PSHSA ‐ Slips, Trips and Falls

About Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are common workplace occurrences that can result in serious injuries and disabilities to workplace parties. These occurrences are a major hazard facing employers today and are a priority issue among Health and Safety stakeholders in Ontario. Most falls are due to slips and trips on a level surface, however falling from a height often results in a more serious injury.

Slips - Slip hazards exist when there is not enough friction between your feet and the walking surface, This can be measured. A coefficient of friction (COF) indicates the amount of force required to move an object (e.g. shoe) on a surface. A COF of zero indicates that a person is more likely to fall, while a higher number (eg. 0.5) shows there is good traction.

Trips - Trip hazards exist when your foot makes contact with an object in your path. As little as a ¼ of an inch can make a difference.

Falls - Fall hazards exist when there is potential for a worker to fall, a decent due to gravity,

Slips, trips, and falls events can be placed under two categories:

Same level: are slips, trips, falls and loss of balance while working at ground level (e.g., walking on a floor that has a spilled liquid); and
Elevated or working from heights: are slips, trips, falls from staircases, portable and fixed ladders, elevated work surfaces (e.g., scaffolds), or mobile elevated worksurfaces (e.g., falling from a ladder that was positioned incorrectly).

Most slips, trips and falls incidents occur on same level surfaces and are caused by unexpected changes in the walking surface caused by containments (e.g. ice, snow, other liquids, etc.), debris in a person’s walking path, or poorly maintained walking surfaces that have cracks, pumps, or raised surfaces.

Fall-related incidents can be caused by rushing, not using fall protection/arrest or other safety devices, lack of training, lack of situational awareness, equipment (e.g. loading hose), using stairs, scaffolds, or elevated work platforms), responding to emergency situations or investigating on rooftops, bridges or near openings or skylights, and the environment (e.g. weather conditions, visibility from smoke, weather, or time of day). Accidents from falling tend to have tragic or irreversible results.

It is often assumed people slip, trip, or fall because the floor is slick, or because they are clumsy or careless. However, the reasons are usually more complex. Commonly overlooked reasons include the interaction of the walking surface with footwear, the environment, and its distractions, as well as the physical limitations of people.

The MLITSD may consider the following to be common slip, trip and fall hazards in your workplace:

slippery surfaces (for example, oily or greasy surfaces)
seasonal slip, trip and fall hazards (for example, snow and ice)
spills of wet or dry substances
changes in walkway levels and slopes
unsecured mats or mats in poor condition (rolled edges)
unsafe use of ladders or using other furniture to reach objects
poor lighting
falls from beds of trucks, trailers or loads
debris and cables in walkways
poor housekeeping
improper cleaning methods (wrong product, improper dilution)
smoke, steam or dust obscuring view
lack of guardrails on mezzanines and balconies or stairwells
unsuitable footwear
poorly maintained equipment (for example, ladders, fall arrest, etc.)
lack of visual cues (floor/change of elevation tape, signage, markers, sudden hazard risks)

Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention Strategies

The effectiveness of the slip, trip, and fall prevention strategies can be monitored by tracking how well workplace surfaces, equipment and processes are maintained, as well as the continual adequacy of worker training and information.

Initial design or renovation of indoor walking surfaces should include proper selection of surface materials, particularly at entrance ways to ensure the co-efficient of friction (COF) is high (e.g. meets standards for high traffic areas). In addition, flooring system grates and grills, can reduce excess snow, ice, water and provide grip.

The Employer in consultation with the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) or Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) should consider a strategy for accident and injury prevention related to slip, trip and fall prevention. Compliance with the minimum standards set forth in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations is the responsibility of the employer and the supervisor, but safety improves most when the workers themselves are reporting hazards and suggesting solutions, and well-informed and vigilant about risks. A robust workplace inspection program where workplace inspections are done by the worker, supervisor and JHSC or HSR can ensure hazards are identified early so action can be taken. Training and regular communication to highlight risks and control measures can support a proactive health and safety culture.

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