Slips and trips Hazard spotting checklist

*Can anything be found on the paths, steps and fire escapes that could cause slips, eg build-up of leaves, wet grass, moss, mud etc?

*Are paths prone to ice build-up during winter months?

*Are there any changes in level on the path that are not easy to see, eg small slopes?

*Are there holes, potholes, or uneven paving on footpaths?

*Are fire escapes slippery when wet?

*Is the floor between the building threshold (entrance) and the entrance matting slippery when wet?

*Is there water on the floor from rain etc?

*Is it making the floor slippery?

*Are there any trip hazards in the area, eg trailing cables, deliveries, mats with curled up edges, or other objects?

*Are there any subtle changes in floor level, eg slopes, small steps, abrupt changes from one flooring material to another?

*Are the floors smooth in areas where contamination can be found on the floor (eg liquids, food and food wrappers, dusts, polythene, condensation etc?)

*Are the tiles or flooring becoming unstuck or curling at the edges?

*Are there holes?

*Is the anti-slip floor coating or grip tape worn smooth or damaged?

*Are there any trip hazards around workstations or in corridors and walkways, eg trailing cables, boxes, deliveries, equipment or other objects?

*Are light levels too low to see the floor surface clearly?

*Is light reflecting on the smooth flooring creating glare?

*Are step nosings (edge of step) hard to see, rounded, damaged or slippery?

*Are handrails available?

*Are they easy to reach and useable?

*Is the height (rise) of the steps or depth of tread (going) inconsistent throughout the flight?

*Are the stair treads slippery?

*Are any ramps or slopes in or around the workplace difficult to see?

*As part of the work process, is contamination (fluids, solids, dust, debris etc) getting onto the floor?

*Is the floor slippery?

*People – spillages, overfilling containers, clearing waste off work surfaces onto the floor, discarding debris onto the floor

*Machines – leaks, overspray, spills, by-product.

*Process – overspills, leaks, by-product.

*Is condensation forming on the floor?

*Is condensation forming on overhead pipework and dripping onto the floor.

*Is the floor slippery?

*Is poor drainage causing a pooling of fluids on the floor?

*Cold store – is there ice build-up on the floor?

*Is the floor slippery?

*Are designated walkways unusable or partially blocked?

*Are walkways uneven, do they have holes or missing tiles?

*Are there any raised carpet edges or holes?

*Are the tiles or flooring becoming unstuck or curling at the edges?

*Are there any trip hazards around workstations, eg trailing cables, boxes, deliveries or other objects?

*Are light levels too low to see clearly?

*Is light bouncing off the flooring creating glare?

*Is water getting onto the floor?

*Is the floor slippery when wet?

*Are taps or pipes leaking?

*Are spillages left on the floor for some time before they are cleaned up?

*Are small spills wet mopped?

*Can people walk through areas during wet mopping or when floors are still wet?

*Is the floor smooth or slippery when wet?

*Are warning signs left out long after the spill has gone and floor has dried?

*Does the floor look dirty even though it has just been cleaned?

*Are people slipping on the floor even though it has been cleaned and is dry?

*Can cleaning equipment leads be seen crossing or blocking walkways, creating a trip hazard?

*Do bin bags/cleaning equipment in walkways create trip hazards?

*Do tasks stop people seeing slip or trip hazards, eg carrying items that restrict view, upset people’s balance, rushing?