It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure they are undertaken. Employers can designate a competent or responsible person to conduct the risk assessments.

The Workplace health, safety and welfare Regulations 1992 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable, which includes managing the risks from slips, trips and falls. Providing employees with Slips, Trips and Falls Training increases awareness and helps to reduce accidents.

Example of trip hazards in the workplace include:

• External walkways uneven, slippery from leaves, moss, ice or snow.
• Objects blocking a walkway or doorway.
• Stairs contaminated with production materials.
• Untidy work areas with things like paper bins, handbags, briefcases or toolboxes.
• Inappropriate footwear
• Cables / leads trailing in walkways.

If the consequences of a slip, trip and fall accident is a reportable accident, you should use the RIDDOR reporting requirements. Find out more about reporting to RIDDOR on the HSE’s website.

During freezing temperatures or after a snowfall you should clear and grit areas where there is likely to be worker access and visitor pedestrians to your premises or workplace. You should also encourage diversions where possible and alert employees and visitors to potentially hazardous areas.

Suitable footwear is all dependent on your job and the tasks you undertake. If your job has specific PPE or footwear requirements, these should be followed. If not, you should ensure:

• Your shoes fit well and are appropriate for the tasks you undertake.
• Laces should be tied at all times.
• Care is taken on unlevel surfaces when wearing heels.
• Free from contamination such as mud or manufacturing materials.

Undertaking workplace risk assessment(s) will help identify the potential slip, trip and fall hazards, and then decide on suitable and sufficient control measures which need to be put in place.