Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, Trips and Falls
Like any other hazard in the workplace, prevention begins with a risk management approach such as spot the hazard, assess the risk and make the changes. Please refer to the Slips, trips and falls risk management worksheet for further assistance with the risk assessment process.
The information and resources provided below are designed the support Part 3 Section 12 of Policy 2 – Work Health and Safety concerning slips, trips and falls.
Hazard identification
Hazards can be identified by reviewing hazard reports and incident reports, talking with frequent users and completing walk-throughs or workplace inspections to identify potential hazards.
Risk assessment
Assessing the risk involves identifying all the risk factors that are present that may contribute to the risk of a slip or trip and determining the potential likelihood and consequences of a slip or trip occurring.
Risk factors that contribute to slips and trips injuries will vary according to the type of workplace and work tasks being completed. It is not uncommon for several risk factors to exist at any one time.
Common risk factor categories include:
- floor surface & condition
- floor contamination
- objects on the floor
- ability to see floor/ walkways/ hazards
- cleaning/ spill containment
- space & design
- stairs & stepladders
- work activities, pace & processes
- footwear & clothing
- individual factors.
Controls and review
Finally, making changes is about implementing controls that eliminate or reduce the identified risk factors. Do not forget that all-important step of reviewing the solutions after they have been put in place to make sure that they are effective and have not introduced any new hazards to the workplace.
There are many controls that one can use to prevent slips and trips in the workplace. Firstly though, it is important to complete hazard identification and a risk assessment in consultation with frequent users. This will ensure that the right control is chosen for the hazards that are relevant in your workplace and prevents costly changes down the track if the wrong control is implemented. Quite often, a range of controls is needed to effectively control the risk.
Ladders
Ladders can be hazardous if they are not correctly maintained and used. You should make sure that ladders are properly stored and inspected regularly and only used for light work of short duration or for access.
Ladder users should be given instructions and show you how to use a ladder safely and what safety checks to make before using a ladder. This includes checking that the ladder:
- has no damaged, loose or missing parts
- is secured against movement and be supported from a firm, level, non-slip surface
- projects at least 1 metre above the landing place
- is placed at a slope that is no steeper than 4 units of height to 1 unit horizontally
- is rated for industrial use, not domestic use.
When using a ladder:
- always have two hands free to climb up and down (three points of contact)
- any materials or tools (other than those held on a worker's belt) should be transferred to the work area separately
- always face the ladder while climbing up, down or working
- never place feet higher than 900mm from the top of the ladder
- never over-reach from a ladder
- never work from a ladder above another person
- never have more than one person on a ladder at any one time
- do not use a ladder in an access way or where it may be hit by a door
- do not undertake work requiring restricted vision, welding or metal cutting from a ladder
- use a non-metallic ladder where there are electrical hazards.