Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips and falls cause nearly 700 workplace fatalities per year and many more injuries. Employees must be trained to recognize unsafe conditions and ways to protect themselves from slip, trip, and fall hazards.

To avoid workplace slips, trips, and falls:

• Wear the right shoes for the job and conditions, which may include slip-resistant soles.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Be cautious when floor surfaces are more likely to be slippery, such as smooth floors or areas where greases, fluids, or waxes are used.
• On slippery surfaces, slow down and take short steps.
• Keep the workplace clean and free of clutter and cords.
• Deal with tripping hazards in walkways immediately.
• Ensure walking areas have adequate lighting.
• Don’t carry items that will obstruct your view of walkways.
• Use handrails and avoid carrying large loads on stairs.
• Don’t jump from elevated surfaces.
• Use the proper safety equipment for the job.
• When using ladders, follow all safety instructions and always keep at least three points of contact with the ladder.
• Address uneven floor surfaces.
• Re-lay carpet that bunches up or bulges.
• Take care to watch where you’re walking.

It’s important to regularly inspect work areas to identify and address potential hazards. By taking simple precautions, workers can avoid slip, trip, and fall injuries on the job. For more information, see the OSHA’s publication on Protecting Workers from Slips, Trips and Falls. For 100% Online OSHA Safety training courses, visit our Online Course Catalog.