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Slips and trips

Frequenly asked questions

Contents

  1. What factors contribute to the risk of slips and trips?
  2. How can I reduce the risk of slips in wet areas or on surfaces such as concrete?
  3. How can I reduce the risk of trips in my machine shop?
  4. What colour and width should floor line markings be?  

1. What factors contribute to the risk of slips and trips?

Slips and trips can result in serious injury and lengthy amounts of time off work. The factors that contribute to the risk will depend on the type of workplace. Common factors include:

  • unstable, loose, or uneven floor surfaces;
  • obstacles blocking walkways;
  • slippery floor surfaces from spilt substances, fluid, mud, oil;
  • type of flooring or surface texture like wood, concrete or vinyl;
  • carrying boxes etc that obscure the view of the floor;
  • inadequate lighting; and
  • inadequate footwear.

2. How can I reduce the risk of slips in wet areas or on surfaces such as concrete?

A risk assessment should be undertaken at the workplace to determine the specific hazards, level of risk, and appropriate controls, and all staff should be provided with appropriate information and training. Controls may include safe work practices such as:

  • keeping floors, ramps and stairs clean and dry;
  • following procedures for cleaning up spilled substances;
  • decanting fluids away from common areas; and
  • wearing footwear suitable to the task and surface.

Other controls include providing:

  • anti-slip mats;
  • adequate drainage;
  • restricted access to areas that are potentially hazardous;
  • the right floor surface for the type of work;
  • adequate and well directed lighting; and
  • warning signs.

3. How can I reduce the risk of trips in my machine shop?

A risk assessment should be undertaken at the workplace to determine the specific hazards, level of risk, and appropriate controls, and all staff should be provided with appropriate information and training. Controls may include safe work practices such as:

  • good housekeeping protocols, including rubbish removal;
  • storing equipment correctly;
  • reporting damage to floors and surfaces; and
  • staying on marked walkways.

Other controls include:

  • implementing a clean and clear walkway policy;
  • setting mats into the floor surface;
  • restricting access to areas that are potentially hazardous;
  • providing ramps instead of steps where the height of floor levels change;
  • restricting tasks to suitably trained employees;
  • clearly marking walkways;
  • providing adequate aisle width (generally 1 metre but depends on the task and risk assessment);
  • providing adequate lighting; and
  • using conspicuous warning signs. 

4.What colour and width should floor line markings be? 

  • Floor line marking is used to define walkways and access restrictions within the workplace.  A highly visible colour such as yellow is advised.  There is no set requirement for the width, as long as the markings are clear and visible.

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