Slips and trips are the most common cause of workplace injuries, accounting for over a third of all major injuries, and can be effectively prevented through proper risk management and safety practices.

The risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace is heightened by darker mornings and evenings, and colder weather can also increase the risk.

Environmental factors like poor lighting, rain, frost, condensation and fallen leaves can make slips and trips accidents more frequent. Protect your workers by considering the risks and putting measures in place to reduce them:

• too little light will prevent people from seeing hazards on the floor and stairs
• if rainwater gets onto a smooth surface inside or outside of a building, it may create a slip hazard. Well-designed entrances with features like canopies can reduce this risk and floor mats at entrances to remove moisture transfer from shoes can prevent creating wet and slippery routes along adjacent corridors
• cold weather can cause frost and ice to form, which may create slippery surfaces outside the building i.e. car parks, playground, pedestrian routes and walkways
• condensation can settle on smooth floors, making them slick and unsafe

The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance on the steps you can take to prevent slips and trips.

Further guidance and support is available for Enhanced H&S subscribers