Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls Infographic

About 12% of all accepted injury claims in Canada are from a slip, trip or fall.
That’s about 34,000 slips and trips annually.

What workplaces can do

Include slip, trip and fall prevention in your health and safety program

• Identify high-risk areas such as stairs, entrances, and high-traffic areas
• Conduct regular inspections
• Train managers, supervisors and workers

Practice good housekeeping

• Identify spills, debris, and wet areas and clean up immediately
• Keep working areas and walkways well lit, and clear of clutter and other obstacles
• Close file cabinets and storage drawers immediately
• Cover or tape down cords or cables

Select proper footwear

• Match footwear to all the hazards of the job
• Keep shoes in good repair, clean and free from contaminants

Common causes

Slips

• Wet or oily surfaces
• Spills
• Weather (ice, snow, water)
• Unanchored rugs or mats
• Inappropriate footwear for the surface or job

Trips

• Uneven walking surfaces
• Unexpected or unseen steps, platforms or thresholds
• Wrinkled carpeting, or loose rugs or mats
• Obstructions such as an open bottom file cabinet drawer
• Exposed or loose cables, wires or cords
• Clutter
• Poor lighting

Statistical source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, Injury Statistics Across Canada, 2023