Frequently asked questions
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You should use RIDDOR to report an incident at work. Learn more about RIDDOR
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When temperature’s drop below freezing, you should grit area’s that are prone to icing over to prevent ice from forming. You should encourage diversion where possible as well as alerting employees to potentially hazardous areas. Additionally, if you put signs out to alert people you should remove them when the ice has melted; if they are always there then staff will begin to ignore them.
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It is the employers or the designated ‘responsible persons’ responsibility to conduct risk assessments.
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Any liquid spills can create a barrier between the floor and your shoes, therefore creating a possible slip hazard. Dropped foods can also cause the same hazard.
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The footwear you should wear to work can depend on your job, if you have a job where specific PPE or footwear requirements are stated then these should be followed. If you are allowed to wear your own footwear, shoes should fit well and appropriate. Laces should be tied and heels can cause hazards up staircases. Flip flops also offer little protection to the toes and foot and can cause trips themselves.
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Objects could be trip hazards if they are blocking a walkway or doorway. Work areas should be kept tidy and employees should think about where they place things like paper bins, handbags, briefcases or toolboxes for example. Cupboard doors and drawers should always be kept closed when not in use, especially at low levels that may not be in the eye-line of many and remember to keep cables and leads tidy.
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When you are conducting a task where there is a possibility of a fall you should make sure all of the correct equipment is used and do anything else possible to prevent a fall. You need to ensure that you know how to use the equipment too. Equipment should not be a hazard in itself, and whether you need someone to help with the task. Additionally, you should check whether where you have set up the task is a safe place. Ensure it is not by a doorway or corridor without providing the correct signage and information.
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The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to balance the level of risk compared to the risk in terms of time and money. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employers have a responsibility to care for the health and safety of their employees.
Documents & other resources
Forms/Checklists
Slips, Trips & Falls Checklist
A simple checklist including some of the most common slips, trips and falls hazards to include on your risk assessments.
Instant download
