Slips, trips, and falls

Hazards and Solutions

1. Hazard 1 Slips trips and falls in all workplaces

   • Wet and slippery floor conditions or using steps, ladders or other equipment are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • Provide appropriate equipment (eg mobile steps with handrails and work platforms) and ensure it is used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Ensure floor or ground surfaces are level.
   • Ensure floor or ground surfaces in work areas, car parks and entrances are clean, well lit, and clear of obstacles and in good condition.
   • Ensure steps, stairs and handrails meet Australian Standard AS 1657 - 2013 (1992).
   • Develop policies on how to safely carry objects (eg no unstable or unbalanced loads), particularly on stairs.
   • Ladders are designed for moving between levels using three points of contact at all times.
2. Hazard 2 Slips trips and falls in construction

   • Using ladders, working on roofs, working on uneven, wet or slippery ground and using steps or stairs are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • When working at height, provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg guard-railing, scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms or scissor lifts) as is reasonably practicable.
   • Ensure ladders used to move between levels are suitable for the task, correctly positioned and tied off.
   • Ensure floor / ground areas and access ways are clean, level, well-lit and well maintained.
   • Store materials and waste in designated locations away from access ways.
   • Ensure construction materials, power leads, tools and equipment are positioned and secured to avoid creating tripping hazards.
   • Ensure employees wear appropriate safety boots (eg that fit well and are in good condition).
3. Hazard 3 Slips trips and falls in manufacturing

   • Rough or slippery surfaces and stepping from platforms and steps, as well as tripping over tools or equipment, are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • Design facilities and floor surfaces to suit the work processes (eg use slip-resistant surfaces where floors are exposed to grease, oil, water, ice or dust).
   • Store objects and materials away from walkways.
   • Clean up spills immediately and fix the causes of spills.
4. Hazard 4 Slips trips and falls in public and community services

   • Wet and slippery floors, outdoor environments and using ladders and stairs are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • Install weather protection over walkways, entrances, loading bays and car parks.
   • Ensure floor or ground surfaces in work areas, car parks and entrances are clean, well lit, and clear of obstacles and in good condition.
   • Remove loose mats and objects (eg boxes and electrical cords) from walk areas.
   • Clean up spills immediately and fix the causes of spills.
   • Develop policies (eg restrict liquids to 'wet areas').
5. Hazard 5 Slips trips and falls in retail

   • Uneven or slippery floor surfaces and stepping from ladders, as well as tripping over stock are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • Ensure good housekeeping and maintain floor surfaces.
   • Design premises with adequate storage.
   • Clean up spills immediately and fix the causes of spills.
   • Develop policies (eg restrict liquids to 'wet areas').
6. Hazard 6 Slips trips and falls in transport and warehousing

   • Uneven or slippery outdoor and indoor surfaces and stepping from ladders, trucks and steps, as well as tripping over objects, pallets or mobile equipment, are the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
   • Maintain indoor and outdoor surfaces.
   • Design facilities and floor surfaces to suit the work processes (eg provide awnings to protect the facility from the weather and use slip-resistant surfaces where floors are exposed to grease, oil, ice or dust).
   • Store mobile plant, pallets and materials away from walkways.
   • Ensure areas are protected from weather (eg covered walkways).
   • Clean up spills immediately and fix the causes of spills.
   • Use trucks and vans that have suitable access steps and hand grips (eg retractable steps and a handrail).