Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace: How to Prevent the Most Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace safety isn't just about hard hats and harnesses — it’s also about keeping your feet on solid ground. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries across all industries, accounting for thousands of preventable incidents each year.

In fact, according to Safe Work Australia, these incidents make up more than 20% of serious claims — which means they not only cause pain and time off work, but also impact productivity and team morale.

So, how do you prevent them? Let’s break it down.

What Causes Slips, Trips and Falls?

There are several culprits behind these accidents:

Slips:

• Wet or oily surfaces

• Loose mats or rugs

• Spills not cleaned up quickly

• Weather hazards (e.g. rain tracked indoors)

Trips:

• Cluttered walkways

• Uneven flooring or steps

• Poor lighting

• Exposed cords or cables

 Falls:

• Inadequate fall protection

• Unsafe use of ladders or platforms

• Poorly maintained stairs or railings

The Real Cost of a Fall

Injuries from slips, trips and falls can range from minor bruises to serious fractures, back injuries, or even fatalities. For businesses, the costs include:

• Worker’s compensation claims

• Lost productivity

• Legal liability

• Damaged reputation

That’s why prevention is not just a good idea — it’s a smart business strategy.

10 Simple Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

1. Keep floors clean and dry
   Mop up spills immediately and use "Wet Floor" signs.

2. Improve lighting
   Make sure all areas — especially stairs and hallways — are well-lit.

3. Mark hazard zones
   Use tape or signs to highlight uneven flooring or sudden level changes.

4. Tidy cables and cords
   Use cable covers or reroute wires away from walkways.

5. Install handrails and non-slip treads
   Particularly important for stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms.

6. Place anti-slip mats
   Especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or industrial areas.

7. Provide proper footwear
   Slip-resistant shoes can greatly reduce accidents.

8. Train your team
   Regular safety training and refreshers keep everyone alert and responsible.

9. Display clear safety signage
   Posters are a visual reminder to stay cautious and follow procedures.

10. Conduct regular inspections
    Make safety checks part of your weekly routine.

 Make It Visual: Use Safety Posters

One of the easiest ways to reinforce safety messages is through visual reminders. Posters placed in high-risk areas — like near wet zones, stairwells, or factory floors — act as silent safety officers. At Safety4Work, we offer printable workplace safety posters that cover everything from slips and trips to electrical hazards.

 Don’t Slip Up on Safety

Whether you're running a construction site, office, or healthcare facility, the risk of slips, trips and falls is real — but so is the opportunity to stop them in their tracks. By staying alert, educating your team, and using tools like signage and regular checks, you can create a safer, more productive workplace for everyone.

Prevention is simple. Injuries are not.