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 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 around 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%): Due to 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 happen at home and in public, highlighting the need for constant awareness.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Hazard Recognition:
- Identify risks such as spills, cords across walkways, or uneven ground.
- Carry out regular site inspections and act immediately on 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 equipment use.
Housekeeping:
- Keep work areas and accessways tidy and 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 throw you off balance.
- Maintain good lighting in all work areas to expose trip hazards.
Beyond the Worksite:
- Stay vigilant in your personal life—watch for hazards in carparks, 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 communication of hazards, this incident could have been entirely avoided.
Employee Responsibilities
- Stay alert to slip, trip, and fall hazards, and report them straight away.
- Always use fall protection equipment when working at height.
- Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area.
- Apply the same safety habits at home and in public areas.
Employer Responsibilities
- Conduct regular hazard assessments and respond promptly.
- Supply and maintain the appropriate fall protection equipment.
- Provide training in fall prevention and WorkSafe NZ best practices.
- Promote a strong safety culture that encourages 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 hazard-free.
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 the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) are legally required to manage risks to health and safety, including those related to falls.
WorkSafe NZ guidance includes:
- Providing fall protection when there is a risk of falling from one level to another.
- Managing slip and trip hazards through effective housekeeping and hazard identification.
- Training workers in safe practices and proper equipment use.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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