Slips, trips and falls are responsible for more workplace injuries than any other type of accident in the UK. Despite being largely preventable, they continue to cause lost working days, compensation claims and enforcement action. Understanding employer responsibilities and common risk factors is essential for maintaining a safe workplace.
Why slips, trips and falls remain a major workplace risk
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips and falls account for a significant proportion of reported non-fatal workplace injuries each year. They occur across all sectors, including offices, retail, hospitality, construction and healthcare.
The impact goes beyond physical injury. Incidents often lead to operational disruption, increased insurance premiums and reputational damage. In many cases, investigations reveal that risks were foreseeable and could have been managed more effectively.
What the law requires employers to do
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect employees and others from harm. This includes:
Identifying slip and trip hazards through risk assessments
Implementing control measures to reduce risk
Providing appropriate information, instruction and training
Maintaining safe floors, walkways and access routes
Failure to address known risks can result in enforcement notices or prosecution.
Common causes of slips, trips and falls
Typical causes include:
Wet or contaminated floors
Uneven surfaces or loose flooring
Poor lighting
Obstructed walkways
Inappropriate footwear
Lack of staff awareness
Many of these hazards are simple to address but are often overlooked in busy working environments.
How training supports prevention and compliance
Training plays an important role in helping staff recognise hazards and follow safe working practices. It also supports employers by providing evidence of instruction and awareness, which may be requested during inspections or audits.
Online training is commonly used to ensure consistency across teams and to provide a clear record of completion.
Employers often use Slips, Trips and Falls training as part of their wider health and safety management system to help reduce incidents and demonstrate compliance.