Housekeeping to Prevent Tripping Hazards
The Problem
Tripping hazards are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Items left in walkways, poorly maintained floors, or cluttered workspaces can easily cause someone to trip and fall. These incidents can result in anything from minor bruises to serious fractures. The good news is that tripping hazards are entirely preventable through good housekeeping and consistent attention to detail.
Identify the Hazards
- Cluttered Walkways: Tools, equipment, or materials left in high-traffic areas.
- Loose Cords: Extension cords or hoses stretched across walkways.
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracks, holes, or elevation changes in flooring or ground surfaces.
- Spills and Debris: Slippery or obstructed surfaces caused by liquids or dropped materials.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Keep Work Areas Clear:
- Return all tools and equipment to designated storage areas after use.
- Ensure walkways are free from materials and other obstructions at all times.
Manage Cables and Hoses:
- Use cable covers or route cords along walls where possible.
- Secure cords and hoses that must cross walkways with mats or covers.
Inspect and Maintain Surfaces:
- Regularly check for damaged, cracked, or uneven flooring and surfaces.
- Report any hazards to your supervisor so they can be repaired promptly.
Clean Spills Promptly:
- Clean up any spills as soon as they occur.
- Use warning signage (e.g. “Wet Floor”) until the area is fully dry.
Plan Material Storage:
- Do not stack materials in walkways.
- Clearly mark storage areas and keep them organised to prevent items from falling into paths.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Last year, a worker tripped over an unsecured extension cord left across a walkway. The resulting fall caused a broken wrist and several weeks off work. This incident could have been prevented by simply routing the cord along the wall or using a cable cover. Preventing trips takes only a few seconds—recovering from them can take weeks or months.
Employee Responsibilities
- Keep workspaces clean and tidy throughout the day.
- Return tools and materials to storage when finished.
- Report hazards such as loose flooring, damaged cords, or cluttered areas.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide proper storage areas for equipment and materials.
- Conduct regular inspections of floors and walkways.
- Supply tools and equipment to help manage tripping hazards, such as cable covers and spill kits.
Discussion & Questions
- What tripping hazards have you seen around the site recently?
- What’s one thing you do to keep your workspace tidy during the day?
Encourage workers to share observations or ideas to improve housekeeping efforts on-site.
Commitment/Action Plan
Starting today, let’s commit to inspecting our workspaces for tripping hazards at the beginning and end of every shift. Make it a habit to keep your walkways clear and report hazards immediately.
Wrap-Up
Tripping hazards are easy to overlook but just as easy to fix. It only takes a moment to tidy up and make the work area safe for everyone. Thank you for staying alert and committed to good housekeeping and safety.
Standards Overview
Under Canadian occupational health and safety legislation, employers and workplaces are required to:
- Ensure floors and walkways are free from slip, trip, and fall hazards.
- Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly state.
- Provide and maintain safe work systems, including effective housekeeping practices.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
All Rights Reserved Site App Pro 2025