30/10/2025
----> Falls, Trips, and Slips
>>> Simple but the Most Frequent Workplace Accidents
Although they may seem minor, slips, trips, and
falls are among the most common causes of occupational
injuries worldwide. According to the International Labour
Organization (|LO), they account for 30- 40% of all workplace
accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries each year. These
incidents can cause fractures, sprains, head injuries, or even
fatalities, leading to lost workdays.
1. Why They Happen:
• Wet, greasy, or slippery surfaces: Spilled liquids,
rainwater, oil, or other substances can make walking areas
unsafe.
• Uneven floors or ground conditions: Changes in level,
potholes, loose mats, or damaged flooring can easily cause
trips.
• Lack of order and cleanliness: Poor housekeeping,
scattered materials, and untidy walkways increase the risk of
falls.
• Improper footwear: Shoes without adequate grip or
inappropriate for the task and surface conditions contribute to
slipping accidents.
• Poor lighting: Dimly lit or shadowed areas make it difficult
to see obstacles or floor hazards.
2. Consequences of Slips, Trips, and Falls
>> Injuries: Sprains, fractures, head trauma, and back
injuries.
>> Lost working time: Workers may require long recovery
periods, leading to absenteeism.
>> Financial losses: Increased medical costs, compensation
claims, and reduced productivity.
>> Moral and psychological effects: A loss of confidence in
safety standards and morale among workers.
3. Prevention: The "P.A.S.0." Algorithm
VP-Forecast (Predict):
Inspect yur work area before starting the task.
ldentify uneven surfaces, wet areas, or cluttered zones.
Report or mark any hazardous conditions immediately.
VA - Secure (Assure):
Remove, clean, or isolate hazards (e.g., wipe spills, fix loose
flooring, provide barriers).
Maintain good housekeeping practiceskeep walkways freE
of debris.
Ensure proper lighting and use warning signs in high-risk
areas.
S- Select:
Choose appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bas lon
the task and environment.
Replace worn-out or damaged footwear promptly.
VO-Observe:
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Walk-don't runespecially in busy or slippery areas.
4. Building a Culture of Prevention
Preventing falls, trips, and slips is not only about compliance
it's about creatinga workplace culture focused on
awareness, responsibility, and continuOus improvement.
Conduct regular inspections and safety audits to identify
hazards early. Provide training and awareness campaigns to
remind workers of the importance of safe walking practices.
Encourage reporting and feedback, so issues are corrected
before accidents occur.
5. Useful Resources
For further reading and training materials, refer to these
resources:
Slip Prevention (|LO Resource)
+ Risk Prevention in Mechanical Workshops
Preventing Injuries from Falls