What is a slip, trip and fall?

Slip, Trip, and Fall -Definitions

Slips, trips, and falls can be defined as follows:

Slip: A slip occurs when there is not enough traction between your footwear and the walking surface, causing a loss of balance.

Trip: A trip happens when your foot strikes or gets caught on an object, causing you to stumble and potentially fall.

Fall: A fall results when you lose balance and drop to the ground or a lower surface. Falls happen as a result of slips or trips but can also happen independently.

‍
Examples of Slip, Trip and Falls

Slip examples:

• Walking on a wet or oily floor.
• Losing footing on an icy pathway.

Trip examples:

• Catching your foot on an uneven carpet.
• Tripping over misplaced tools or cords.

Fall examples:

• Falling from a ladder.
• Losing balance on an unstable surface.

What are Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards?

Slip, trip, and fall hazards are environmental or situational conditions that increase the likelihood of these accidents.
Common Hazards Include:

• Slippery floors from spills, rain, or grease.
• Poorly maintained walkways, such as cracks or potholes.
• Cluttered workspaces with misplaced cables, tools, or materials.
• Inadequate lighting, making hazards hard to spot.

Difference Between Slip, Trip, and Fall

• Slip: Loss of traction between footwear and the ground.
• Trip: Stumbling due to an obstruction or uneven surface.
• Fall: Loss of balance leading to contact with the ground or another surface.

Key Statistics for Slips Trips and Fall

• In the UK, 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries are caused by slips, trips, and falls. ⁽¹⁾
• In the US, 27.4% of non-fatal workplace injuries in the private industry are due to slips, trips, and falls. ⁽²⁾
• Globally, 15% of all workplace fatalities are caused by falls from the same level, rather than from heights. ⁽³⁾
• In the construction industry, 1 in 5 workplace fatalities are recorded, with 38.4% resulting from falls, slips, and trips. ⁽³⁾
  

What is the Most Common Cause of Slips, Trips, and Falls?

• Slips, trips, and falls often result from a mix of environmental hazards and human factors. Common causes include:
• • Slips: Wet or slippery surfaces, unsuitable footwear, and icy conditions.
  • Trips: Obstructed walkways, uneven flooring, and poor lighting.
  • Falls: Loss of balance, improper equipment use, and rushing or distraction.

The Role of Human Factors

Human factors significantly increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls by affecting focus, reaction time, and decision-making. We call this the State to Error Risk Pattern, key states that lead to errors include:

1. Rushing

When rushing, people often overlook hazards like spills or obstacles or take unsafe shortcuts. This lack of attention heightens the likelihood of accidents.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue reduces physical coordination and mental sharpness, making it harder to maintain balance or spot risks. Tired individuals are slower to react, increasing the danger of falls.

3. Complacency

Routine familiarity can lead to complacency, where hazards like cluttered walkways or worn surfaces are ignored because they’re perceived as “normal” and not dangerous.

4. Frustration

Frustration can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive decisions, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls by diverting attention from hazards.

How YOUFactors Can Help Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

At YOUFactors, we focus on creating safer workplaces through proactive behaviour and habit-building. Here’s how we help:

1. Digital Nudges: Our platform sends subtle reminders to employees, helping them stay aware of their environment and potential hazards.
2. State Awareness: Tools like "Rate Your State" teach workers to self-check for rushing, fatigue, or distraction—key factors in slip, trip, and fall accidents.
3. Habit Formation: Through microlearning, YOUFactors helps embed safer habits, such as checking balance, grip, and traction before every task.
4. Data-Driven Insights: We provide actionable insights for employers to address specific hazards in the workplace.

Conclusion

Slips, trips, and falls are preventable with the right awareness, training, and workplace strategies. By understanding these hazards and implementing proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. With YOUFactors, your team can develop safer habits and foster a culture of awareness and prevention.

Let’s work together to keep every step secure and every worker safe.

Want to learn more? Contact us today!