Slips and trips

There were a total of 514 reported accidents caused by slips and trips in docks in the period 2002 – 2006p. Of these 127 were major and 387 resulted in more than 3 days off work.

Don’t accept slips and trips as ‘one of those things’. Simple steps can be taken to prevent them happening.

These include:

• Maintain floors, steps and walkways in good condition. On ships beware of oil spillages, spilt bulk cargo and trip hazards across walkways. Where a vessel is a frequent visitor, work with the Master to make sure trip hazards are painted a conspicuous colour
• Try out different types of footwear to see which provides most slip-resistance for the environments employees will be working in. Remember that ‘oil resistant’ has nothing to do with slip resistance.
• Good housekeeping – encourage a ‘see it, clear it’ culture to keep work areas tidy. Provide good storage for work equipment. Report and follow up where a work area has been left untidy by employees from other companies. Have procedures for dealing with ice and snow.
• Try to avoid the need to carry large or heavy objects over slippery surfaces – these can obscure a person’s view and prevent them catching their fall if they do slip. Where it can’t be avoided, plan the lift.

For more information on slips, go to the main HSE slips and trips website.