Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, Trips and Falls
Contents
Introduction
Over a third of all major injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) each year are caused as a result of a slip or trip at work. This makes slips, trips and falls the single most common cause of injuries in workplaces. Slips and trips also account for over a half of all reported injuries to the public. It is therefore very important that Heads of Schools/Units put in place appropriate management systems to eliminate or minimise the risks of these hazards.
Detailed guidance on managing slips and trips in the Education Sector can be found in the HSE publication entitled Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB)
Actions by heads
The Head of the School/Unit should ensure that:
- An appropriate risk assessment is carried out for the risks of slips, trips and falls in their School/Unit and is recorded.
- The risk assessment includes all necessary control measures to eliminate or minimise the risks of slips, trips and falls in their School/Unit
- All relevant staff are made aware of the risk assessment.
- The annual School/Unit workplace health and safety inspection checklist includes a section on slips, trips and falls hazards.
Further Information
- Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB) - Health and Safety Executive. HSE Books (EDIS2(rev1)) (2006).
- Preventing Slips and Trips at Work (PDF, 68 KB) - HSE Books(INDG 225 (rev1)) (2005).
- Slips and Trips: Guidance for employers on identifying hazards and controlling risks - HSE Books (HSG 155) (ISBN: 0 7176 1145 0 ) (1996)
- Slips and Trips: Guidance for the food processing industry - HSE Books (HSG 156) (ISBN: 0 71... ) (1996)
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Preventing Slips and Trips in the Education Sector (PDF, 55 KB)
Preventing Slips and Trips at Work (PDF, 68 KB)