Slip and trip hazards
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Slips and trip hazards are incidents that make someone lose their footing. Most frequently, this is caused by an unstable or slippery walking surface or an obstruction in a walkway.
[edit] Common slip and trip hazards
Slips and trips are some of the accidents that happen most frequently in the workplace. This type of accident is also very common amongst members of the general public.
These accidents tend to happen in the follow areas:
- Entry flooring (inside the building).
- Car park surfaces.
- Exterior pavements (leading up to the building).
[edit] Building owner responsibilities
Building owners and property managers should make every effort to minimise slip and trip hazards. This means hazards in high traffic areas should be either removed or dealt with in a safe and effective manner. For instance, when flooring surfaces become wet and slippery, mats should be put in place over the hazard. If a walkway is blocked by construction or some other obstruction, barriers and redirect signage should clearly mark and avoid the hazard.
Cleaning procedures for floors should be followed regularly. All walking surfaces should be kept free of spills, water, oil and any other substances that may degrade traction for foot traffic. Grit (rock salt) can be spread on surfaces where there is a risk of ice forming.
Risk management tools are available to help building owners assess slip and trip hazards and put appropriate measures in place.
Legislation requiring assessment of, and protection against, slip and trip hazards includes:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
[edit] What building occupants can do
Building occupants can be urged to minimise slip and trip hazards as well. Proper footwear with suitable traction is recommended, particularly on construction sites or in other environments where the risk is higher and accidents are more likely. Those in the retail, healthcare and hospitality sectors should follow a 'no running' policy.
All building occupants should take extra care when wet leaves, black ice or other weather conditions are present. Signs can be placed around the property to remind people not to walk with their hands in their pocket; they can also be urged to be extra cautious about where they step to decrease the likelihood of a slip. They should watch where they are walking and not look at mobile devices.
Another responsibility for building occupants is to report any slip or trip hazards immediately to the appropriate responsible people. This includes spills, damage to flooring or other unsafe items that have been left in places where they could create a slip or trip hazard.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accident report.
- Anti-fatigue mats.
- Flame retardant floormats.
- Health and safety.
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- Risk assessment.
- Safety.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments