Slips and trips are the most common cause of accidents at work and typically account for an average of one-third of all accidents. In 95% of serious slip accidents there are broken bones. On average slips and trips are responsible for:
- Two fatalities a year
- A cost to employers of £512 million per year (lost production and other costs)
- 50% of all accidents to members of the public (Source: Health and Safety Executive)
Although slips and trips can happen to anyone, anywhere, there are some higher risk areas including stairs and steps, and kitchens.
Anyone who becomes aware of a hazard that may result in someone having a slip, trip or fall should remove or report the hazard as soon as possible. Tasks involving working at height also need to be managed effectively.
Ladders should only be used to carry out a task when it is unreasonable to use some other safer means of access. Members of staff who regularly need to use ladders should attend the University Health and Safety Service ladder safety training course.
More information about slips, trips and falls is available at: https://staff.shu.ac.uk/HealthandSafety/Slipsandtrips.asp
If you have any queries regarding this article please contact the Health and Safety Service on ext. 4515 or https://staff.shu.ac.uk/healthandsafety/