Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Stand-Down

The Difference between Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries at Work and Ways to Prevent them

Difference between Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips are a loss of balance cause by too little friction between your feet and the surface you walk or work on and can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow. Loss of traction is the leading cause of workplace slips.

Trips happen when your foot hits an object or steps down to a lower, uneven surface. These injury types are more likely to happen when you are in a hurry and don’t pay attention to where you’re going.

Falls occur whenever you move too far off your center of balance. Falls account for the most workplace fatalities than any other reason and commonly occur for those working at heights.

Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

• Implement Good Housekeeping
• Ensure Proper Footwear
• Design Safety Workplaces
• Install Adequate Lighting
• Post Clear Signage
• Take Weather Precautions
• Hold Regular Safety Meetings and Training Events
• Conduct Routine Workplace Inspections

It’s hard to completely guard against these types of injuries at work. But we want you to be prepared if someone gets injured on the clock.

Why Hold a Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Stand-Down?

Safety stand-downs create an opportunity for employers to meet with employees to talk about safety and reinforce ways to prevent slips, trips and falls at work.

Ideas for Successful Safety Stand-Down Participation

• Review your company’s safety program.
• Have workers complete safety training.
• Develop hands-on activities to increase strains and sprains hazard awareness.
• Encourage active employee participation.
• After your stand-down, be sure to download the customizable Certificate of Participation to recognize your company and your employees for participating.