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, and flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas. Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and fall. Common causes of tripping are obstructed view, poor lighting, clutter in your way, wrinkled carpeting, uncovered cables, bottom drawers not being closed, and uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces. Both slips and trips result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall accidents. Injuries from slips and trips may include cuts, sprains, broken bones and even permanent disabilities.

• Keep the workplace or work area orderly and uncluttered.
• Demarcate and limit wet areas and ensure there is effective floor drainage to .
• All walkways, traffic routes , emergency exits and fire doors must be kept free from obstruction.
• Prioritise the cleaning of spills.

Disclaimer

It is imperative that you conduct your own risk assessment, relevant to your workplace. The content of this website is for direction purposes only and in no way substitutes your duty to consider all the hazards present in your workplace. The Safety Supply Company has made every effort to make sure that the content of this website is correct; however no legal responsibility will be accepted should any misleading statements, errors, or omissions occur. In no event will The Safety Supply Company be held liable for any damages arising out of the use of the information provided by information contained in this website.

Below is equipment that we have chosen as especially relevant to some of the hazards listed above.