Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards

Slips and trips occur due to a loss of traction between the shoe and the walking surface, or an inadvertent contact with a fixed or moveable object, which may lead to a fall. There are a variety of situations that may cause slips, trips, and falls. Common causes include the following:

• Wet or greasy floors
• Dry floors with wood dust or powder
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Polished or freshly waxed floors
• Loose flooring, carpeting, or mats
• Transition from one floor type to another
• Missing or uneven floor tiles and bricks
• Damaged or irregular steps; no handrails
• Sloped walking surfaces
• Shoes with wet, muddy, greasy, or oily soles
• Clutter
• Electrical cords or cables
• Damaged ladder steps
• Ramps and gang planks without skid-resistant surfaces
• Metal surfaces - dock plates, construction plates
• Weather hazards - rain, sleet, ice, snow, hail, frost
• Wet leaves or pine needles

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