Slips and Trips at Work

Slips trips and falls are one of the most common reasons for sustaining an injury at work. These types of injuries are usually caused by poor housekeeping in the workplace, with many employees being injured due to spillages or obstructions on the floor causing slip and trip hazards.

If you have been injured due to a slip and trip at work then you may be eligible to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Our team of solicitors are highly experienced in this area of the law and work hard to obtain a fair amount of compensation for our clients. Please get in touch with us today to find out more.

Common causes of slips and trips at work

Slips and trips at work are a common cause of injury at work and can occur due to various factors, many of which are preventable. Some common causes include:

• Wet or slippery surfaces: Spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors can create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of slips.
• Uneven flooring: Uneven or damaged flooring, such as loose tiles, torn carpeting, or cracked pavement, can cause trips and falls.
• Cluttered walkways: Obstacles such as boxes, cords, or equipment left in walkways can obstruct paths and increase the likelihood of trips.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in work areas can make it difficult for employees to see potential trip and fall hazards, leading to trips and falls.
• Improper footwear: Wearing inappropriate footwear, such as shoes with worn-out soles or high heels, can reduce traction and stability, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Employers have a duty to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety footwear.
• Weather conditions: Outdoor workplaces may be affected by weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, which can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of slips and falls.
• Lack of warning signs: Failure to use warning signs to alert employees of potential hazards, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces, can result in accidents.
• Improper housekeeping: Poor housekeeping practices, such as failing to clean up spills promptly or not properly storing equipment and materials, can contribute to slip and trip hazards.
• Rushing or distraction: Employees who are in a hurry or distracted may not pay attention to their surroundings, increasing the likelihood of slips and trips.
• Inadequate training: Lack of training on proper safety procedures, such as how to navigate obstacles or how to clean up spills safely, can leave employees vulnerable to accidents.

By addressing these common causes and implementing preventive measures, employers can create a safer work environment and prevent slip, trips and falls at work. Regular maintenance, clear communication, and employee training are essential components of an effective slip and trip prevention program.

Your employers duty to mitigate slips and trips at work

Your employer is under an obligation to provide a safe place of work and reduce the risk of accidents occuring under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations (1992) and the The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 impose a duty on an employer to ensure that the work environment is always clean and maintained to a high safety standard. 

For example, employers should carry out regular risk assessments to address any potential issues before they lead to an accident, and make records of all equipment to ensure they are in a suitable and good condition for operation.

Even when all measures and steps are taken to prevent accidents occurring, unfortunately some accidents still do happen, in which case employers have a duty to report them to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How Can Beacon Law Assist?

Beacon Law is a Manchester-based law firm that specialises in personal injury claims. Our team of highly experienced personal injury solicitors and legal professionals have processed large numbers of successful claims, including numerous slip and trip at work claims.

Beacon Law can assist you in making a compensation claim for your slip and trip injury at work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that you won’t have to pay any of our fees if your case is unsuccessful. We are experts in no win, no fee claims, and we are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

For a free, no obligation initial discussion, contact us using the form at the top of the page or using our live chat facility. Alternatively, you can call us directly on 03301332857.