Safety Management: Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Inspections

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are a leading cause of work-related injuries, and the second leading cause of workplace fatalities, after motorized vehicle incidents. A comprehensive floor and walkway safety program can greatly reduce STF hazards and incidents. Among other things, this program should include floor and walkway audits and STF prevention inspections performed by trained and qualified persons. STF prevention inspections should include annual inspections, routine safety inspections, and change analyses.

• Define “slips,” “trips,” and “falls” • Identify and describe three types of STF prevention inspections • Identify who should perform STF prevention inspections • Identify common STF hazards • List housekeeping procedures and safe work practices that can help prevent STF hazards and incidents • List items which should be included in inspection checklists