Slip and Fall Risk: Proven Strategies to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Slip and Fall Risk: Proven Strategies to Prevent Workplace Accidents


Slip and Fall Risk: Proven Strategies to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Slip, trip, and fall hazards are a leading cause of injuries and insurance claims. Whether you’re a business owner, safety manager, or employee responsible for safety, addressing slip and fall risks is essential. Proactive measures can significantly reduce accidents, protect employees, and minimize liability.

Understanding the Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Preventing workplace falls begins with identifying and eliminating potential hazards. Common causes include:

  • Slippery Surfaces – Spills, freshly mopped floors, or rainwater tracked inside can create dangerous conditions.

  • Uneven Flooring – Loose tiles, torn carpets, or cracks in sidewalks increase tripping risks.

  • Obstructed Walkways – Cluttered aisles, electrical cords, and misplaced equipment contribute to falls.

  • Poor Lighting – Inadequate illumination makes identifying hazards in stairwells, hallways, and work areas difficult.

Effective Strategies to Reduce Slip and Fall Risk

Workplace safety requires a multi-faceted approach, from facility maintenance to employee training. These steps will help mitigate slip and fall accidents:

Maintain Safe and Clean Flooring

  • Use Slip-Resistant Flooring – Opt for anti-slip surfaces in high-risk areas such as kitchens, restrooms, and entryways.

  • Follow a Strict Cleaning Schedule – Ensure floors are dry and debris-free by addressing spills immediately.

  • Strategic Placement of Floor Mats – Use absorbent mats in doorways and areas prone to moisture buildup.

Optimize Workplace Environment

  • Improve Visibility – Install adequate lighting in hallways, staircases, and workspaces.

  • Use Warning Signage – Alert employees and visitors about wet floors or uneven surfaces with clear signage.

  • Keep Walkways Clear – Ensure that aisles, corridors, and exits remain unobstructed at all times.

Implement a Non-Slip Footwear Policy

A slip-and-fall/non-slip shoe policy outlines requirements for non-slip shoes and keeping walkways hazard-free. This policy should be in place for any industry where uneven or wet surfaces are common and can cause slips, trips, and falls. Industries typically include restaurants, retail, supermarkets, hospitals, and nursing homes. Require employees who work in high-risk areas to wear slip‐resistant footwear. When selecting slip‐resistant footwear, the following should be considered:

  1. Level of slip resistance – Polyurethane and microcellular urethane soles are more slip-resistant than nitrite and styrene rubber.

  2. Tread design, tread hardness, and shape of sole and heel – High elastic soles with raised tread and crosshatch patterns are more slip‐resistant than rough and flat soles. Tread patterns should cover the whole sole and heel area.

  3. Use of non‐slip shoe covers – Examples include Yak Trax, Gator Shoes with Gatorbacks, or other slip-resistant shoe covers.

  4. Proper support and comfort – Shoes should provide adequate support to prevent fatigue and discomfort.

  5. Inspect footwear regularly – Check treads to ensure they are still effective.

Your slip and fall/non-slip shoe policy should include:

  • An introduction

  • Purpose

  • Scope

  • Responsibilities

  • Hazard identification

  • Inspections

  • Hazard Controls

  • Footwear Required

  • Training to be provided

  • Recordkeeping requirements

Train Employees on Workplace Safety

  • Safety Awareness Programs – Conduct regular training on identifying and mitigating hazards.

  • Encourage Near Miss Reporting – Make it easy for employees to report these dangers, which are also considered near misses. Near misses are when someone could get hurt but hasn’t yet. For more details on how to create a Near-Miss Program, see our blog post here.

  • Promote a Safety-First Culture – Reward proactive behavior that contributes to accident prevention.

Conduct Routine Safety Inspections

  • Perform Scheduled Walkthroughs – Inspect high-traffic areas and workspaces to identify potential dangers.

  • Document and Address Issues – Maintain records of inspections, corrective actions, and follow-up measures.

We provide a slip and fall inspection form in our Forms Library (one of our over 150 available forms). If you have a paid account, log in, go to your Forms Library, select Show All Forms, and then look for slip and fall. You can download this single form for free here, even if you don’t have a Smarter Risk account.

Why Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents Matters

Ignoring slip and fall risks can lead to serious consequences, including:

  • Injuries and Lost Productivity – Employee injuries can result in missed workdays and reduced efficiency.

  • Legal and Financial Liabilities – Workplace accidents often lead to costly insurance claims and legal disputes.

  • Reputation and Employee Morale – A safe workplace fosters trust and confidence among employees and customers.

Need to Create a Policy Quickly?

Looking to save time and effort? Our Policy Builder has you covered! This tool is available to Intelligent Plan customers and can create a slip-and-fall policy in just a few clicks. Want to get started? Simply sign up here.

Not ready to commit? No problem! Begin with our free risk assessment, a quick and insightful tool that takes just minutes to complete. You’ll receive a detailed analysis of your company’s safety practices and insurable risks.

After completing the assessment, you’ll have a clear understanding of what steps to take to reduce risk and improve safety. The best part? You can decide whether to upgrade at your own pace—no pressure, just actionable insights to help your business improve its risk management.

Final Thoughts on Slip and Fall Risk

Preventing slip and fall accidents requires ongoing effort, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. By implementing safety measures, enforcing policies, and fostering awareness, businesses can create a safe environment for employees and visitors. A proactive risk management approach protects both people and profits, ensuring a safer, more productive workplace.

Additional Resources for Workplace Safety

  1. OSHA – Walking-Working Surfaces – Guidelines on maintaining safe walking surfaces.

  2. CDC – Falls in the Workplace – Research-backed fall prevention strategies.

  3. ASSP – Fall Prevention – Safety tips and resources for reducing workplace falls.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent costly accidents and create a safer, more resilient workplace for everyone.