Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention

Date: 2025-07-29

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. This toolbox talk will cover how to identify and control these hazards to keep everyone safe.

Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is the process of finding and recording possible hazards that may be present in your workplace. It's a crucial part of risk assessment. [4]

• Wet or oily surfaces: Slips leading to falls, fractures, sprains, or other injuries. [3]
• Occasional spills: Unexpected slips and falls if not cleaned promptly. [3]
• Weather hazards (ice, snow, rain): Reduced traction leading to slips and falls, especially in parking lots and outdoor areas. [3]
• Loose, unanchored rugs or mats: Tripping hazards causing falls and potential injuries. [3]
• Clutter and obstructions in walkways: Trips and falls due to obstructed paths. [1]
• Poor lighting: Inability to see hazards, increasing the risk of trips and falls. [1]
• Uneven walking surfaces (steps, thresholds): Trips and falls due to unexpected changes in elevation. [1]
• Bottom drawers not being closed: Tripping hazard, leading to falls and potential injuries. [1]
• Uncovered cables crossing walkways: Tripping hazard, potentially causing falls and injuries. [1]

Control Measures

• Implement good housekeeping practices: Clean spills immediately, mark wet areas, mop or sweep debris, remove obstacles, secure mats and rugs, close file cabinet drawers, cover cables, and ensure adequate lighting. [1]
• Maintain flooring: Recoat or replace floors, install mats, abrasive strips, or coatings to improve safety and reduce fall risks. Ensure resilient, non-slippery flooring to prevent foot fatigue. [2]
• Select proper footwear: In oily or wet environments, choose footwear with appropriate anti-slip properties. Consult manufacturers for recommendations. Ensure properly fitting footwear for comfort and to prevent fatigue. [2]
• Ensure adequate lighting: Maintain sufficient lighting in all working areas and walkways. Replace used light bulbs and faulty switches promptly. [1]
• Practice safe walking: Take your time, pay attention to where you are going, adjust your stride to suit the surface, walk with feet slightly outward, and make wide turns at corners. [2]
• Keep walking areas clear: Remove clutter and obstructions from walkways. Ensure flooring is in good condition. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear slip-resistant shoes, especially in areas prone to wet or oily conditions. Check the soles regularly for wear and replace as needed. [5]
• High-Visibility Clothing: High-visibility clothing can help ensure you are seen, especially in poorly lit areas or when working near moving equipment.
• Gloves: Use appropriate gloves when handling materials to maintain a good grip and prevent dropping items that could create a tripping hazard.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some specific slip, trip, and fall hazards you've noticed in our work area?
2. What steps can we take to improve housekeeping in our department?
3. How can we ensure we are all wearing appropriate footwear for our jobs?

Emergency Procedures

1. Immediately report any fall, slip, or trip incident, regardless of severity. [6]
2. Provide first aid to any injured person and seek medical attention if necessary.
3. Document the incident, including the location, conditions, and any contributing factors. [6]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Slips, trips, and falls are preventable with the right awareness and actions.
• Good housekeeping, proper footwear, and safe walking practices are essential. [1]
• Report all incidents and hazards immediately to prevent future occurrences.
• Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Remember: Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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