Causes

The causes of slip, trip, and fall accidents can be grouped into two categories: unsafe acts, which account for the majority of accidents, and unsafe conditions. Most accidents occur when people are either rushing or not paying attention.

The following are common causes of slip, trip, and fall injuries:

• Misstepping or slipping while ascending or descending
• Loss of balance
• 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
• Open desk or file cabinet drawers
• 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

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.