7 slipping hazards lurking in your office

Your employer should have a formal slip, trip, and fall prevention programme in place, but there are also steps you can take to ensure these types of accidents don’t occur. According to risk engineers, here are the top seven places to look for slip-and-fall hazards. 

1. Your feet

   The shoes you wear at work can play an important role in preventing slip-and-fall accidents. Always choose footwear that is compatible with the flooring surfaces in your workplace.
2. Staircases
   A number of factors contribute to staircase accidents, including:
   • Irregular steps
   • Poor lighting
   • Objects left on stairs
   • Improper or broken handrails
   • A step in an unexpected place
   Make sure to always take your time on the stairs and use caution if you spot any of the signs above.
3. Escalators
   Escalator steps are not the correct height for normal walking, which increases the risk for a slip, trip, or fall. Do not use escalators as stairs when they are not operating.
4. Pavements
   Pavements may crack due to settling surfaces, storm damage or the action of tree roots. They can also collect puddles or ice. Be especially cautious when walking outside in bad weather, and alert the building authorities if you see these hazards so they can improve the slip resistance of these surfaces.
   
5. Ramps
   Slip-and-fall accidents are common on ramps as they can get slippery when it rains or snows, making the increased slope difficult to navigate. And don’t get caught off-guard by a ramp with a low rise—especially when it has no handrails.
6. Car parks
   When navigating the car park at work, watch out for:
   • Irregular surfaces
   • Speed bumps (if your office has them, see below)
   • Inadequate lighting
7. Speed bumps and wheel stops
   Speed bumps and parking blocks can be a tripping hazard. If your workplace access road and car park has these features, navigate with caution. They should be painted a bright color and properly placed.

Most importantly, if you do see a potential slip-and-fall hazard in your work environment, report it immediately. The sooner it is corrected, the safer you and your colleagues will be.

¹The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

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