What to do

You should ensure that:

slip and trip hazards in your workplace are identified (see the list below) and where practicable, eliminated;
slip and trip hazards are regularly monitored; and
when a temporary slip or trip hazard occurs (e.g. from a spillage), adequate arrangements are in place to ensure that it is quickly reported (e.g. to the appropriate departmental manager) and cleared up in a safe manner.

Listed below are some typical examples of slip and trip hazards with simple steps that you can take to eliminate or significantly reduce the level of risk.

Potential Slip & Trip Hazards	Suggested Action to Take
Spillage of wet and dry substances.	Clean spills up immediately. If a liquid is greasy, make sure that a suitable cleaning agent is used. Dry the floor where possible to prevent the risk of people slipping on the cleaned area. Use appropriate barriers and signs to warn people about the wet floor and arrange for suitable alternative routes if possible. If cleaning is done once a day, try to arrange for this to be done last thing at night so it will be dry in the morning.
Trailing cables.	Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes. Use cable covers to securely fix to surfaces and restrict access to prevent contact. Consider the use of cordless tools and remember that contractors will also need to be managed.
Miscellaneous rubbish, e.g. plastic bags.	Keep areas clear, remove rubbish and do not allow it to build up.
Rugs and mats.	Ensure mats are securely fixed and do not have curling edges.
Poor lighting.	Improve lighting levels and the placement positions of light fittings to provide more even lighting of all floor and pedestrian pathways.
Slippery surfaces.	Assess the cause and treat them accordingly, e.g. always keep them dry if wetness causes the problem. In certain circumstances, you may have to treat them chemically and use appropriate cleaning methods.
Change from wet to dry floor surfaces.	Provide suitable footwear and use signs to warn pedestrians of the risk. Provide suitably located doormats where surface changes are likely.
Changes of level.	Try to avoid this situation if at all possible. If this is not possible, improve the lighting in the immediate area and provide high visibility edges where the level changes occur.
Slopes.	Improve visibility, provide handrails and use floor markings to raise awareness of people in the area.
Smoke/steam obscuring the view.	Eliminate or re-direct the smoke/steam away from the area, improve ventilation, where appropriate and use signs.
Unsuitable footwear.	Ensure workers choose the right kind of footwear, particularly the sole material. If special footwear is required, you should provide it free of charge.