Preventing slips, trips and falls in 7 steps

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most general industry accidents involve slips, trips and falls.* While you can't prevent all slips, trips and falls, following these seven steps may help reduce their frequency.

About at-work slips, trips and falls

Actively preventing workplace slips, trips and falls helps protect workers and patrons. It can also help you protect your finances and business should you be held liable for an accident. Slips, trips and falls typically occur in the following ways.

• Slips: Walking or running on slippery or wet surfaces.
• Tips: Striking an unseen object with one or both feet while walking or running.
• Falls: Losing center of balance after a slip or a trip.

7 steps to prevent slips, trips and falls

Fend off these common work-related injuries and losses using the following tips.

• Step 1: Develop a consistent cleaning schedule, regularly removing debris, spills and ice from all passageways.
• Step 2: Uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act design criteria (Opens in a new tab) for workers and customers.
• Step 3: Keep walkways, stairwells and doorways illuminated at all times.
• Step 4: Provide adequate workforce safety training and post all related protocols in common areas.
• Step 5: Block and use temporary safety signs to warn workers and patrons of hazards.
• Step 6: Ensure workers and customers wear appropriate attire for given risks.
• Step 7: Install handrails, slip-resistant mats and floor markings wherever appropriate.

Protect your business with insurance.

Contact your American Family Insurance agent to learn about protecting your livelihood with increased liability limits and a commercial umbrella policy. While you can't prevent all accidents, you may be able to help protect yourself from unexpected losses with the right coverages.

This article is for informational purposes only. The information is widely available through different sources. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Compliance does not guarantee conformity with building codes, or federal, state, or local laws and regulations, nor does it guarantee coverage.

The loss control services listed above follow generally accepted safety standards. Compliance does not guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, or federal, state, or local regulations regarding safety or fire. Compliance does not ensure the absolute safety of your operations or place of business.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, A look at falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm (visited October 16, 2024).