pose hazards unless their projection is limited. Those with leading edges that are within cane sweep (27″ high maximum) or that provide minimum headroom clearance (80″ minimum) do not pose hazards and can protrude any amount.

Limits of Protruding Objects

maximum height trip hazard

Location Above Detectable Elements

maximum height trip hazard

Side Partitions and Wing Walls

Pay phone with side partitions with bottom edge 27 inches maximum AFF. Note: Partitions cannot obstruct required clear floor space or protrude into knee and toe space

Recessed Objects

Objects can be recessed in alcoves so that they do not project more than 4″ into circulation paths. Alcoves must be sized to accommodate required clear floor space at accessible elements.

Recessed drinking fountain with leading edge above 27 inches AFF

Elements, such as wheelchair accessible drinking fountains, must provide a knee clearance of at least 27″. If located to provide, but not exceed this clearance (27″ above the floor or ground absolute), they are not protruding objects because the leading edge will be within cane detection.

Hi-lo drinking fountain with higher unit enclosed by lower unit on one site and a wall bump-out on the other

Post-Mounted Objects

Free-standing objects with leading edges 27″ to 80″ high that are mounted on posts or pylons cannot protrude more than 12″ into circulation paths. The 12″ limit also applies to the clearance between multiple posts (excluding the sloping portions of handrails).

maximum height trip hazard

Objects with leading edges 27″ maximum or above 80″ can protrude any amount from posts or pylons.

maximum height trip hazard

Vertical Clearance

Headroom clearance of at least 80″ high is required along all circulation paths (except at doors and doorways where a 78″ minimum clearance is permitted to accommodate door stops and closers).

Fixed barriers, such as guardrails, are required where the vertical clearance is less than 80″ such as at open stairways and along sloped or curved walls. Barriers must have leading edges no higher than 27″ so that they are within cane sweep. Fixed planters, benches, and other elements can be used instead of guardrails.

Barriers at Circulation Areas with Reduced Vertical Clearance

maximum height trip hazard

Left image: Reduced Clearance Below Stairway; Right image: Clearance Reduced at Curved (or Sloped Walls)

Common Questions

question mark

Are requirements for protruding objects limited to hallways and corridors?

No, requirements for protruding objects apply to all circulation paths, including those in rooms and spaces off corridors. They apply to both interior and exterior circulation paths.

Do drinking fountains pose hazards as protruding objects?

Cantilevered units at standard heights for people who stand must be recessed or protected as protruding objects. This is not required for wheelchair accessible units with no more than a 27″ clearance below (the minimum required for knee clearance and the maximum recognized for cane detection).

Can curbs be used to indicate areas with less than 80″ of vertical clearance?

The standards specify a maximum height (27″) for the leading edge of barriers so they are within cane sweep, but a minimum height is not specified. Curbs may be mistaken for a step or change in level, instead of a barrier. For this reason, barriers significantly higher than a curb or riser, such as a guardrail, planter box, bench, parapet wall, or similar elements are recommended.

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  • Slips, trips and falls

Published on: 28/02/2012

Latest update: 12/09/2022

This article is not available in other languages

Introduction

An inadequate slip resistance of flooring and/or footwear  may cause slipping accidents. Tripping is caused by uneven ground or obstacles on the surface or by poor coordination while walking. Slipping or tripping can cause falls. Such accidents are described as falls on the same level because they occur on level surfaces with no or little changes in inclination. Accidents in which a person falls from a roof or scaffold are not included within the category of slip, trip and fall accidents. Such accidents are classified as " falls from  height ".

Common accidents

Slips, trips and falls are a common cause of occupational accidents . In the EU 584,371 accidents at work occurred in 2019 due to Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons of which 520 accidents were fatal [1] . The data don't make a distinction between falls on the same level and falls from height, but it must be assumed that most of the fatal accidents fall into the category fall from height.

Among the non-fatal accidents, Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons is the third most common cause after Loss of control (total or partial) of machine, means of transport or handling equipment, hand-held tool, object, animal and Body movement under or with physical stress (generally leading to an internal injury) [1]  (figure 1).

A more detailed analysis of 1231 falls on the same level in the Netherlands [2]   found that almost 40% of these falls are due to a loss of grip between the shoe and the floor surface, almost 30% are due to tripping over obstacles and about 15% to uncontrolled movements. Underlying causes include a lack of motivation and commitment, a lack of planning and procedures and inadequate equipment. The analysis also shows that older workers are more at risk of slipping or tripping accidents. 33% of the victims are older than 50 compared to only 19% for other types of accidents [2] .

Based on the Framework Directive [3]  employers must analyse workplace risk s and take measures for improving safety and health at work. In addition, Directive 89/654 on workplace requirements [4] stipulates that employers must ensure that workplaces meet the safety requirements of annex I of the Directive. Requirements include that

  • the floors of rooms must have no dangerous bumps, holes or slopes and must be fixed, stable and not slippery;
  • when workers are employed at workstations outdoors, such workstations must as far as possible be arranged so that workers cannot slip or fall

Figure 1 – Causes of non-fatal accidents at work - % - (EU27-2019)

f

Source: figure compiled based on data from the Eurostat database - Accidents at work by sex, age, severity, NACE Rev. 2 activity and deviation (hsw_ph3_06)   [1]  

Risk factors

Factors affecting slip resistance

One of the main causes of slipping and tripping accidents is an inadequate  slip resistance of flooring and footwea r . Slip resistance can be defined as a 'measure of dynamic friction between two surfaces' [5] . Slip resistance depends on the friction between flooring and shoe: the higher the friction, the higher the slip resistance. Several parameters influence frictional behaviour and thus slip resistance. These parameters can be classified into four broad categories: floor, shoe, contaminant and human factors.

1. A suitably selected and correctly installed floor may provide sufficient slip resistance irrespective of the footwear worn, and even when the floor surface is soiled or wet   [6] . In addition to the type of floor (such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, parquet, elastic surfacing), parameters such as the roughness, the profiling, the degree of wear and the state in which the floor is maintained affect slip resistance.

2. The footwear selected also has an influence upon the slip resistance. Important footwear parameters include the type of sole material, its hardness, elasticity, roughness, tread, and level of wear.

3. Liquid and solid contaminants increase the risk of slipping considerably, since they reduce the contact between shoe and floor. Typical examples are wet shoe soles, contamination by solids or liquids on the floor caused by production methods (spills), and condensation.

4. Human factors include parameters such as the walking behaviour, walking speed, weight, a person's physical fitness and attention, and also the ease with which slippery floors can be recognised as such.

Trip hazards

Trip accidents are caused by uneven floor surfaces or obstructions in walkways. Trip hazards are usually low to the ground and not easily recognised. Common workplace trip hazards include uneven edges in flooring, steps, slopes, gutters and cracks, loose mats, open drawers, untidy tools, and/or electrical cords [7] . Studies have shown that level changes of as little as 8 mm can pose a risk for the normal walking of fit healthy people. When tripping, the forward movement of the foot is suddenly stopped by an obstacle, such as a loose cable, but the body continues its forward movement. If a person fails to restore balance, they fall forward and may suffer injuries to the head, leg or wrist   [8] .

Falls on stairs pose a particular risk, especially if stairs are poorly designed. Design and construction failures that contribute in stair fall accidents include lack of handrails, insufficient tread depths and irregular riser heights [9] . Descending stairs is more likely to result in a fall than ascending stairs   [10] .

Environment

The working environment can increase the risk of slip and trip accidents. Especially lighting is a key factor. Insufficient lighting levels but also inadequate lighting (e.g. uneven levels, contrasts, glare) can cause workers to slip or trip  [11] . Other environmental factors include temperature , weather conditions and visual or noise distractions .

Work organisation

Causes of slip and trip accidents can also be related to task characteristics (e.g. work pace, load carrying , walking distances, etc.) and work organisation (e.g. (lack of) maintenance programmes , work schedules and time constraints).

Individual factors

Individual characteristics such as age , visual impairment and a person's motor control ability to recover from imbalance [12]   are also risk factors for slipping and tripping accidents. It should be noted that these individual characteristics can be influenced by task-related aspects such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or exoskeletons. For instance, a study among firefighters found that the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus  with or without face mask negatively affected balance [13] . Exoskeletons, depending on their construction and weight, can restrict workers' natural freedom of movement, making it difficult to regain balance in the event of a fall   [14] .

Finally, risk perception and an individual's ability to identify any existing unsafe condition play a role. In fact, individuals tend to adjust their walking movements if they observe or expect hazardous conditions. For instance, people walking on icy floors will move more cautiously [12]   [15] [16] . However, this ability can be affected by distractions such as obstructions or noise , fatigue and also by individual behaviour such as using a mobile phone or having a conversation   [11] .

  • Prevention measures

Controlling the risks of slips, trips and falls, requires identifying the problem areas, assessing the risks , and deciding on the prevention measures . The EU legislative framework sets a hierarchy for preventive measures to be applied to prevent harm to workers. At the top of the hierarchy is eliminating the hazard at source.

Technical, organisational and individual measures can be taken to reduce slip and trip accidents.

Technical measures

Choosing appropriate flooring

Floors must be sufficiently slip-resistant , depending on the working characteristics and conditions. For example, a floor in a slaughterhouse requires higher slip resistance than a floor in a bank office. Flooring is a 'construction product' and falls within the scope of EU Regulation (305/2011) [17] . The Regulation lays down conditions for the placing or making available on the market of construction products. One of the essential rules for construction products is that they must be designed and built in such a way that they do not present unacceptable risks of accidents or damage in service or in operation such as slipping or falling . In the framework of the Construction Product Regulation, harmonised standards serve as a link between the requirements of the Regulation by determining the performance of construction products, based on their characteristics and intended uses. The main standards for floors include:

  • EN 14041 Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Essential characteristics
  • EN 14342 Wood flooring and parquet - Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking
  • EN 14411 Ceramic tiles - Definition, classification, characteristics, assessment and verification of constancy of performance and marking

Layout of walkways

Walkways should be sufficiently wide and level. Thresholds, slopes and steps/ stairs should be avoided where possible.

Improving slip-resistance of existing floors

Shiny floors are often insufficiently slip-resistant and may require some form of remedial or improvement treatment. Chemical treatment in-situ of floors may be a suitable solution for existing mineral floor surfaces, such as natural stone floors, ceramic tiles, and concrete and screed floors. The chemical used to treat the floor (acid) reacts with the minerals and changes the roughness of the floor surface (acid-etching). Such treatment relies on the correct application of the etching product and often requires high concentrations posing serious health risks for those applying the product and bystanders   [11]   [18] . Such solutions are not suitable for floors made of wood or artificial materials. Chemical treatment of floors in situ is worthwhile only if it enhances the slip resistance of the floor without significantly affecting its appearance or ease of cleaning. Other treatment methods are:

  • mechanical treatment, e.g. grinding, sandblasting.
  • thermal treatment: e.g. lasering , flame treatment [19] .

Another way of improving the slip resistance of floor surfaces is applying slip-resistant tapes or sheets. They are available in various sizes and profiles.

Other technical measures

Examples of other technical measures include [8]   [11]   [15] [20]   :

  • installing appropriate lighting (e.g. good lighting levels, functioning and position of lights to ensure all floor areas are evenly lit);  
  • providing drainage in wet areas;
  • securely fixing mats and carpets to the floor;
  • providing slip-resistance mats at entrances for removing dirt;
  • installing canopies above building entrances to shelter the outside of the door;
  • preventing contamination of floors by installing exhausts on machinery , drip trays, etc.;  
  • installing floor heating;
  • installing handrails on stairs;
  • avoiding trailing electrical cords by installing additional power outlets, routing electrical cables in walls or ceilings or using cable covers to securely fix cables to surfaces.

Organisational measures

Cleaning can help to reduce the likelihood of slip accidents by keeping floors free of contamination. However, cleaning often itself leads to surface contamination by water or a cleaning detergent. After cleaning, any improvement in slip resistance will not have its full effect until the surface has dried. It is recommended to test floor surfaces from time to time to check slip resistance and verify the effectiveness of the cleaning procedure.

The cleaning methods and products used must be suitable for the floor. In general, floors with a high slip resistance are also more difficult to clean. Cleaning machines with rotating brushes and jet streams have proved effective for the cleaning of floors with deep profiles or rough surfaces. Their use may pay off economically even on relatively small floor areas. When using jet-stream cleaning equipment it is important that the pressure and temperature of the liquid and the mixture ratio of the cleaning agent and water do not damage the floor and the joints.

Cleaning products should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The correct concentration of products ensures their effectiveness. Dosing systems can help to reduce errors.

Other organisational measures

Examples of other organisational measures include [8]   [15] [20]   :

  • organising housekeeping procedures for cleaning and maintenance ;
  • carrying out regular checks of floor surfaces;
  • job design (avoiding carrying loads , reducing work pace, avoiding night work to reduce fatigue);
  • organising supervision;
  • implementing procedures on the immediate clean-up of spillages;
  • implementing programmes such as 5S to keep workplaces tidy;
  • setting up programmes motivating staff (awareness raising, behavioural based programmes , nudging);
  • providing information and training ;
  • displaying warning/caution signs to mark trip hazards.

Individual measures

Suitable footwear plays a key role in preventing slip and trip incidents. For instance, a randomised controlled study in a population of workers from a food services company showed that providing slip-resistant footwear can be an effective intervention. The probability of a slipping injury was reduced significantly in the intervention group while in the control group slipping injuries increased  [21]  .

Tread patterns on shoe soles affect friction, especially when surfaces are contaminated with solid particles or liquid. A smooth sole may offer little slip resistance. Safety footwear placed on the European market must meet the requirements laid down in Regulation 2016/425/EU of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment [22] . The presumption of conformity of PPE with the essential safety and health requirements of the Regulation, is confirmed by the use of harmonised European standards. Standard EN ISO 20345:2021 includes slip resistance as one of the basic requirements for safety footwear.

When selecting footwear, it's important to choose comfortable footwear that fits well and is easy to clean and maintain. Footwear should also be regularly checked and replaced if needed. Studies have shown that worn footwear affects the friction performance and increases the risk of injury from a slip and fall for the wearer   [23] .

Providing and maintaining appropriate PPE is an employer's obligation based on Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace [24] . Before choosing slip-resistant footwear the employer should assess the risks and take into the nature of the job and workplace conditions. If possible, employers should organise tests of different types of footwear in the workplace and base the selection of the most appropriate footwear on user experiences. Consulting workers throughout the process of choosing slip-resistant footwear contributes to greater acceptance so that users are more likely to wear safety footwear effectively  [25] .

Slip, trip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of work-related injuries and remain a priority for employers and safety and health professionals. However, addressing these injuries can be challenging and preventive interventions in the workplace require a comprehensive approach based on technical, organisational and individual measures. Involving workers by setting up awareness and motivation programmes is a key success factor. 

Detlef Mewes , Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, Germany

https://oshwiki.eu/wiki/Slips,_trips_and_falls

An inadequate slip resistance of flooring and/or footwear may cause slipping accidents. Tripping is caused by uneven ground or obstacles on the surface or by poor coordination while walking. Slipping or tripping can cause falls. Such accidents are described as falls on the same level because they occur on level surfaces with no or little changes in inclination. Accidents in which a person falls from a roof or scaffold are not included within the category of slip, trip and fall accidents. Such accidents are classified as " falls from  height ".

Among the non-fatal accidents, Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons is the third most common cause after Loss of control (total or partial) of machine, means of transport or handling equipment, hand-held tool, object, animal and Body movement under or with physical stress (generally leading to an internal injury) 1 (figure 1).

A more detailed analysis of 1231 falls on the same level in the Netherlands [2] found that almost 40% of these falls are due to a loss of grip between the shoe and the floor surface, almost 30% are due to tripping over obstacles and about 15% to uncontrolled movements. Underlying causes include a lack of motivation and commitment, a lack of planning and procedures and inadequate equipment. The analysis also shows that older workers are more at risk of slipping or tripping accidents. 33% of the victims are older than 50 compared to only 19% for other types of accidents 2.

Based on the Framework Directive [3] employers must analyse workplace risks and take measures for improving safety and health at work. In addition, Directive 89/654 on workplace requirements [4] stipulates that employers must ensure that workplaces meet the safety requirements of annex I of the Directive. Requirements include that

- the floors of rooms must have no dangerous bumps, holes or slopes and must be fixed, stable and not slippery;

- when workers are employed at workstations outdoors, such workstations must as far as possible be arranged so that workers cannot slip or fall.

maximum height trip hazard

Source: figure compiled based on data from the Eurostat database - Accidents at work by sex, age, severity, NACE Rev. 2 activity and deviation (hsw_ph3_06) 1

One of the main causes of slipping and tripping accidents is an inadequate  slip resistance of flooring and footwear . Slip resistance can be defined as a 'measure of dynamic friction between two surfaces' [5] . Slip resistance depends on the friction between flooring and shoe: the higher the friction, the higher the slip resistance. Several parameters influence frictional behaviour and thus slip resistance. These parameters can be classified into four broad categories: floor, shoe, contaminant and human factors.

1. A suitably selected and correctly installed floor may provide sufficient slip resistance irrespective of the footwear worn, and even when the floor surface is soiled or wet [6] . In addition to the type of floor (such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, parquet, elastic surfacing), parameters such as the roughness, the profiling, the degree of wear and the state in which the floor is maintained affect slip resistance.

Trip accidents are caused by uneven floor surfaces or obstructions in walkways. Trip hazards are usually low to the ground and not easily recognised. Common workplace trip hazards include uneven edges in flooring, steps, slopes, gutters and cracks, loose mats, open drawers, untidy tools, and/or electrical cords [7] . Studies have shown that level changes of as little as 8 mm can pose a risk for the normal walking of fit healthy people. When tripping, the forward movement of the foot is suddenly stopped by an obstacle, such as a loose cable, but the body continues its forward movement. If a person fails to restore balance, they fall forward and may suffer injuries to the head, leg or wrist [8] .

Falls on stairs pose a particular risk, especially if stairs are poorly designed. Design and construction failures that contribute in stair fall accidents include lack of handrails, insufficient tread depths and irregular riser heights [9] . Descending stairs is more likely to result in a fall than ascending stairs [10] .

The working environment can increase the risk of slip and trip accidents. Especially lighting is a key factor. Insufficient lighting levels but also inadequate lighting (e.g. uneven levels, contrasts, glare) can cause workers to slip or trip [11] . Other environmental factors include temperature , weather conditions and visual or noise distractions .

Individual characteristics such as age , visual impairment and a person's motor control ability to recover from imbalance [12] are also risk factors for slipping and tripping accidents. It should be noted that these individual characteristics can be influenced by task-related aspects such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or exoskeletons. For instance, a study among firefighters found that the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus with or without face mask negatively affected balance [13] . Exoskeletons, depending on their construction and weight, can restrict workers' natural freedom of movement, making it difficult to regain balance in the event of a fall [14] .

Finally, risk perception and an individual's ability to identify any existing unsafe condition play a role. In fact, individuals tend to adjust their walking movements if they observe or expect hazardous conditions. For instance, people walking on icy floors will move more cautiously 12 [15] [16] . However, this ability can be affected by distractions such as obstructions or noise , fatigue and also by individual behaviour such as using a mobile phone or having a conversation11.

- EN 14041 Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Essential characteristics

- EN 14342 Wood flooring and parquet - Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking

- EN 14411 Ceramic tiles - Definition, classification, characteristics, assessment and verification of constancy of performance and marking

Shiny floors are often insufficiently slip-resistant and may require some form of remedial or improvement treatment. Chemical treatment in-situ of floors may be a suitable solution for existing mineral floor surfaces, such as natural stone floors, ceramic tiles, and concrete and screed floors. The chemical used to treat the floor (acid) reacts with the minerals and changes the roughness of the floor surface (acid-etching). Such treatment relies on the correct application of the etching product and often requires high concentrations posing serious health risks for those applying the product and bystanders 11 [18] . Such solutions are not suitable for floors made of wood or artificial materials. Chemical treatment of floors in situ is worthwhile only if it enhances the slip resistance of the floor without significantly affecting its appearance or ease of cleaning. Other treatment methods are:

- mechanical treatment, e.g. grinding, sandblasting.

- thermal treatment: e.g. lasering , flame treatment [19] .

Examples of other technical measures include 8 11 15 [20] :

- installing appropriate lighting (e.g. good lighting levels, functioning and position of lights to ensure all floor areas are evenly lit);  

- providing drainage in wet areas;

- securely fixing mats and carpets to the floor;

- providing slip-resistance mats at entrances for removing dirt;

- installing canopies above building entrances to shelter the outside of the door;

- preventing contamination of floors by installing exhausts on machinery , drip trays, etc.;  

- installing floor heating;

- installing handrails on stairs;

- avoiding trailing electrical cords by installing additional power outlets, routing electrical cables in walls or ceilings or using cable covers to securely fix cables to surfaces.

Examples of other organisational measures include 8 15 20 :

- organising housekeeping procedures for cleaning and maintenance ;

- carrying out regular checks of floor surfaces;

- job design (avoiding carrying loads , reducing work pace, avoiding night work to reduce fatigue);

- organising supervision;

- implementing procedures on the immediate clean-up of spillages;

- implementing programmes such as 5S to keep workplaces tidy;

- setting up programmes motivating staff (awareness raising, behavioural based programmes , nudging);

- providing information and training ;

- displaying warning/caution signs to mark trip hazards

  Individual measures

Suitable footwear plays a key role in preventing slip and trip incidents. For instance, a randomised controlled study in a population of workers from a food services company showed that providing slip-resistant footwear can be an effective intervention. The probability of a slipping injury was reduced significantly in the intervention group while in the control group slipping injuries increased [21] .

When selecting footwear, it's important to choose comfortable footwear that fits well and is easy to clean and maintain. Footwear should also be regularly checked and replaced if needed. Studies have shown that worn footwear affects the friction performance and increases the risk of injury from a slip and fall for the wearer [23] .

Providing and maintaining appropriate PPE is an employer's obligation based on Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace [24] . Before choosing slip-resistant footwear the employer should assess the risks and take into the nature of the job and workplace conditions. If possible, employers should organise tests of different types of footwear in the workplace and base the selection of the most appropriate footwear on user experiences. Consulting workers throughout the process of choosing slip-resistant footwear contributes to greater acceptance so that users are more likely to wear safety footwear effectively [25] .

Slip, trip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of work-related injuries and remain a priority for employers and safety and health professionals. However, addressing these injuries can be challenging and preventive interventions in the workplace require a comprehensive approach based on technical, organisational and individual measures. Involving workers by setting up awareness and motivation programmes is a key success factor.

Links for further reading

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, E-fact 37 - Slips, trips, falls and cleaners. 2008. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-fact-37-slips-trips-falls-and-cleaners

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, EU-OSHA. Factsheet 14 - Preventing Work-Related Slips Trips and Falls. 2001. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/factsheet-14-preventing-work-related-slips-trips-and-falls

Napo in ... No laughing matter. Available at: https://www.napofilm.net/en/napos-films/napo-no-laughing-matter/napo-no-laughing-matter

INRS - Institut national de recherche et de sécurité pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelles, Chutes de plain pied. Available at: https://www.inrs.fr/risques/chutes-de-plain-pied/ce-qu-il-faut-retenir.html

Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA). IFA test laboratory "Slip resistance of floor coverings". Available at: https://www.dguv.de/ifa/pruefung-zertifizierung/pruefung-von-bodenbelaegen/index-2.jsp

Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik. Fußböden in Arbeitsbereichen mit Rutschgefahr, 2018. Available at: https://kompendium.bghw.de/bghw/xhtml/document.jsf?docId=bghw_kom/bghw_kom-Documents/b12m010/b12m010_0_.html

Eurosafe, European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion https://www.eurosafe.eu.com/home

[1] Eurostat database - Accidents at work by sex, age, severity, NACE Rev. 2 activity and deviation (hsw_ph3_06) Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/explore/all/all_themes

[2] Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu. Lerenvoorveiligheid.nl. Val op gelijke hoogte. Available at: https://lerenvoorveiligheid.nl/val-op-gelijke-hoogte

[3] Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/the-osh-framework-directive/1

[4] Directive 89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (first individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/2

[5] EN 16165:2021 Determination of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces - Methods of evaluation.

[6] Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA). IFA test laboratory "Slip resistance of floor coverings". Available at: https://www.dguv.de/ifa/pruefung-zertifizierung/pruefung-von-bodenbelaegen/index-2.jsp

[7] Gilkey, D. Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Call to Duty. Safety Health & Industrial Hygiene, 2021. Available at: https://digitalcommons.mtech.edu/shih/

[8] EU-OSHA, E-fact 37 - Slips, trips, falls and cleaners. 2008. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-fact-37-slips-trips-falls-and-cleaners

[9] Atlas, R. What Is The Role Of Design And Architecture In Slip, Trip, And Fall Accidents? In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2019, November, vol. 63, n°. 1, pp. 531-536. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1071181319631093

[10] Scott, A. Falls on Stairways – Literature Review. Report Number HSL/2005/10. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2005/hsl0510.pdf

[11] Carpenter, J., Lazarus, D., Perkins, C. Safer surfaces to walk on – reducing the risk of slipping. CIRIA, 2005, updated 2010.

[12] Antwi-Afari, M. F., Li, H., Seo, J., & Wong, A. Y. L. Automated detection and classification of construction workers' loss of balance events using wearable insole pressure sensors. Automation in Construction, 2018, 96, pp. 189-199. Available at: https://moticon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pdf-pub-clinical-063-Antwi-Afari-2018-Automated-detection-and-classification-of-construction-workers_-loss-of-balance-events-using-wearable-insole-pressure-sensors.pdf

[13] Brown, M. N., Char, R. M. M. L., Henry, S. O., Tanigawa, J., & Yasui, S. (2019). The effect of firefighter personal protective equipment on static and dynamic balance. Ergonomics, 62(9), 1193-1201. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00140139.2019.1623422

[14] EU-OSHA. The impact of using exoskeletons on occupational safety and health. Discussion paper, 2019. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/impact-using-exoskeletons-occupational-safety-and-health

[15] Chang, W-R., Leclercq, S., Lockhart, T.E, Haslam, R. State of science: occupational slips, trips and falls on the same level, Ergonomics, 2016, 59:7, pp. 861-883. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2016.1157214  

[16] INRS. Les glissades. Prévention technique et méthodes de mesures. Aide-mémoire technique ED 6210, 2015. Available at: https://www.inrs.fr/media.html?refINRS=ED%206210

[17] Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/regulation-eu-no-305-2011-construction-products

[18] HSE. FAQ Slip resistance improvements. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/sat/faqslipimprove.htm

[19] Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik. Fußböden Verbesserung der Rutschhemmung von Bodenbelägen. BGHW-Wissen, 2020. Available at: https://kompendium.bghw.de/bghw/xhtml/document.jsf?alias=bghw_wis_b12w51_1_1_

[20] EU-OSHA. Factsheet 14 - Preventing Work-Related Slips Trips and Falls. 2001. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/factsheet-14-preventing-work-related-slips-trips-and-falls

[21] Bell, J. L., Collins, J. W., & Chiou, S. Effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers, slip-resistant footwear program for reducing slipping-related injuries in food service workers. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 2019, 45(2), pp. 194-202. Available at: https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3790&fullText=1

[22] Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC (with effect from 21 April 2018). Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directive/regulation-eu-2016425-personal-protective-equipment

[23] Cook, A., Hemler, S., Sundaram, V., Chanda, A., Beschorner, K. Differences in Friction Performance between New and Worn Shoes, IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, 2020, 8:4, pp. 209-214. Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/24725838.2021.1925998

[24] Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace (third individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/4

[25] HSA. Choosing Slip-resistant Footwear - Information Sheet. 2017. Available at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/publications/slips_trips_and_falls/choosing_slip-resistant_footwear_-_information_sheet.html

Eurosafe, European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion. Available at:  https://www.eurosafe.eu.com/home

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What floor level change is a trip hazard?

Sunday, March 8, 2020

A trip hazard is defined by the 2010 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design as any abrupt vertical change in the level of a floor surface of more than 1/4-inch. Broken or lifted sidewalks, or floor slabs that have shifted in any walking area, are a big problem for seniors and others with disabilities. The smaller trip hazards are often the most dangerous, simply because the change in plane is less noticeable. 

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about SAFETY:  

• Why is it important to use "cabinet screws" to mount the upper cabinets in the kitchen?

• Is the door between an attached garage and the house required to have a closer (self-closing device)?

• Can the smoke sensors in a home security/fire alarm system replace the smoke alarms required by the building code?

• Should I get a lightning rod system to protect my house?  

• What are the "Aging In Place" features to look for when buying a retirement home?

• What is aging in place?  

• How do I safely remove a dead rodent (rat, mouse or squirrel) from the attic?

• Does pushing the test button on a smoke alarm test the smoke sensor device inside?  

• What is the minimum height of a ceiling fan above the floor?

• Should a smoke alarm be installed in the kitchen?  

• Why is a double cylinder deadbolt lock on an exterior door a safety hazard?  

• Why are rubber washing machine hoses a safety risk?

• What can I do to avoid kitchen accidents and injuries?

• Where are smoke alarms required to be located?  

• Are carbon monoxide alarms required to be installed in homes in Florida?

• Are old vinyl tile floors dangerous?   

• How can I use safety checks to limit my tenant liability for a rental house?

• Do you inspect for trip hazards around the home?  

• When should I replace my smoke alarms?

•  Why is an anti-tip device now required behind the range?  

•  What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic?  

     Visit our SAFETY   page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

On this page, how do falls happen, how to prevent falls due to slips and trips, what can you do to avoid falling at work.

Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 30% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on "falls on the same level" (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in other documents since each type of fall must be assessed as part of a fall prevention program .

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

  • wet or oily surfaces
  • occasional spills
  • weather hazards
  • loose, unanchored rugs or mats
  • flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

  • obstructed view
  • poor lighting
  • clutter in your way
  • wrinkled carpeting
  • uncovered cables
  • bottom drawers not being closed
  • uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Both slips and trips result from unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This fact shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall incidents.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:

  • cleaning all spills immediately
  • marking spills and wet areas
  • mopping or sweeping debris from floors
  • removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter
  • securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
  • always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
  • covering cables that cross walkways
  • keeping working areas and walkways well lit
  • replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.

For more information about effective housekeeping, visit the OSH Answers document on Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide .

Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip-prevention measures.

In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall incidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers is highly recommended.

Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee. For more information on footwear visit the OSH Answers document on Safety Footwear .

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:

  • taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
  • adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
  • walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
  • making wide turns at corners

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:

  • keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions
  • keeping flooring in good condition
  • always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
  • using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
  • making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
  • Fact sheet last revised: 2023-03-28

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Trip Hazard Accident Compensation Claims

If you have been injured by a trip hazard, you may be able to claim compensation if it happened because another party breached the duty of care which they owed you.

What Is The Legal Height Of A Trip Hazard UK?

By Stephen Kane. Last Updated 16th February 2024. If you have been injured by a tripping hazard because another party breached their duty of care, then you may be eligible to claim compensation. You may be asking “ What is the legal height of a trip hazard in the UK ?” or if such a thing can even be applied to injury claims.

In this guide, we will discuss the eligibility requirements for claiming for injuries caused by a tripping hazard. This includes tripping accidents either at a workplace or in a public space. We’ll also discuss how a tripping hazard may be defined by local authorities that manage a public area, and the duty of care owed to you in certain situations.

Potential compensation payouts and the benefits of claiming with a No Win No Fee solicitor are also covered in our guide. There are many benefits to working with a solicitor on your claim, such as assistance with gathering evidence to strengthen your case. 

If you would like to learn more, read on, or contact our team of expert advisors today by:

  • Calling 0161 696 9685
  • Using our online contact form .
  • Or by using our 24/7 live chat service.

Cartoon of a man tripping over a floor hazard

What is the legal height of a trip hazard guide

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What is the legal height of a trip hazard in the uk.

  • Who Could Make A Claim For Injuries Caused By A Tripping Hazard?

Council Responsibility For Pavements

Compensation payouts for injuries caused by a trip hazard, what evidence could help me receive slip, trip or fall compensation, make a no win no fee claim for injuries caused by a trip hazard in the uk.

  • More Information On The Pavement Trip Hazard Height

In law, there is no legal height defined for a pavement trip hazard. The criteria for a pavement defect that is actionable will vary between local authorities. However, many local authorities won’t consider a pavement defect actionable unless it is at least 1-inch (25mm, 2.5cm) high or deep. We’ll explain how to demonstrate the height of a trip hazard later on.

You can’t claim just because you tripped over the hazard. You must be able to demonstrate that it caused you to be injured. For this reason, you should attend A&E or book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible after the accident occurred. Not only will this provide a basis for your claim, but it will also ensure that you get the medical attention needed for your injuries. 

While the hazard height is a crucial aspect, you would also need to demonstrate that the hazard was created by third-party negligence. This could involve, for instance, evidence showing that the local council did not monitor the public park correctly.

For free claims advice on how to proceed with your pavement trip claim , please get in touch with our specialists today .

Who Could Make A Claim For Injuries Caused By A Tripping Hazard? 

It’s important to note that you cannot claim for just identifying a tripping hazard, and not all accidents caused by a trip hazard will result in a successful compensation claim. This is because your case must meet certain criteria in order to be valid, meaning you must be able to prove that:

  • You were owed a duty of care
  • This duty was breached
  • You were injured as a result of this breach 

This also determines who you make your claim against. For example, for tripping hazards in the workplace, such as trailing wires and cluttered walkways, you would claim against your employer. This is because they owe you a duty of care and must take all reasonably practicable steps to keep you safe in the workplace, according to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA).

However, if you are in a public space and trip over a pavement or dislodged paving stone, then your claim may be made against the local council. This is because they are the controller of that space, and as such, owe you a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 (OLA).

If another party breaches their duty of care towards you, and you are injured as a result, then you may be able to claim personal injury compensation. Contact our team for more information.

If a pavement is in a public area which the local council is responsible for, then that council is responsible for the maintenance of the pavement.

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 (HiA 1980) provides that the highway authority is under a duty to maintain the highway. It is the duty of the highway authority to maintain the road in such a state of repair as to be passable in safety at all seasons of the year.

Under their duty of care, councils should maintain pavements they’re responsible for by carrying out work such as replacing broken or missing slabs and removing weeds when required. Also, to help fulfil this duty, councils will usually carry out regular inspections every year of roads and pavements to identify which ones need the most maintenance. Just how frequent these pavement inspections are can vary from council to council.

That said, you may be wondering, ‘What is the legal height of a trip hazard in the UK when inspecting pavements?’. As mentioned before, there is no specific legal height that defines a pavement trip hazard.

Councils may also respond to public reports about issues with local pavements. An online Government page allows residents in England and Wales to report problems with a pavement directly to their council.

For more advice on whether you may have grounds to claim against a council for breaching their responsibilities following a pavement trip accident, contact our advisors for free today.

If your employer were to breach their duty of care you could be injured due to a trip hazard, meaning you could be owed compensation.

Following a successful personal injury claim , your compensation settlement could consist of general and special damages. General damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you have endured due to being injured by a workplace trip hazard. To help give you a clearer idea of how much you could receive in general damages for your injury, we have provided the following table. The amounts listed have been taken from the 16 th edition of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The JCG is a document used by various legal professionals to help them value claims, as it lists compensation brackets for different injuries.

Compensation is awarded on a case-by-case basis, so please only use this table as a guide. Also note that the first entry in this table is an estimated figure that is not based on the JCG.

Special damages compensate you for the financial losses you have suffered due to your injury. Some of the financial closes you could claim under special damages include:

  • Medical costs.
  • Travel expenses.
  • Loss of earnings .
  • Care costs.

You will need to provide evidence of these losses in order to receive compensation for them. Payslips, bank statements, and invoices could all be used as evidence in your claim.

Contact our advisors today to discuss your particular claim. Our advisors could also help answer questions such as, ‘what is a tripping hazard, and how could my employer be liable if I am injured because of one?’

Slip, trip and fall claims revolve around proving that your injury was the result of third-party negligence. To do this, you will need sufficient evidence. You need to be able to create a causal link between the council’s negligence, for instance, and your injury. Evidence that you could use includes:

  • Photographs of your injury and the pavement defect. Photographs of the scene are particularly important as your potential claim revolves around showing that the pavement defect goes above the legal height for a trip hazard.
  • Contact details of any witnesses. As part of the claims process, your solicitor can contact them to take statements.
  • CCTV footage of the incident. This can give a clearer idea of how the accident occurred.
  • A log of the accident report if you have reported the incident. This can help confirm the time, location and date that it took place.
  • Doctor’s notes. A medical professional will assess your injury as part of receiving medical treatment. Their notes can be used to show the extent of the injury. Other medical evidence you could use includes copies of any medical scans.

If you have other queries about trip and fall claims, please contact our team of advisors for a free consultation using the details above.

If you’ve been injured by tripping on a hazard that should not have been there or should have been signposted, you may be eligible to claim compensation. A lawyer from our panel could assist you in making a personal injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Under this arrangement, you would not have to pay them any fees for their work upfront or during the course of your claim.

Furthermore, if your claim does not end in compensation, you would not have to pay them for their work.

If your claim is successful, your lawyer will deduct a small percentage from your compensation. This is known as a success fee, and the percentage one can be is legally capped.

To see if you could be eligible to work with a lawyer from our panel, you can contact our advisors. They can also help answer any questions you may have about personal injury claims being made due to trip hazards.

You can reach an advisor today by:

  • Using our live chat.
  • Filling out our contact us page.

More Information On The Legal Height Of a Trip Hazard

This is the final section of our guide, so we have added some links to resources that may come in handy. If you would like any more information about claiming, please contact our team on the number above.

  • Broken Bones – An NHS article that gives advice to help you work out if you have broken a bone.
  • The Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents – ROSPA are a UK charity that is working towards a world free of accidents.
  • Local Authority Complaints – Information from the Local Government and Social Care ombudsman on how to raise formal complaints.
  • To show what other types of accidents we can help with, please take a look at some of the guides below.
  • Local Authority Claims  – For more information about making a claim against a local authority or council, please read our guide. 
  • Slip, Trip or Fall Claims  – If you’d like more general advice around slip, trip and fall claims, then this guide may be helpful to you.
  • Doormat Slip, Trip and Fall Claims  – It’s not just pavement defects that can cause injuries through slips and trips. Read our guide for information on claiming for an accident caused by a doormat .
  • Most Common Public Place Accidents – In this guide you can find out about the different types of public place accidents if you find that this page doesn’t match what happened to you.

Thank you for reading our guide on the legal height of a trip hazard. If you would like to learn more about the trip hazard height or have further questions, please contact us for free legal advice using the details above.

Max flooring deviation at transitions

Can someone provide the maximum flooring deviation (height difference)between floor coverings (e.g carpet to wood, tile to wood) that would be considered a trip hazard. I can not find an IRC reference for this.

I would apply the 3/8 inch rule that IRC does for the variance in riser height as a definition of a trip hazard until something more definitive is in place. (R311.5.3.1)

I go by the depth of the threshold and the taper.

Many times I see thresholds higher than 3/8" when transitioning from hardwood flooring to tiled areas over a mud substrate. Tapered oak thresholds can be pretty high.

Are we talking about the height of the threshhold or the variance between floors in the absence of a threshhold?

I was asked a few days ago to manufacture some threshold pieces, going from hardwood to carpet and linoleum. Height needed is 1 inch. I’d call it a trip hazard, but that’s what the guy wants.

I understood the question to be the tolerance between the transitions.

I have some details here to share and if it does not help just make me understand what it is needed.

I believe this would show examples of transitions. And yes, I don’t think any transitions should exceed 1/2" Residential or Commercial.

Anything higher is usually at exterior doors of a Residential Unit.

Multi-Units with common entries would be 1/2" max.

Hope this helps.

:slight_smile:

Yes, I am questioning the variance between floors in the absence of a threshhold? Seems to me that 1/2" might be a bit extreme. I would be more inclined to think 3/8" would be more realistic and much less of a trip hazard.

Thanks for the comments.

Rod, the maximum rise should not exeed 1/2" on anything and less if the flooring material is properly installed with transition strips made for whatever product of flooring is being used.

Check out this link and browse around, click on the pictures for blow ups and products for different uses used in flooring of any type.

A flooring material is just not dead ended , because wether 3/8" or 1/2" you will trip.

http://www.schluter.com/137.aspx

Hope this helps more.

I agree at either 3/8 or 1/2" your foot will scuff the edge and could create a hazard, but I was hoping to find an exact tolerance. The info provided seems to be a good option when the surfaces are not flush.

Again, thanks for the comments.

Can anyone tell me: I have a 2 and 3/16 inch higher floor height in my kitchen then the living room and entry way room. Is that to code or what do I have to do to fix it? It is probably due to adding plumbing under the floor to a 1917 home that did not have indoor plumbing. I am asking because a realtor said it would not pass inspection.

Nothing in a 1917 home is “code”. As far as pass inspection, it means it will probably be noted as a trip hazard. Don’t listen to realtors when it comes to code. They tend to throw that term around a lot.

1 in 8 is the code maximum slope for a ramp. R311.8.1. I would not exceed this slope at a transition.

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  • Toolbox Talks

What is a Trip Hazard and how do you prevent them?

  • by Afnan Tajuddin
  • Trip Hazard & prevention

Table of Contents

Trip hazards

Trips occur when your foot strikes or collides with something, causing you to lose your balance. In most situations, individuals trip over obstacles that aren’t visible, such as uneven flooring edges, messy equipment, tools, or cables.

Accidents from trips are among the most common causes of accidents at work! Trip hazards result in thousands of injuries every year. The most common ones are musculoskeletal, cuts, and bruises but more serious conditions can also occur such as fractures or dislocations 

You can’t have a safe and healthy work environment if people aren’t able to move around it freely.

Every day, you are tasked with performing tasks that require the use of your legs. Below I’ve listed common trip hazards and how to assess them so they don’t cause injury or accident.

TRIPING HAZARD EXAMPLE

Common trip hazards

  • Cluttered environment and poor housekeeping
  • Scattered tools, material, electrical cables & hose in workplace
  • Lack of illumination
  • Floor surfaces that are uneven or damaged or floor coverings that are unsuitable
  • Obstructed view
  • Failure to use handrails when climbing on the stairs

Safety Controls for trip hazards:

The incidence of trips in the workplace can be dramatically reduced by implementing policies to regulate behavior. Time pressures on employees who are completing tasks might cause them to rush through work or not pay attention which could lead them into dangerous situations if they do not know what precautions need to be taken when it comes down to hazards like poor housekeeping for example.

The most common type of walking hazard is the slip or trip. This can be prevented by making sure that employees have been trained on how to avoid these dangers. With the proper education, you can avoid trip hazards and reduce your risk of injury or accident. When workers are given training on trip hazards it can help them be more aware of the risks involved, as well as prevent injuries.

Housekeeping:

Housekeeping is the first step towards preventing trip hazards. Maintaining good house- Keeping includes material & waste management to keep your workplace safe for everyone

  • Housekeeping and maintenance should be handled by dedicated workers, if necessary.
  • At the workplace, sufficient trash containers in various locations must be provided with a distinct color code system for all trash containers.
  • All workplaces must maintain the greatest possible degree of cleanliness in order to ensure a safe working environment and prevent incidents. In addition, Good housekeeping contribute to safe working conditions, while poor housekeeping is one of the most common causes of accidents.
  • Before beginning a task, before ending shifts, and after finishing a job, the workplace should be clean. This must be noted and clearly defined on the Work Permit..
  • Housekeeping should be given adequate time to ensure that the premises are well maintained.

Material & cable Management:

  • Materials must be stacked or kept in a secure way that prevents sliding, falling, or collapse.
  • Provide separate storage areas apart from working places
  • Hoses, ropes, and electric cables should be arranged & should never be allowed to remain on walkways.
  • Providing electrical outlets at worksite will help avoid risk of tripping over wires.
  • Place equipment closet and electrical outlets where possible
  • Avoid the use of extension cables if possible. Instead, use retractable reel that can be wrapped up when not in use and takes up less space.
  • When trailing cables is used temporarily, it is important that they be properly secured. hang power cords over work areas rather than on floor, Use cable ties or hangers.

Illumination:

Poor illumination in the workplace is associated with an increase in accidents. Use proper lighting for walkways, stairs, and ramps to reduce accidents at workplaces where there’s no light source available such as basements or work in the nighttime; keep your space well lit by turns on before entering any dimly-lit rooms so you can see what surrounds you easily without bumping into anything while walking around aimlessly!

Walking Surfaces:

Floor surfaces that are uneven or damaged can present a trip hazard. Floors must be kept clean at all times. Stairways, gangways, passageways, and doorways should all be free of obstructions. Floor coverings with an improper safety measurement could also be dangerous, Damaged surfaces/floors are reported for rectification. Safety precautions should also be taken when covering them. A trip can happen at any time so take extra care!

Stairs / Ladder:

Handrails are important when climbing or descending stairs. Make sure that the Ladder you are using often has been inspected! Damaged rungs also lead directly towards trips. stairs should be kept clean and tidy.

Trip Hazard Sign:

Trip Hazard Sign is a cautionary signal to protect from potential trip hazards. It does not substitute for maintaining personal safety, but instead helps communicate that there are things close by which can cause injury or accident if you weren’t careful enough with what you’re doing!

TRIP HAZARD SIGN

Responsibilities:

Employer responsibilities:.

Employers have a responsibility to control & manage trip hazards. This includes:

  • Visiting workplaces and conducting workplace-specific risk assessments .
  • To ensure that obligations are fulfilled, it is important to carry out periodic audits as needed.
  • Ensure that employees are adequately trained and instructed.
  • That suitable arrangements, are in place to maintain site tidiness to a high standard.
  • To monitor daily site conditions and ensure that any remedial actions are implemented through his organization.

Employees responsibilities:

Employees also have responsibilities in relation to controlling the risk from trip hazards including: 

  • Report anything dangerous, e.g. damaged flooring.
  • Keep care of the working environment in which they are working;
  • Remove all unnecessary tools and equipment from the work site and return them to the stores.

Regulation about trip hazards:

Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

OSHA – Walking-Working Surfaces – 1910.22

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  3. Tripping Hazard OSHA Caution Safety Sign MSTF667

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  4. Tall Floor Stand Signs

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  5. Warning Sign

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  6. Trip hazard warning sign

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COMMENTS

  1. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing Workplace Trip Hazards

    As you can see, slip hazards can be found indoors or outdoors. Workplace Trip Hazard Examples. Officially, OSHA's trip hazard height is a quarter inch. Any change in floor level that is ¼ inch or more constitutes a tripping hazard. Examples of common tripping hazards include: Uncovered hoses, cables, wires, or cords across walking surfaces

  2. PDF TITLE: TRIP HAZARD VERSION: V2.1 DATE PUBLISHED: 4/2/21

    NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 2 of 9 DEFICIENCY 1 - UNIT: TRIP HAZARD ON WALKING SURFACE. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is an abrupt change in vertical elevation or horizontal separation on any walking surface along the normal path of travel, consisting of the following criteria:

  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    OSHA adopted the 300-foot height limit from the ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 - 2001 national consensus standard on window cleaning. The final rule permits employers to use RDS above 300 feet only in cases where an employer demonstrates it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to access such heights by any other means (e.g., powered platforms).

  4. OSHA Technical Manual (OTM)

    the hole's design can create a trip hazard (see 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4)(ii) ... fall restraint systems should have the capacity to withstand at least 3,000 pounds of force or twice the maximum expected force that is needed to restrain the worker from exposure to the fall hazard. ... Back D-ring height: ...

  5. PDF TITLE: TRIP HAZARD VERSION: V3.0 DATE PUBLISHED: 06/20/23

    NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 2 of 4 DEFICIENCY 1 - UNIT: TRIP HAZARD ON WALKING SURFACE. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is an abrupt change in vertical elevation or horizontal separation on any walking surface along the normal path of travel, consisting of the following criteria:

  6. Don't get tripped up by OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard

    OSHA's Walking-working surfaces standard, 29 CFR 1910.22, addresses workplace hazards that cause slip, trip, and falls. The standard focuses on proactive safety management — meaning that OSHA expects employers to find and fix workplace hazards BEFORE they become an issue. OSHA says exposure to these types of hazards pose a "significant risk ...

  7. Slip, trips and falls on floors

    The primary causes of tripping hazards are: • Differences in elevation (1⁄4 in. [0.6 cm] or greater) • Unobserved, misplaced, or poorly designed mov-able equipment, fixtures, or displays • Low profile items left in aisles or walkways • Extension cords lying across paths of travel • Displays, platforms, or merchandise racks pro-

  8. PDF SLIPS, TRIPS, and FALLS

    Presentation Scope. This Webinar is designed to assist mostly small and medium sized employers in addressing hazards from slips, trips, and falls on walking and working surfaces, ladders, and stairs. It is not designed to assist in the implementation of a fall protection program where one can fall from one elevation to another or where one is ...

  9. Max threshold height before becoming tripping hazard?

    Max threshold height before becoming tripping hazard? Jump to Latest Follow ... Weather its 1'' or 1/2'' its still a tripping hazard . You still need to make a smooth transition between the two . Click to expand... Bravo - I agree 1/4 , 1/8 , 1/16 , if your heel catches it and you almost or do fall, it is a tripping hazard. ...

  10. Chapter 3: Protruding objects

    Post-Mounted Objects. [ §307.3] Free-standing objects with leading edges 27″ to 80″ high that are mounted on posts or pylons cannot protrude more than 12″ into circulation paths. The 12″ limit also applies to the clearance between multiple posts (excluding the sloping portions of handrails). Objects with leading edges 27″ maximum or ...

  11. 1910.22

    The employer must ensure: 1910.22 (a) (1) All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition. 1910.22 (a) (2) The floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition.

  12. PDF Slip, Trip and Fall Accident Control

    Materials used to prevent slips may become tripping hazards. These include mats with curled edges, tears or warps and ... Height of risers: 4-8 inches Minimum tread depth: 9-11 inches Head room: 6' 8" Maximum height between landings: 12 ft Treads may have a maximum slope of 1/4 in per foot in order to shed water. The Life Safety Code ...

  13. Slips, trips and falls

    Slips, trips and falls are a common cause of occupational accidents.In the EU 584,371 accidents at work occurred in 2019 due to Slipping - Stumbling and falling - Fall of persons of which 520 accidents were fatal .The data don't make a distinction between falls on the same level and falls from height, but it must be assumed that most of the fatal accidents fall into the category fall from height.

  14. What floor level change is a trip hazard?

    A trip hazard is defined by the 2010 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design as any abrupt vertical change in the level of a floor surface of more than 1/4-inch. Broken or lifted sidewalks, or floor slabs that have shifted in any walking area, are a big problem for seniors and others with disabilities. The smaller ...

  15. Preventing Outdoor Same-Level Slips, Trips and Falls

    Reducing Trip Hazards. ... usually given as a ratio of the rise (or vertical height) to the run (or horizontal length). The larger the run, the more gentle the incline angle. ... (13 mm), install a ramp with a maximum slope of 1:12. A third, but less desirable option, is to make the hazard noticeable through appropriate detectable warnings.

  16. CCOHS: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

    The remaining 30% are falls from a height. This document will summarize information on "falls on the same level" (slips and trips). Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level, etc., is discussed in other documents since each type of fall must be assessed as part of a fall prevention ...

  17. What Is The Legal Height Of A Trip Hazard UK?

    In law, there is no legal height defined for a pavement trip hazard. The criteria for a pavement defect that is actionable will vary between local authorities. However, many local authorities won't consider a pavement defect actionable unless it is at least 1-inch (25mm, 2.5cm) high or deep. We'll explain how to demonstrate the height of a ...

  18. PDF TITLE: TRIP HAZARD VERSION: V2.2 DATE PUBLISHED: 06/23/22

    NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 2 of 6 DEFICIENCY 1 - UNIT: TRIP HAZARD ON WALKING SURFACE. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is an abrupt change in vertical elevation or horizontal separation on any walking surface along the normal path of travel, consisting of the following criteria:

  19. Max flooring deviation at transitions

    Max flooring deviation at transitions. Specific Inspection Topics Interior Inspections. rstewardson (Rod Stewardson, TREC # 6291) April 8, 2008, 2:38pm 1. Can someone provide the maximum flooring deviation (height difference)between floor coverings (e.g carpet to wood, tile to wood) that would be considered a trip hazard.

  20. PDF TITLE: TRIP HAZARD VERSION: V1.3 DATE PUBLISHED: 7/31/20

    NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 3 of 5 DEFICIENCY 1 - INSIDE: TRIP HAZARD ON WALKING SURFACE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is an abrupt change in vertical elevation or horizontal separation on any walking surface along the normal path of travel, consisting of the following criteria:

  21. What is a Trip Hazard and how do you prevent them?

    Walking Surfaces: Floor surfaces that are uneven or damaged can present a trip hazard. Floors must be kept clean at all times. Stairways, gangways, passageways, and doorways should all be free of obstructions. Floor coverings with an improper safety measurement could also be dangerous, Damaged surfaces/floors are reported for rectification.

  22. How high is a trip hazard?

    Admin. #2 Posted : 28 June 2007 13:06:00 (UTC) Rank: Guest. Posted By JPK A trip hazard doesn't necessarily have a height min or max as far as I can see or work out... I.E a telephone/data cable that is trailing across a room is approx 3mm however if your foot slips under it, and you get tangled you are likely to hear 'timberrrrrrr'.

  23. 1910.25

    The employer must ensure: 1910.25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910.28; 1910.25 (b) (2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. Spiral stairs must meet the ...