Slips and Trips
Slips and trips are common causes of injury within DEECD workplaces. Slips mostly occur when the heel of a person’s shoe slides forward and doesn’t grip with the floor. The floor surface, the type and the make up of the shoe and the presence of contaminants, such as a water spill, increase the risk of slipping. Trips are mostly caused by objects on the floor that impede a person’s path. Various control strategies will decrease the risk associated with this hazard including:
- Good house keeping practices;
- Inspections;
- Slip testing and correct maintenance of flooring;
- The provision of fit for purpose flooring in any wet areas such as shower facilities and bathrooms;
- Fixing holes and uneven surfaces in outside areas such as playgrounds, sports ovals and walkways;
- Placing non slip matting at the entrances of buildings during inclement weather;
- Keeping electrical cords need to be kept out of foot traffic areas or securely covering them to prevent tripping; and
- Ensuring handrails are securely attached at the appropriate height.
Where/when would this be an issue?
There are many scenarios where slip/trips may be a problem. Injury reports present an opportunity to identify how and where these issues are presenting themselves. Locations where this may be an issue include:
- Stairs and corridors;
- Playgrounds/yards;
- Bathrooms and toilets;
- Loose gravel surfaces;
- Kitchens; and
- Height changes in concrete pathways provide a small “step” which can be tripped over.
What do I need to do?
- Consult with Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) and employees regarding this hazard;
- Conduct structured and regular workplace inspections to identify any slip and trip hazards;
- Review injury reports through eduSafe to identify where specific slip and trip injuries are occurring at your workplace;
- Develop and implement control measures to eliminate the source of the hazard;
- Arrange for slip testing to be performed as and if required.(Contact the DEECD Regional OHS/WorkCover Advisors for assistance); and
- Ensure that visitors and the general public are not exposed to any unsafe work areas or slip and trip hazards.
Legislation, guidance and codes of practice
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
Practical guidance
Workplace Inspection Procedure (PDF - 135Kb)
Workplace Inspection Checklist (Excel - 254Kb)
OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715