Slip/Fall in the Workplace

General Overview
Possible Hazards with Floor Surfaces
Possible Solutions
Other Recommended Good Work Practices
Additional Resources

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General Overview

Slips and falls are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace. The costs to the industry are extensive and there is immeasurable human cost and suffering to those injured. Floor cleaning is key in causing slip and fall accidents, both to the maintenance personnel and others in the building. Where cleaning is carried out successfully, it can make the difference between a floor being an unacceptably high slip risk or an acceptably low slip risk.

Possible Hazards with Floor Surfaces

• Passageways/hallways that are wet, greasy or otherwise dirty.
• Floor surfaces that are in poor condition: loose or unanchored mats or rugs, spills or unmopped cleaning solutions, weather hazards (such as rain, snow or ice) and unsuitable footwear.
• Ineffective employee training on proper cleaning techniques.

Possible Solutions

• Keep floors clean and dry. In addition to being a slip hazard, continually wet surfaces promote the growth of mold, fungi and bacteria that can cause infections.
• Provide warning signs for wet floor areas.
• Where wet processes are used, maintain drainage and provide false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places where practicable, or provide appropriate waterproof footgear.
• OSHA's Walking/Working Surfaces Standard requires: Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.
• Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. Provide floor plugs for equipment so power cords need not run across pathways.
• Keep exits free from obstruction. Access to exits must remain clear of obstructions at all times.
• Train employees on proper cleaning practices and safety procedures.

Other Recommended Good Work Practices

• Ensure spills are reported and cleaned up immediately.
• Use no-skid waxes and surfaces coated with grit to create non-slip surfaces in slippery areas such as toilet and shower areas.
• Use waterproof footgear to decrease slip/fall hazards.
• Use only properly maintained ladders to reach items. Do not use stools, chairs, or boxes as substitutes for ladders.
• Re-lay or stretch carpets that bulge or have become bunched to prevent tripping hazards.
• Aisles and passageways should be sufficiently wide for easy movement and should be kept clear at all times. Temporary electrical cords that cross aisles should be taped or anchored to the floor.
• Eliminate cluttered or obstructed work areas.
• Use prudent housekeeping procedures such as cleaning only one side of a passageway at a time and provide good lighting for all halls and stairwells to help reduce accidents.
• Provide adequate lighting especially during night hours.
• Instruct workers to use the handrail on stairs, to avoid undue speed and to maintain an unobstructed view of the stairs ahead of them even if that means requesting help to manage a bulky load.
• Eliminate uneven floor surfaces.
• Promote safe work in cramped working spaces. Avoid awkward positions and use equipment that makes lifts less awkward.

Additional Resources

Walking/Working Surfaces in the Workplace

OSHA Walking/Working Surfaces Standard