Toolbox Talks · Best Practice · Construction

Toolbox Talk — Slips Trips and Falls

A toolbox talk on preventing slips, trips, and falls — the most common cause of non-fatal injuries on construction sites.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. MHSWR 1999 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

1. Simple Prevention Serious Consequences

Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of non-fatal injury in construction — second only to manual handling. They account for thousands of injuries every year, ranging from minor bruises to fractures, head injuries, and fatalities. The legal framework is established by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAH Regs).

Understanding the distinction between slip, trip, and fall is important for identifying the correct control measure. A slip occurs when there is a loss of traction between the foot and the walking surface — wet floors, oily surfaces, loose gravel. A trip occurs when a foot contacts an obstacle — trailing cables, uneven surfaces, materials left in walkways. A fall occurs when a person loses balance entirely — often as the consequence of a slip or trip, but also from changes in level such as unmarked steps or edges.

Good housekeeping is the primary control measure

The vast majority of slip, trip, and fall incidents are preventable through basic housekeeping. Clean and tidy walkways, immediate spill clean-up, proper cable management, adequate lighting, and well-maintained surfaces eliminate most of the risk. This is not a complex engineering problem — it is a discipline and culture problem. Every worker on site shares responsibility.

2. Key Talk Points

Talk Point	Detail
Clean up spills immediately	Any liquid on a walking surface is a slip hazard. Water, oil, diesel, grout, paint — clean it up the moment it is noticed. Do not walk past it assuming someone else will deal with it. If you cannot clean it immediately, cordon the area and arrange clean-up.
Keep walkways clear	Designated walkways must remain free of materials, tools, waste, and equipment at all times. Materials stored temporarily in a walkway create trip hazards. Plan material storage and waste removal so that walkways are never obstructed.
Manage trailing cables	Trailing cables across walkways are one of the most common trip hazards on construction sites. Route cables overhead where possible. Where cables must cross walkways, use cable ramps or covers. Never leave loose cables across a path of travel.
Report defects	Uneven surfaces, damaged floor plates, missing edge protection, broken stair treads — report defects immediately. A hazard noticed and not reported is a hazard that will injure someone. Use near miss and defect reporting systems consistently.
Wear appropriate footwear	Safety boots with adequate tread and grip are essential. Worn boot soles significantly reduce traction and increase slip risk. Check boot condition regularly and replace when tread is worn. Boots must comply with EN ISO 20345.
Ensure adequate lighting	Poor lighting prevents workers from seeing hazards. Walkways, stairwells, access routes, and work areas must be adequately lit. Winter working, early starts, and late finishes all reduce natural light. Temporary lighting must be maintained and repositioned as the project progresses.

3. Common Mistakes

Storing materials in walkways temporarily

There is no such thing as temporary storage in a walkway. Materials placed in a walkway for five minutes create a trip hazard for every person who passes during those five minutes. Plan deliveries and storage so that materials go directly to their designated storage area — not into the walkway while you find somewhere to put them.

Not cleaning up spills

A spill that is not cleaned up immediately will be walked through, spreading the hazard further. Water from a leaking hose, diesel from a generator, grout from a pour — the substance does not matter. The duty to clean up is on the person who sees it, not the person who caused it. If you see it, deal with it.

Inadequate lighting during winter months

As daylight hours reduce, many sites fail to increase temporary lighting provision. Walkways and access routes that were adequately lit in summer become hazardous in October. Lighting plans must be reviewed seasonally. Task lighting for work areas is not sufficient for walkways and circulation routes.

Worn boot soles

Workers often continue wearing safety boots long after the tread has worn smooth. Smooth soles on wet concrete, steel decking, or muddy ground create significant slip risk. Boot condition should be checked during site inductions and inspections. Workers must be required to replace boots when tread is no longer effective.

Not marking level changes

Changes in floor level — steps, ramps, raised thresholds, and dropped edges — must be clearly marked with hazard tape or paint. An unmarked step of even 20mm can cause a trip. This is particularly important during fit-out when floor finishes change and temporary level differences are common.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the coefficient of friction and why does it matter?▾

The coefficient of friction (CoF) is the measure of slip resistance between a surface and a shoe sole. A higher CoF means better grip. HSE guidance indicates that a CoF below 0.36 on a wet surface presents a significant slip risk. Surface treatments, anti-slip coatings, and proper footwear all increase the CoF. When assessing floor surfaces — particularly in wet areas, ramps, and external walkways — CoF testing should be considered as part of the risk assessment.

What is the legal duty regarding slips and trips?▾

Under HSWA 1974 Section 2, employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees so far as is reasonably practicable. MHSWR 1999 requires risk assessment of all workplace hazards including slips and trips. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors to be suitable, in good condition, and free from obstructions. On construction sites, CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires safe access and egress. Failure to manage slip and trip hazards is one of the most common enforcement actions by HSE.

How should trailing cables be managed on site?▾

The hierarchy of control applies. First, eliminate the cable at floor level by routing overhead or using battery-powered tools. If cables must cross walkways, use proprietary cable ramps or covers — not gaffer tape, which peels and creates a further trip hazard. Cables should be routed along walls and edges, not diagonally across open areas. Where cables are unavoidable at floor level, they must be clearly marked, properly secured, and checked regularly. Cable management is a daily task, not a one-off installation.

Are anti-slip coatings effective on construction sites?▾

Anti-slip coatings and treatments can be effective on permanent surfaces such as ramps, stairs, and walkways. Options include anti-slip paint, adhesive grip strips, and chemical etching. On temporary surfaces — scaffold boards, temporary walkways, and access platforms — the condition of the surface and cleanliness are more important than coatings. Anti-slip treatments must be maintained and replaced as they wear. They are one control measure within a broader programme of housekeeping, footwear, and lighting.

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