Understanding the Hazards of Slips, Trips, and Falls
The Problem
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. These incidents don’t just result in physical harm—they also bring significant financial and emotional costs for both workers and employers. Despite being entirely preventable, slips, trips, and falls remain a major safety issue across all industries—especially in construction, where falls account for approximately 40% of fatalities. Today, we’ll explore the key hazards and discuss practical steps we can take to prevent them.
Identify the Hazards
Types of Falls:
- Falls from Height (80%): From ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or elevated work platforms.
- Falls on the Same Level (20%): Caused by slippery surfaces, cluttered walkways, or uneven ground.
Contributing Factors:
- Wet, oily, or icy surfaces.
- Poor housekeeping—tools, cords, and debris creating tripping hazards.
- Uneven surfaces or stairs without handrails.
- Not using personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) where required.
Beyond the Worksite:
- Slips and trips also occur at home and in public places, emphasising the need for constant awareness and vigilance.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Hazard Recognition
- Identify risks such as spills, cords across walkways, or uneven ground.
- Conduct regular site inspections and take immediate action to correct any hazards.
Fall Prevention
- Use fall protection systems such as harnesses, guardrails, or edge protection when working at height.
- Ensure workers are trained in fall prevention practices and proper equipment use.
Housekeeping
- Keep work areas and accessways tidy, free of clutter or obstructions.
- Clean up spills promptly and use signage to alert others to wet floors.
Safe Work Practices
- Always use handrails when using stairs.
- Avoid carrying items that obstruct your vision or affect your balance.
- Ensure good lighting in all work areas to expose potential trip hazards.
Beyond the Worksite
- Stay vigilant in your personal life—watch for hazards in car parks, public walkways, and at home.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
At a commercial site, a worker slipped on an oily surface that had not been cleaned or marked with a warning. They fell, fracturing their wrist and requiring time off work. With proper housekeeping and clear communication of hazards, this incident could have been entirely avoided.
Employee Responsibilities
- Stay alert to slip, trip, and fall hazards, and report them immediately.
- Always use fall protection equipment when working at height.
- Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area at all times.
- Apply the same safety habits at home and in public areas to prevent injuries wherever you are.
Employer Responsibilities
- Conduct regular hazard assessments and respond promptly to identified risks.
- Supply and maintain appropriate fall protection equipment, ensuring it meets CSA standards.
- Provide training in fall prevention practices, aligned with CCOHS and provincial regulations.
- Promote a strong safety culture that encourages open communication and timely hazard reporting.
Discussion & Questions
- “Have you ever experienced or witnessed a slip, trip, or fall? What caused it, and how could it have been prevented?”
- “What changes could we make here to reduce fall risks?”
Encourage open discussion—share lessons learned and suggestions for safer practices.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to identifying and removing slip and trip hazards daily. Starting today, take a moment before each task to scan your surroundings and ensure your work area is tidy, well-lit, and free of hazards.
Wrap-Up
Slips, trips, and falls can happen quickly—but they are preventable. By staying alert, using the right equipment, and following good housekeeping practices, we can protect ourselves and each other. Thank you for making safety part of your everyday routine.
Standards Overview
Under Canadian occupational health and safety legislation, employers are legally required to manage risks to worker health and safety, including those related to falls. According to CCOHS and provincial regulations, employers must:
- Provide fall protection wherever there is a risk of falling from one level to another.
- Manage slip and trip hazards through proper housekeeping and routine hazard identification.
- Train workers in safe work practices and the correct use of fall protection equipment.
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.
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