Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace accidents, accounting for a significant portion of injuries each year. These incidents may seem minor, but their consequences can be severe, leading to injuries that range from bruises and sprains to fractures and head trauma. In some cases, they may even result in long-term disability.

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 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 in the workplace.
• 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 slip, 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.
• 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, can contribute to slip and trip hazards.
• 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.

What to do following a slip at work

If you are injured at work, you should immediately seek medical attention and report the incident to your employer. Make sure to document the details of the injury, including how it occurred and any witnesses.

Follow company protocols for reporting workplace injuries and filling out necessary paperwork such as in an accident report book. All documentation of this kind, including medical records, will be helpful during the claims process.

When you feel able, get in touch with a specialist personal injury firm, such as Beacon Law. Our team can discuss the details of your case and how best to move forward with making a claim for compensation.

Employers’ responsibilities

Your employer is under an obligation to provide a safe place of work and reduce the risk of accidents occurring under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations (1992) and 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 prevent slips and trips. Even when all measures and steps are taken to prevent accidents from occurring, some accidents still happen. In these cases, employers have a duty to report them to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How can Beacon Law assist?

At Beacon Law, our team of highly experienced personal injury solicitors work on a range of claims, including slips and trips 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. This means that you won’t have to pay any of our fees if your case is unsuccessful. 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.