slips trips and falls risk assessment for schools

• Weill Cornell Medicine

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating Risks

By Gian Joseph, Safety Advisor

As we enter the rainy and cold season, we face several risks , which include slips , trips, and fall s in our day-to-day activities. It is important t o be aware of hazards around us and learn how to properly identify and assess any risks with each step.  

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are common accidents that can lead to severe injuries. These incidents occur in various settings, from homes and workplaces to public spaces , and i t is essential to understand the causes, consequences, and , most importantly, strategies for prevention and mitigation.   

1. Understanding the Dynamics of STFs. STFs are caused by the following .  

Insu fficient friction between the shoe and the walking surface. Common causes include wet or greasy floors, spills, and loose debris (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

When a person's foot collides with an object or an uneven surface, it caus es them to lose balance. Typical trip hazards include cluttered walkways, electrical cords, uneven flooring, and damaged or upturned mats (Slip and Fall Accidents, 2021).  

2. The Impact of STFs  

Slips, trips, and falls have far-reaching effects, affecting individuals and society . Personal i njuries range from minor cuts , bruises, sprains , and abrasions to fractures, dislocations, and head injuries (National Safety Council, 2021). The medical expenses associated with treating STF-related injuries can be substantial , including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care (National Safety Council, 2021). STFs can result in missed workdays and reduced productivity for both individuals and employers. Workers' compensation claims and absenteeism contribute to economic costs (National Safety Council, 2021). Lastly, t he physical and psychological consequences of STFs can limit mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, especially among older adults ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies  

Preventing and mitigating STFs involves a combination of awareness, environmental modifications, and education . H ere are some ways you can take precaution s against STFs in your daily activities;  

Clear Pathways: Maintain clear, unobstructed walkways by removing clutter and tripping hazards such as cords, toys, and loose rugs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2002).  

Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in all areas, both indoors and outdoors, to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles (OSHA, 2002).  

Slip-Resistant Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring materials, especially in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens (OSHA, 2002).  

Footwear: Encourage the use of proper footwear with good traction, especially in environments where slip hazards are prevalent ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Handrails and Guardrails: Install and maintain handrails and guardrails on stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms to provide support and prevent falls (OSHA, 2002).  

Warning Signs: Use signage to alert individuals to potential hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces (OSHA, 2002).  

Education and Training: Promote awareness and provide training to individuals on recognizing and avoiding STF hazards (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2015).  

Workplace Safety: Employers should implement safety protocols and conduct risk assessments in the workplace, addressing potential STF risks (NIOSH, 2015).  

Regular Maintenance: Routinely inspect and maintain buildings, walkways, and outdoor areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

4. A Holistic Approach to STF Prevention  

Preventing and mitigating STFs require a collaborative approach involving individuals, organizations, and communities:  

Individuals : Exercise caution when walking, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments. Wear appropriate footwear and take your time, especially in wet or slippery conditions ( Sahyoun et al., 2020).  

Employers: Create a safe work environment by identifying and mitigating STF risks. Provide training to employees on safety protocols and the proper use of equipment (OSHA, 2002).  

Property Owners and Managers: Ensure properties are well-maintained and free from hazards. Regularly inspect and address issues promptly (NIOSH, 2015).  

Government and Local Authorities: Enforce building codes and regulations that promote safety, especially in public spaces and commercial buildings (OSHA, 2002).  

Conclusion  

Slips, trips, and falls are preventable accidents that carry substantial personal, economic, and societal costs. By comprehending the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the incidence of STFs and mitigate their impact. Whether at home, at work, or in public spaces, prioritizing safety and fostering awareness about STFs is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Let us strive collectively to create environments where everyone can move safely and confidently, free from the fear of falling.  

References:  

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2015). Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-100/pdfs/2015-100.pdf  

National Safety Council. (2021). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/work-safety-introduction/work-...  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2002). OSHA Publication 3151-12R. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf  

Sahyoun , N. R., Pratt, L. A., & Lentzner , H. (2020). The Changing Profile of Nursing Home Residents: 1985-1997. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(3), 336-363.  

Slip and Fall Accidents. (2021). InjuryClaimCoach.com. https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/slip-and-fall-accidents.html  

Please note that the sources cited are accurate as of the time of writing this article. For the most current information, consult authoritative sources and local health authorities.  

Go to the staff directory for individual contacts within EHS. You may also use the Weill Cornell Medicine online directory to search for faculty and staff.

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Slip and trip risk assessment template, about this publication .

It is important to raise awareness with staff and pupils to make sure they understand how they can help prevent slips and trips.

Use this Slip and trip risk assessment template to make sure all hazards are effectively controlled.

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Published: October 2014

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Slips, Trips, and Falls Inspection Checklist

Use this checklist to identify and address hazards that cause costly slip, trip, and fall injuries.

Slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries in schools, so it’s essential that organizations stay vigilant and address potential hazards. Here’s a checklist to help you identify problems before they cause an accident or injury.  

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• Risk Assessments

Risk Assessment Template Slips Trips and Falls

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Create your document in minutes with this ready to use Slips Trips and Falls Risk Assessment template. Use the quick and easy editor to add your details, make changes, and download a completed document branded with your business name.

This Slips Trips and Falls Risk Assessment has been created to assess the risks associated with slips, trips and falls from movement around the workplace.

The Slips Trips and Falls Risk Assessment will give you a good indication of the hazards that can contribute to slips, trips and falls, along with the risks and controls you should be thinking about.

The hazards that can create slips, trips and falls include uneven surfaces, obstructions and trip hazards, spillages, wet surfaces, poor flooring and lighting. Use this Slips Trips and Falls Risk Assessment to identify hazards involved with the activity, assess risk levels, and outline the controls needed to minimise risk.

You can use the Slips Trips and Falls Risk Assessment template as it is, in your business, and we will add your business name at the top of each page. The template is pre-completed as a ready to use example for the activity, you can edit it as much as you need to produce a site specific health and safety document for your projects or workplace.

This 6 page document includes:

• Assessment of Risk
• Significant Hazards
• Persons at Risk
• Control Measures
• Assessment of Remaining Risk
• Further Action Required
• Acknowledgement

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Introduction, actions by heads.

• Further information

Over a third of all major injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) each year are caused as a result of a slip or trip at work. This makes slips, trips and falls the single most common cause of injuries in workplaces. Slips and trips also account for over a half of all reported injuries to the public. It is therefore very important that Heads of Schools/Units put in place appropriate management systems to eliminate or minimise the risks of these hazards.

Detailed guidance on managing slips and trips in the Education Sector can be found in the HSE publication entitled Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB)

The Head of the School/Unit should ensure that:

• An appropriate risk assessment is carried out for the risks of slips, trips and falls in their School/Unit and is recorded.
• The risk assessment includes all necessary control measures to eliminate or minimise the risks of slips, trips and falls in their School/Unit
• All relevant staff are made aware of the risk assessment.
• The annual School/Unit workplace health and safety inspection checklist includes a section on slips, trips and falls hazards.

Further Information

• Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB)  - Health and Safety Executive. HSE Books (EDIS2(rev1)) (2006).
• Preventing Slips and Trips at Work (PDF, 68 KB) - HSE Books(INDG 225 (rev1)) (2005).
• Slips and Trips: Guidance for employers on identifying hazards and controlling risks - HSE Books (HSG 155) (ISBN: 0 7176 1145 0 ) (1996)
• Slips and Trips: Guidance for the food processing industry - HSE Books (HSG 156) (ISBN: 0 71... ) (1996)

Return to Codes and Guidance - Index

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Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB)

Preventing Slips and Trips at Work (PDF, 68 KB)

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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

School operations

Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

• 1. Ongoing management of slips, trips and falls prevention
• 2. Identifying and assessing slip, trip and fall risks and hazards
• 3. Controlling the risks
• 4. Hazard, incident and near miss reporting

This policy:

• outlines the health, safety and wellbeing requirements relating to the prevention and management of slips, trips and falls in schools
• supports the implementation of the department’s leadership commitment to health, safety and wellbeing (PDF) External Link .

Slips, trips and falls can place employees at risk of injury including sprains, strains, fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

This policy does not cover situations that involve working at heights of 2 metres or above (measured from the soles of your feet to the ground) or circumstances where a person could fall into a hole, trench or pit. Refer to the Prevention of Falls when Working at Heights policy for this information.

Roles and responsibilities in preventing slips, trips and falls

Under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 (Vic) External Link , managing the risk of slips, trips and falls is a shared responsibility between the department, the principal and/or their delegate and school employees.

• The department must maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment for employees to avoid injuries from slips, trips and falls while working.
• The principal and/or their delegate, in consultation with the health and safety representative (HSR) and employees, must identify, assess and control the risks that are associated with slips, trips and falls.
• School employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while at work, which includes managing slips, trips and falls.

Safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone including students has a role to play.

Key requirements for schools to prevent and manage slips, trips and falls

Schools must:

• consult with school staff and HSRs to identify, manage and prevent slip, trip and fall hazards
• identify slips, trips and falls hazards through observation, workplace inspections and incident reports
• assess new or complex hazards using a risk assessment
• report and manage incidents when they occur
• ensure that staff undergo appropriate training
• incorporate slips, trips and falls risk prevention into an ongoing management approach that promotes health, safety and wellbeing.

The Slips, Trips and Falls Procedure (in the Procedure tab) contains detailed, step-by-step information about how schools can meet these key requirements.

Department supports for schools

Central and regional offices provide a range of supports and services to assist principals and employees to be safe and well. These include access to the OHS Advisory Service and regional OHS support officers who can provide free advice in relation to managing slips, trips and falls.

Related definitions

Slips Slips occur when a person’s foot loses traction with the ground due to unsuitable footwear or walking on surfaces that are highly polished, wet or greasy.

Trips Trips occur when a person’s foot catches on an object or surface. In most cases people trip on low obstacles that are hard to spot such as uneven edges in flooring, loose mats, open drawers, untidy tools or electrical cables.

Falls Falls (under 2 metres) can result from a slip or trip but many occur during falls from low heights such as steps, stairs, and curbs, or falling into a hole, ditch or water.

Related policies

• Employee Health Safety and Wellbeing
• Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies)
• OHS Consultation and Communication
• OHS Planning
• OHS Risk Management
• Records Management — School Records
• Workers Compensation
• Workplace Inspection

Relevant legislation

• Compliance code: Workplace amenities and work environment External Link
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) External Link
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic) External Link

Reviewed 24 June 2022

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Slips, trips and falls

Each year slips, trips and falls cause thousands of preventable injuries.

• Safety by topic

The most common ones are: 

• musculoskeletal injuries (injuries to muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs)
• dislocations. 

More serious injuries and deaths can also happen. 

Slip, trip and fall hazards 

Some things that can cause you to slip are: 

• the wrong footwear 
• polished, wet or greasy floors. 

In most cases, people trip on low obstacles that are hard to spot, such as: 

• uneven edges in flooring 
• loose mats 
• open drawers 
• untidy tools, or 
• electrical cables. 

Falls can result from a slip or trip, but many occur from low heights. For example: 

• ditches, or 
• wet or slippery surfaces. 

WHS duties  

As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must always aim to eliminate the risk of slips, trips and falls, so far as is reasonably practicable. If that is not possible, you must minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. 

You must identify hazards, and assess and control risks. Think about your: 

• work areas 
• work procedures 
• equipment.  

Consulting with workers can help you find better and easier ways to identify and minimise risks. You should also review control measures to ensure they are working as planned.  

Workers also have duties, including taking reasonable care for their own health and safety. 

Managing risks  

The best way to manage the risk of slips, trips and falls is to eliminate hazards at the design stage of the workplace.  

If you can’t eliminate the risk, you must minimise it so far as is reasonably practicable. 

Designing safe workplaces 

In designing floors, stairs, lighting, drainage and storage: 

• keep floors at a single level and use slip-resistant floor coverings 
• install extra power points to avoid trip hazards from trailing cords 
• ensure all areas are well lit, particularly stairwells 
• have good drainage and slip resistant grates 
• have lots of storage, so things aren’t left in walkways. 

Safe work procedures 

Work procedures can also impact on the incidence of slips, trips and falls. Have clear procedures to: 

• remove rubbish to avoid trip hazards 
• return tools and other items to their storage areas after use 
• report and clean spills 

Keep the workplace clean 

All workers share responsibility for keeping the workplace clean and tidy.  

Make sure you: 

• have adequate rubbish and recycling bins 
• have cleaning schedules in place 
• dry floors after cleaning 
• don’t have cords on walkway or work area floors. 

Training helps workers become more aware of slip and trip hazards and helps to prevent injuries.  

Training should include:  

• awareness of slip and trip hazards 
• identifying effective control measures 
• duties of workers. 

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) 

As a PCBU, you should only use PPE: 

• after you have implemented all other possible control measures. 
• as an interim measure until you can use a better control measure 
• as a backup in addition to other control measures. 

Slip-resistant footwear 

Slip-resistant footwear is a type of PPE. 

Slip-resistant footwear should be appropriate for the work and workers must wear it properly. 

In wet conditions, the shoe sole tread should: 

• be deep enough to help penetrate the surface water 
• make direct contact with the floor. 

In dry conditions, the shoe sole tread: 

• pattern should be a flat bottom construction 
• should grip the floor with maximum contact area. 

Types of slip-resistant footwear 

Urethane and rubber soles are more slip resistant than vinyl and leather soles.  

Sole materials that have tiny cell like features are slip resistant. 

Supporting information

• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks  
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities 
• Slips and trips at the workplace fact sheet  
• The interactive safe work method statement (SWMS) tool provides information on preparing, using and reviewing SWMS for high risk construction work.

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