Scale of the Problem
Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) on the same level are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries in all workplaces, including construction. They're often dismissed as minor incidents, but can result in serious injuries.
HSE Statistics
- Slips and trips cause around 30% of all reported workplace injuries
- In construction, they cause over 1,000 injuries per year reported to HSE
- Many more go unreported as minor injuries
- They result in an average of 3 weeks off work per incident
- Cost UK employers over 500 million per year
Construction sites are particularly hazardous due to constantly changing conditions, multiple trades working simultaneously, debris generation, and exposure to weather. The good news is that most slip and trip incidents are easily preventable with basic controls.
Common Causes
Understanding what causes slips, trips, and falls is the first step to preventing them. Causes fall into three main categories: environmental, housekeeping, and human factors.
Slip Hazards
- Wet floors (rain, spills)
- Mud and clay
- Oil and grease
- Dust on smooth surfaces
- Ice and frost
- Loose aggregate
- Paint overspray
Trip Hazards
- Trailing cables
- Uneven surfaces
- Holes and openings
- Construction debris
- Material storage
- Changes in level
- Protruding fixings
Human Factors
- Rushing or taking shortcuts
- Carrying loads blocking view
- Poor lighting
- Distraction (phone use)
- Fatigue
- Unsuitable footwear
- Unfamiliarity with site
Contributing Factors
Many incidents have multiple causes. A wet floor (environmental) combined with rushing (human) and poor footwear (equipment) creates a recipe for injury. Effective prevention addresses all contributing factors.
Legal Requirements
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Regulation 12 requires floors and traffic routes to be suitable, kept free from obstructions, and properly maintained. Surfaces must be sufficient to prevent slips and trips.
CDM 2015
Schedule 2 requires safe access and egress to workplaces. The construction phase plan should address pedestrian routes, housekeeping standards, and access arrangements.
Management Regulations 1999
Require risk assessment of all workplace hazards including slip and trip risks. Employers must take reasonably practicable measures to control risks.
PPE Regulations 2022
Require suitable footwear where there is a risk of slipping. Safety footwear must be appropriate for the conditions and properly maintained.
Risk Assessment
A slip and trip risk assessment should be part of the overall site risk assessment. It should be reviewed regularly as conditions change.
Assessment Steps
Physically inspect all pedestrian routes, work areas, and access points
Note slip hazards (wet, contaminated), trip hazards (uneven, obstacles), and environmental factors
All workers, visitors, delivery drivers, people unfamiliar with the site
How likely is someone to slip/trip? How severe could injuries be?
Apply hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE
Document findings and review when conditions change or incidents occur
Preventing Slips
Slips occur when there is insufficient friction between the footwear and the walking surface. They're caused by contamination (water, oil, mud) or surface characteristics.
Control Contamination
- Clean up spills immediately
- Use drip trays under plant and equipment
- Provide drainage where water accumulates
- Use boot washes/mats at muddy areas
- Grit or sand icy areas in winter
Improve Surface Characteristics
- Use non-slip surfaces where possible
- Apply anti-slip coatings or tapes
- Use grated flooring over wet areas
- Install matting at entrances
- Repair damaged floor surfaces
Weather Considerations
Construction sites are exposed to weather. Rain creates wet surfaces, frost creates ice, and thawing creates mud. Plan for seasonal conditions: drainage in wet months, gritting in winter, mud management during earthworks.
Preventing Trips
Trips occur when someone's foot strikes an object, causing them to lose balance. On construction sites, trip hazards are everywhere unless actively managed.
Trailing Cables
- Route cables overhead where possible
- Use cable covers on pedestrian routes
- Bury cables in designated routes
- Use battery tools where practical
- Maintain adequate cable lengths
Surface Defects
- Fill holes and excavations when not in use
- Cover openings with secured covers
- Repair or barrier damaged surfaces
- Mark changes in level clearly
- Provide safe access across excavations
Common Construction Trip Hazards
Lighting
Poor lighting is a major contributor to trips—people can't avoid hazards they can't see. Ensure adequate lighting on all pedestrian routes, in stairwells, and in work areas. Consider winter hours when natural light is limited.
Preventing Falls on Same Level
Falls on the same level (distinct from falls from height) often result from slips or trips but can also occur from stepping into holes, losing balance, or being struck.
Edge and Hole Protection
- Cover floor openings with secured covers
- Mark covers with warning paint/signs
- Barrier open excavations
- Secure drain covers and gratings
- Protect floor penetrations
Safe Access and Movement
- Define and maintain pedestrian routes
- Provide handrails on slopes and stairs
- Use suitable temporary stairs/ramps
- Keep routes clear of obstructions
- Separate pedestrians from vehicles
Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is the single most effective way to prevent slips, trips, and falls. A clean, organised site is a safe site.
Housekeeping Standards
Each trade cleans up their work area at the end of each activity, not just at day's end
Skips, waste containers, and recycling points in accessible locations
Materials stored in designated areas, not blocking routes, stacked safely
Site supervisors check housekeeping daily as part of routine walkabout
All areas swept, materials secured, cables stored, debris cleared
For cleaning up liquid spills before they create slip hazards
Make it Everyone's Responsibility
Good housekeeping is not just for labourers. Everyone from project manager to apprentice should pick up debris they see, report hazards, and keep their work area tidy. Set the example from the top.
Footwear Selection
The right footwear significantly reduces slip risk. Safety footwear should be selected for the conditions, properly fitted, and well-maintained.
Selection Criteria
- SRC rated for slip resistance
- Appropriate tread pattern for conditions
- S3 or S5 for wet conditions
- Steel/composite toe for impact protection
- Ankle support for uneven terrain
Maintenance
- Clean mud and debris from soles regularly
- Check tread depth—replace when worn
- Repair or replace damaged footwear
- Ensure laces are tied properly
- Store properly between shifts
Slip Resistance Standards
Look for SRC rating (slip resistant on ceramic tile with water and steel with glycerol). For very wet or oily conditions, specialist footwear may be needed. Worn treads significantly reduce grip—replace boots before they become hazardous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are slips and trips really that serious?
Yes. While many are minor, slip and trip injuries can be severe: broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries. They're the most common cause of workplace injury and cost significant lost time and money.
Whose responsibility is housekeeping?
Everyone's. The principal contractor sets standards and provides facilities, but each subcontractor is responsible for their work area. Workers should clean as they go and report hazards they can't fix themselves.
Do we need to report all slips and trips?
All incidents should be recorded internally. RIDDOR reporting is required for injuries resulting in over 7 days incapacitation, specified injuries, or dangerous occurrences. Even minor incidents should be recorded to identify trends.
What about visitors and delivery drivers?
They're at higher risk because they're unfamiliar with the site. Provide clear, safe routes, escort them where necessary, and ensure visitor routes are maintained to a high standard. Brief drivers on site rules.
How often should we inspect for hazards?
Supervisors should include slip and trip hazards in daily walkabouts. More formal inspections might be weekly. After rain, frost, or major work activities that change conditions, additional checks are needed.
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