Slips, trips and falls

Slipping and tripping accidents are responsible for many thousands of injuries each year and HSE statistics show that slips and trips are the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces. In addition to ensuring the safety of its employees, the railway industry has a duty to ensure the safety of its passengers, many of whom will be particularly vulnerable to slips and trips due to age or infirmity or as a result of rushing for trains whilst laden with heavy bags and pushchairs etc.

Good practice

Recognition of this risk prompted the industry to part-fund a Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) good practice guide 'Safer surfaces to walk on – reducing the risk of slipping - a short guide'

This report provides designers, procurers and managers of floors with good practice guidance on reducing the incidence of slipping accidents.

Additional industry-specific information can be found in RSSB report T157a “The best flooring materials for stations”

Assessing the risk

The slip risk of any surface can be determined using the HSE Slips Assessment Tool (SAT), a PC-based package which enables “non-experts” to assess the risk and which provides tailored advice on reducing the risk. The SAT software is available free of charge from HSE’s website.

Our strategy

More Information about our strategy for the prevention of slips, trips and falls can be found within our stations strategy.

Last updated: 25 February 2008