Slip, trip and fall prevention

Woah, watch your step.

We’re kidding, there’s nothing to trip you up here. But falls at the workplace are no laughing matter. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), more than 42,000 workers are injured annually due to falls, representing approximately 18 percent of injuries that result in lost work time.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that violations related to fall protection standards are among the most frequently cited workplace safety violations.

Falls cause these injuries. But what leads to the falls themselves?

Slips and trips are serious workplace hazards. When left unaddressed, they can expose employees and organizations to injury, operational disruption and potential legal action.

Understanding slips and trips 

The CCOHS distinguishes between slips and trips. Although slips and trips are often discussed together, they occur for different reasons.

• Trips: A trip happens when a person’s foot or ankle strikes an object unexpectedly, causing them to lose balance and potentially fall.
• Slips: A slip occurs when there is insufficient traction between a person’s footwear and the walking surface.

Both hazards can lead to serious injuries and are often preventable through proper workplace maintenance and safety awareness.

Common causes of slips and trips 

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety identifies several common causes of slip and trip incidents.

Recognizing these hazards early allows organizations to implement preventive measures before incidents occur.

Preventing slips and trips in the workplace 

Preventing slips and trips often comes down to consistent maintenance and attention to detail.

Common walking areas should remain clean, organized and unobstructed. Employees frequently move through these areas while carrying equipment or focusing on tasks, which increases the importance of maintaining safe pathways.

Organizations should also ensure that flooring and overhead lighting remain in good condition. Poor lighting or damaged flooring can significantly increase the likelihood of slips or trips.

Finally, spills and wet areas should be clearly marked and cleaned promptly to reduce the risk of falls.

Practical tips to avoid falls at work 

Workers and organizations can take simple steps to reduce the risk of falls.

• Wear proper footwear
• Inspect walking areas while moving through the workspace
• Update flooring materials when surfaces become damaged or worn
• Maintain strong housekeeping practices throughout the workplace
• Conduct regular safety audits to identify unsafe conditions
• Review incident reports and follow up on corrective actions
• Inspect pathways before carrying items through work areas

Small, consistent safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.