Preventing slip and trip incidents in education

HSE press release E054:03 - 10 April 2003

New guidance on preventing slip and trip incidents in schools, colleges and universities has today (Friday) been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Last year there were more than 4,000 injuries to members of the public and employees caused by slipping and tripping incidents at education institutions around Britain.

The free information sheet Preventing slip and trip incidents in the education sector advises on controlling slip and trip risks, such as:

• Preventing slip and trip risks at the design stage by ensuring appropriate flooring with a slip resistant surface;
• Cleaning up spillages immediately and ensuring floors are dried after cleaning;
• Establish a sensible shoe policy for all staff and students;
• Providing adequate lighting - poor lighting or glare can obscure slip and trip hazards;
• Information and training - control measures that involve changes to working practices can be as equally effective as physical control measures.

John Cullen, head of HSE's services sector said: "Slips and trips can happen to anyone. The majority of injuries caused by slips and trips on the education sector are strains and sprains. More serious injuries such as broken bones and head injury can also occur and can lead to complications. Some slip and trip accidents can even result in fatalities as a result of complications."

But as well as being a major cause of injury, slips and trips can also be a financial burden on the education sector.

Mr Cullen added: "They have not always been taken seriously because of a sense of inevitability about slip and trip incidents, and as a result there has been poor management control. Yet they can be prevented or controlled, often simply and at low-cost. So dealing with them should be a priority."

The guide has drawn on expertise from across the education sector and focuses on the factors that contribute to slip and trip risks and the practical precautions that will reduce injuries. It also provides information on eliminating slip and trip risks during the design stages of construction or refurbishment.

Notes to editors

1. Slip and trip incidents in education as reported to HSE 2000/01 2001/02 (provisional).

* Reported injuries include fatal and major injuries to members of the public and employees and over 3 day injuries to employees.

2. ' Preventing slip and trip incidents in the education sector' was published as part of HSE's Revitalising Health and Safety strategy and priority programme on slips and trips.

3. This information sheet was produced through consultation with HSE's Education Advisory Committees - the Higher and Further Education Advisory Committee (HIFEAC) and the Secondary Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), which consist of representatives from educational establishments, educational associations, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and trade unions. The Advisory Committees' work plan supports the Revitalising Health and Safety strategy and is contributing to HSE's priority programme on slips and trips.

5. Copies of Preventing slip and trip incidents in the education sector, Education information sheet No. 2 can be ordered online at: http://books.hse.gov.uk

6. Case studies of slip and trip incidents in the education sector, reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

• In November 2002 a canteen worker in a secondary education school in Medway, Kent slipped over while working in a canteen and broke her arm. The school investigated and took the following remedial action: - non slip footwear supplied to all staff; deep clean carried out and new cleaning products in use; long term floor replacement planned.
• On 22 October 2002 a member of public slipped on a 30cm wide strip of wet terrazzo flooring between the doormat and a moveable no slip mat when leaving a building at a Higher Education institution in Bath. She hit the back of her head on the glass door and also knocked her knee and shoulder. Treatment at hospital was required and doctors diagnosed soft tissue damage to her neck. The weather was showery at the time. Remedial action taken included adjustment of the moveable matting and a slippery floor sign was put up.
• In August 2002 a cleaner slipped after cleaning a toilet floor in a primary school in West Sussex. The floor had been specially chosen for its slip resistant qualities and staff had been given training on proper procedures for mopping. On this occasion those procedures had not been followed.
• In June 2002 a security guard fell through rotten wooden decking on a balcony at a Higher Education institution in Liverpool. The institution took the following remedial action by removing the decking and planning to install a non-slip surface on the balcony as well as the wooden steps leading to balcony.
• In September 2002 an employee walking from his office to the refectory in a Higher Education institution in Swindon, slipped on liquid that had been left on the wooden laminate flooring by students - thought to be remains of soft drink. Flooring was in good condition and is not normally slippery. His knee became swollen and required hospital treatment.

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office