Form No.

: SHES -FM-013
Rev.:00

STOCKGAP FUELS LIMITED

TOPIC: PREVENTING SLIP, TRIP & FALLS
DATE: 20TH SEPT., 2023 Rev.:0

1.0 DEFINITION
Slips are the result of too little friction or a lack of traction between the footwear and the floor surface. A trip is the result of a
foot striking or colliding with an object, which causes a loss in balance, and usually a fall.
Fall is categories into two: Fall at the same level—occurs on the same working surface. Fall to a lower level—takes place
below a person’s working surface, common for those working at heights.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
When you think of a workplace accident, you most probably think of something dramatic – for example, an explosion or fire
outbreak. But one most common cause of workplace injury is a trip or slip hazard that leads to a fall. They make up over a
third of workplace accidents and are the most common workplace hazard found in every workplace. Slips, trips, and falls can
result in severe and life-changing injuries, and unfortunately, they can even be fatal. Sprains, Fracture, Contusions, injuries,
Cuts, Back, Neck and spinal cord injuries (SCI) are some of the consequences.
Being common and perhaps treated as trivial makes it even more dangerous, as employees’ risk perception and tolerability
level can quickly erode until something happens, hence this awareness.:
2.1 SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT SLIP, TRIP & FALL
❖ Practice good housekeeping- A slip/trip-free workspace begins with a good housekeeping. Removing clutter helps tidy
up the floor and makes it walkable for everyone. Properly arrange cords, cables, hoses, tools, bags and other personal
effects from access areas.
❖ Provide adequate lighting in walking areas- Dimly lit walkways can also put people at risk of trips and falls. It’s best to
place proper lighting in access and egress points such as halls, ramps, stairs, and exits or provide proper flashlights where
this is not practicable.
❖ Paying attention- Taking time to pay attention to where you are going to and eliminating distraction can help to spot slip
and trip hazard timely. Be especially careful when walking up or down stairs, traveling on inclined surfaces or
transitioning from one type of surface to another. Always use the handrail when one is present and only take one step at a
time.
❖ Clean spills immediately- Wherever the ground is slippery, feet lose traction and go off balance. Mop and sweep or dry
any substance on the floor that could slip or trip another person as soon as possible. Proper cleaning ensures that the floor
is free from hazardous elements so that people can walk safely
❖ Avoid unsafe acts- Do not run in the workplace. Running increases your momentum and speed thereby impeding your
ability to avoid slipping or tripping. Reduce walking pace when approaching corners, intersections or blind spots.
❖ Utilize signages- Installing warning signs and markers are important in preventing slips, trips, and falls. Installing them
warns people about walking in hazardous spaces to keep them safe.
❖ Make sure proper footwear is worn- The right shoes protect the feet from harmful elements that can cause the
employees to slip, trip, or fall. ANSI requires the use of non-slip shoes with good traction. Avoid wearing sandals, canvas
shoes, high heels, and open-toed shoes while on work surfaces.
❖ Maintain and improve floor quality- Inspect floors regularly for cracks, holes, missing blocks, uneven surfaces, and
other hazards that can trip people and report them for closeout. Invest in resilient, non-slippery flooring.
❖ Implement recommended safety programmes: Adopt safety policies on procuring materials on specification that won’t
result to leak, fitting task to the appropriate worker, considering underlying health conditions of worker, etc. Effective
safety programmes will help to mitigate risks of slip, trip and fall.
3.0 CONCLUSION
Slip, Trips and Falls are beyond trivial and can cause serious harm, injuries and even fatalities within the workplace and are to
be treated seriously by both employees and the management. As with most issues in Health and Safety these risks are often
preventable and hazards can be identified before it is too late. Here is a call to all and sundry to be proactive in implementing
recommended safe practices for a safer work environment
Do it the safe way!Do it the right way!! Do it every day!!!
Safety! First!
Safety! Always!
Safety! For All!