Slips, Trips & Falls FAQs & Resources

As a leading provider of Health & Safety eLearning, our experts are often asked about Slips, Trips and Falls. We've collected all of those questions and answered them for you below...

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Slips, Trips & Falls FAQs

How do I report a Slips, Trips & Falls Accident?

You should use RIDDOR to report an incident at work. Learn more about RIDDOR

How could I prevent a 'Slips' accident when the weather is colder than usual?

When temperature's drop below freezing, you should grit area's that are prone to icing over to prevent ice from forming. You should encourage diversion where possible as well as alerting employees to potentially hazardous areas. Additionally, if you put signs out to alert people you should remove them when the ice has melted; if they are always there then staff will begin to ignore them. 

Who's responsibility is it to conduct risk assessments in regard to slips, trips and falls at work?

It is the employers or the designated 'responsible persons' responsibility to conduct risk assessments.

What can cause a lack of grip between the floor and your shoe?

Any liquid spills can create a barrier between the floor and your shoes, therefore creating a possible slip hazard. Dropped foods can also cause the same hazard. 

What is the right footwear to wear at work?

The footwear you should wear to work can depend on your job, if you have a job where specific PPE or footwear requirements are stated then these should be followed. If you are allowed to wear your own footwear, shoes should fit well and appropriate. Laces should be tied and heels can cause hazards up staircases. Flip flops also offer little protection to the toes and foot and can cause trips themselves. 

What could be a trip hazard?

Objects could be trip hazards if they are blocking a walkway or doorway. Work areas should be kept tidy and employees should think about where they place things like paper bins, handbags, briefcases or toolboxes for example. Cupboard doors and drawers should always be kept closed when not in use, especially at low levels that may not be in the eye-line of many and remember to keep cables and leads tidy.

How can you try to prevent a fall?

When you are conducting a task where there is a possibility of a fall you should make sure all of the correct equipment is used and do anything else possible to prevent a fall. You need to ensure that you know how to use the equipment too. Equipment should not be a hazard in itself, and whether you need someone to help with the task. Additionally, you should check whether where you have set up the task is a safe place. Ensure it is not by a doorway or corridor without providing the correct signage and information. 

Is there legislation surrounding slips, trips and falls at work?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to balance the level of risk compared to the risk in terms of time and money. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employers have a responsibility to care for the health and safety of their employees. 

FAQ regarding our Slips, Trips & Falls Course

What legislation is relevant to this course?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3) and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (Regulation 12) are all relevant to this training course.

How long is this course?

This course takes just 30 minutes to complete.

What devices is this course available from?

Our courses can be completed on a range of devices, they’re compatible with Desktops, laptops, mobile phones, iPads and other tablets.

What approvals does this course have?

This course is CPD accredited and IOSH Approved.

How long is my certificate valid for?

It is up to the training administrator of the employee as to when training needs to be refreshed. However, to stay up-to-date with legislation, we recommend that training should be renewed every year.

Documents and resources

  • Slips, Trips & Falls Checklist

    A simple checklist including some of the most common slips, trips and falls hazards to include on your risk assessments. This list is useful for those who conduct the risk assessments but also useful for all employees to be aware of.