Slips, trips, and falls: Why are they still so common, and what can you do?

Slips, trips, and falls remain one of the most common causes of workplace injury across almost every industry. Despite advances in technology, awareness, and safety protocols, businesses in the UK are still grappling with preventable incidents that result in downtime, compensation claims, and even serious injury.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips, and falls accounted for around 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries in 2023/24. That’s more than manual handling injuries, falls from height, or contact with machinery.

So, why are these incidents still so prevalent? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent them?

In this blog, we explore the causes behind slips, trips, and falls, their impact on your business, and how health and safety companies like SafeWorkforce can support you with expert advice, training, and health and safety documents to reduce the risk.

Why slips, trips, and falls are still a problem

You might think that avoiding a slip or trip should be easy. But in a busy workplace, whether it’s a construction site, warehouse, office, or retail space, the reality is that small oversights can quickly become big hazards.

Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors (especially in entrances or kitchen areas).
• Uneven surfaces or loose floor coverings.
• Trailing cables or poorly routed wires.
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells or corridors.
• Poor housekeeping or cluttered work areas.
• Incorrect footwear.
• Lack of warning signage for temporary hazards.

These risks are often overlooked or accepted as “part of the job,” but when left unchecked, they can lead to serious injuries that cost your business time, money, and reputation.

The business impact of a simple slip

While slips and trips might seem minor compared to other workplace hazards, the consequences can be significant.

• Injuries: Sprains, fractures, head trauma, or long-term musculoskeletal damage.
• Lost productivity: Staff taking time off to recover from preventable injuries.
• Legal costs: Compensation claims or even prosecution if safety obligations aren’t met.
• Insurance implications: Increased premiums following a workplace accident.
• Reputation damage: Particularly in industries where safety is a selling point, like construction or logistics.

Avoiding these outcomes isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a culture where every employee feels safe and valued.

The legal responsibility for slips and trips

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees and anyone affected by their operations. This includes managing risks associated with slips, trips, and falls.

To remain compliant, businesses must:

• Conduct regular risk assessments
• Take appropriate action to remove or control hazards
• Provide suitable training and supervision
• Maintain safe working environments, including floors and walkways
• Keep accurate health and safety documents outlining processes and procedures

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including fines, notices, or even criminal prosecution.

How to prevent slips, trips, and falls at work

A proactive approach is essential when it comes to reducing these incidents. Here’s what your business can do to create safer working environments:

1. Carry out regular risk assessments

Don’t rely on annual checks alone. Walk around your premises regularly to identify slip or trip hazards. Think about:

• Flooring materials
• Cleaning procedures
• Weather-related risks
• Staff behaviours

A thorough risk assessment, documented and actioned, is your first line of defence.

2. Improve housekeeping and maintenance

Messy workplaces are more dangerous workplaces. Implement a clear housekeeping policy that includes:

• Daily checks of floors, staircases, and high-traffic areas
• Immediate cleaning of spills
• Clear storage areas for tools and materials
• Routine maintenance to fix loose tiles, worn mats, or damaged lighting

3. Invest in staff training

Training staff to spot and report hazards is crucial. Everyone in your organisation should know:

• How to report issues
• What to do if someone slips or falls
• The importance of keeping their workspace tidy

Health and safety companies like SafeWorkforce offer toolbox talks and onsite training sessions to keep your team informed and engaged.

4. Use the right signage and safety equipment

Temporary hazards, like wet floors or loose cables, should be clearly signposted. Consider installing:

• Anti-slip mats and treads
• Handrails on stairs
• Adequate lighting in walkways and corners
• Cable covers and floor markings

Make sure employees wear suitable footwear for the environment they’re working in.

5. Create clear health and safety documents

Policies, procedures, and training records are vital if an incident occurs or you’re inspected by the HSE. Ensure your health and safety documents are:

• Up to date and accessible
• Reviewed regularly
• Communicated clearly to all staff

At SafeWorkforce, we can help you create tailored documentation that reflects your site, your risks, and your responsibilities.

How SafeWorkforce can help you prevent slips, trips, and falls

When it comes to protecting your employees and staying compliant with regulations, SafeWorkforce is your dedicated health and safety partner.

We understand the everyday challenges businesses face: tight deadlines, changing environments, and competing priorities. That’s why we offer hands-on support that’s built around your needs, not off-the-shelf templates.

Here’s how we help you reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls:

• Onsite health and safety audits: We’ll visit your premises and carry out a detailed health and safety audit, identifying any slip and trip hazards that may have gone unnoticed. From loose mats to poor lighting, nothing is overlooked.
• Tailored risk assessments: Generic documentation doesn’t cut it. Our team of expert health and safety consultants will create risk assessments specific to your workplace, ensuring your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act are met.
• Staff training and awareness: Your people are your first line of defence. We deliver practical training sessions and toolbox talks to help staff recognise and respond to risks effectively, building a stronger safety culture from the ground up.
• Health and safety documents that work: From policy templates to accident reporting procedures, we’ll equip you with the health and safety documents you need to stay organised, compliant, and confident, should the HSE come knocking.
• Ongoing compliance support: Regulations change. Staff leave. Standards slip. Our consultants stay by your side with regular check-ins and updates to ensure you’re always prepared, protected, and proactive

Final thoughts

Slips, trips, and falls aren’t going away. But with the right processes, culture, and expert support, you can dramatically reduce their impact on your business.

Don’t wait for a claim, injury, or HSE inspection to realise you’re vulnerable. Take action today.