Common Causes to Watch Out For

Keeping your workplace safe doesn’t always mean looking out for obvious dangers. Sometimes, the biggest risks are right under our feet – literally. Tripping hazards can be anything from an innocent-looking cable to a loose mat, each carrying the potential to send employees tumbling. And while a fall might seem minor, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that, annually, slips, trips and falls account for about 414,000 injuries resulting in Days Away From Work, Job Restriction or Transfer (DART).

In addition to the injury itself, slips, trips and falls can cost the company in workers’ comp and even OSHA fines. For instance, the NSC reports the average incident costs $49,971, while potential OSHA penalties incur an additional $15,625 per violation.

Understanding and mitigating these hazards in the workplace is an essential step toward creating a safer and more productive work environment. Let’s take a closer look at the most common tripping hazards and how to stop them in their tracks.

The Most Common Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Before diving into specific hazards, it’s important to understand what constitutes a slip, trip or fall:

• Slip: Occurs when there is a loss of footing, often on slippery surfaces, like wet floors or areas with spilled liquids.
• Trip: Happens when an obstruction causes imbalance, like cords or clutter left in walkways.
• Fall: Results from a slip or trip and can lead to severe injuries, especially from elevated surfaces.

Being mindful of these distinctions helps identify risks more accurately, allowing for tailored safety measures to address common trip hazards, including…

10 Common Trip Hazards

Here are 10 of the most common causes of tripping in the workplace (and how to prevent them):

1. Cables and Extension Cords

Loose cables and extension cords stretching across walkways are major trip hazards. They’re common in offices, warehouses and construction sites, where equipment often needs to be powered by outlets located far from workstations.

To prevent trips, secure all cords with covers or route them along walls where possible. Cable management systems can also be helpful in ensuring cords are neatly organized and safely out of high-traffic areas.

2. Cluttered Walkways

Clutter is one of the most common tripping hazards in workplaces. Tools, boxes and equipment left in hallways create unnecessary obstacles that employees may not anticipate.

A clean, clutter-free workspace is essential to reduce trip hazards and improve overall safety. Set clear protocols for keeping walkways clear and designate storage spaces for items that could pose a trip risk if left unattended.

3. Open Drawers or Cabinets

Speaking of walkways, drawers and cabinets that are left open create unexpected obstacles for workers. Encourage employees to close drawers and cabinet doors immediately after use. Installing drawer stops that prevent them from being pulled out too far can also reduce the likelihood of creating tripping hazards in shared workspaces.

4. Wet or Slippery Surfaces

Rainy days, spills or freshly mopped floors are just a few reasons why a floor can get slippery. Make sure to clean up spills quickly and use “Wet Floor” signs to keep everyone in the loop. In high-traffic areas, non-slip mats can add an extra layer of safety.

5. Improper Footwear

Shoes with poor traction can lead to slips and trips, especially in areas where spills occur or on floors with smooth surfaces. For slippery work environments, encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear, particularly those working in warehouses, factories or outdoor spaces. Slip-resistant shoes can greatly reduce trip risks and contribute to a safer work environment.

6. Damaged or Uneven Flooring

Cracks, raised edges or uneven floor tiles may seem harmless, but they’re classic tripping hazards. Routine inspections can catch these issues early. Fixing or smoothing out uneven surfaces makes everyone’s steps more secure.

7. Loose Rugs or Mats

Mats and rugs that shift easily underfoot can become a significant tripping hazard. This is particularly common at entrances where rugs are used to catch debris and water from shoes. Opt for mats with non-slip backings and secure them to the floor if necessary to prevent them from moving unexpectedly.

8. Spills or Debris

Spills, litter and even something as small as a dropped pen cap or a stray piece of paper can cause a serious fall. But a little housekeeping can go a long way.

Make it standard practice for employees to clean up any items or spills as soon as they’re noticed. In workspaces where debris is frequent, such as construction sites, assign regular cleaning responsibilities to keep floors clear.

9. Staircases Without Handrails

Staircases lacking handrails or those with inconsistent step heights can lead to serious falls. It’s worth ensuring your staircases are up to code.

OSHA requires handrails for staircases with four or more steps, emphasizing their importance in workplace safety. Regularly inspect staircases to ensure they meet safety standards and promptly repair any steps that appear loose or damaged.

10. Insufficient Lighting

While workers won’t be tripping over shadows, a poorly lit walkway, stairwell or parking lot hides tripping hazards from sight.

Ensure that all areas of the workplace are well-lit — from the parking lot to the stairwells and storage rooms — and be sure to regularly replace any burnt-out bulbs. Motion-activated lighting can be particularly useful in areas with infrequent traffic, providing illumination only when needed.

Take Action: Conduct a Workplace Trip Assessment

Ready to take action? A thorough trip hazard assessment is essential to start identifying and mitigating risks. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Conduct a walkthrough audit: Begin with a walk-through of common areas, including entryways, stairwells and high-traffic zones. Observe any obvious tripping hazards and take notes.

2. Identify high-risk zones: Pay special attention to areas prone to hazards, like loading docks, storerooms and shared corridors. High-risk zones typically require more frequent inspections and preventive measures.

3. Document your findings: Thoroughly document each hazard you find, noting its location, potential severity and frequency. Accurate documentation helps prioritize which hazards require immediate attention.

4. Engage employees: Talk to employees and involve them in the process to gather insights on less obvious hazards they encounter daily. Employees can provide valuable feedback on areas of concern that management might overlook. Be sure to include these findings in your documentation.

5. Create a hazard checklist: Use a checklist that includes potential hazards like uneven floors, unsecured cables and cluttered walkways. This ensures a systematic approach to assessing tripping risks.

6. Evaluate risks and determine a response: Evaluate each hazard’s impact and likelihood, allowing you to prioritize corrective actions based on urgency.

7. Develop an action plan: Assign timelines and responsibilities for addressing each hazard. Establish clear deadlines for implementing safety improvements to keep the workplace protected and compliant.

Stay Ahead of Trip Hazards with FFVA Mutual

Preventing tripping hazards is an ongoing effort that requires commitment and awareness. FFVA Mutual is dedicated to helping employers stay ahead of safety risks.

Our webcast on slips, trips and falls offers practical insights and hands-on strategies to keep your workplace secure. Join us for this deep dive into slip prevention and discover how a few small changes can make a big difference.

Visit our slips, trips, and falls safety stand-down page for a downloadable resource guide, tips and resources to host a stand-down event at your workplace.

To learn more about workplace safety, visit our safety page or contact a Solutionist.