SAFETY

GUIDE TO
PREVENTING SLIPS,
TRIPS AND FALLS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Comcare acknowledges WorkCover New South Wales for
providing the information used as a basis for this guide.
DISCLAIMER
This booklet is supplied on the terms and understanding that
Comcare and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation
Commission (the Commission) are not responsible for
the results of any action taken on the basis of information
contained in this publication, nor for any error in or omission
from this publication. Comcare and the Commission expressly
disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person,
in respect of anything, and of the consequences of anything,
done or omitted to be done, by any such person in reliance,
whether wholly or partially, upon the whole or any part of this
publication.
For an authoritative understanding of the legislation in
relation to occupation health and safety and Commonwealth
employment, you are directed to the relevant legislation, in
particular the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.
This booklet should be read in conjunction with the relevant
legislation as it is not a substitute for such legislation.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
Comcare
Commonwealth of Australia
This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, by any process
without written permission from Comcare.
ISBN0-9580362-2-5
ISBN1-876700-26-2 (online)
OHS Work Safety
GPO Box 9905
Canberra ACT 2601
Comcare Call Centre 1300 366 979
First published January 2002

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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4 Legal framework 5 Costs 5
Classification 5
PREVENTION 6 OHS risk management model 6
1. Identify the hazard 6 2. Assess the risk associated
with the hazard 8 3. Control the risk 9 4. Monitor and
review the process 11
SLIPS 12 Common hazards 12
TRIPS 13 Common hazards 14 Stairs 14
FALLS 15 Common hazards 15
RESOURCES 16
ATTACHMENTS 17 Attachment AFlooring
characteristics and typical applications 17
Attachment BFloor treatments 19 Checklist 1
Workplace inspection to prevent slips, trips and falls 20
Checklist 2Review of safety management to prevent
slips, trips and falls 22

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INTRODUCTION
This guide is designed to:
> provide managers and supervisors with an overview of the
key facts and issues related to slips, trips and falls
> highlight common hazards that contribute to slips, trips
and falls
> identify a process to minimise slips, trips and falls
> identify information sources that will assist managers to
implement effective prevention strategies and reduce the
potential for injury and associated costs.
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes
of injuries for employees in the Comcare scheme. They also
account for a high percentage of injuries reported by members
of the public visiting workplaces and sites managed by
employers in the Comcare scheme.
Workers compensation claims with a date of injury in three
financial years indicate that slips, trips and falls of a person
accounted for nearly 17 per cent of all accepted claims and
more than $37m in direct costs to employers during a three
year period. During the same period, approximately 1 in every
266 employees in the Comcare scheme was injured as a result
of a slip, trip or fall.
When compared to other mechanisms of injury, slips, trips
and falls of a person recorded the second highest number of
accepted claims as well as the second highest for injuries.

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LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Employers are required under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act) to take all reasonably practical
steps to protect the health and safety of their employees at
work [s16(1)]. Employers have a further duty of care under
section 17 of the OHS Act to ensure that third parties at or near
workplaces are protected from risks to their health and safety.
Prevention is the best form of protection. Employers therefore
need to establish a policy and procedural framework to prevent
workplace injury and disease.
COSTS
The potential for serious injury from slips, trips and falls
cannot be overestimated. Such incidents can have critical
consequences and long-term effects. Workers compensation
may only represent a proportion of the costs associated with an
injury or illness. It does not account for related costs such as:

There are many ways to minimise the risks associated with

slips, trips and falls. Effective solutions are often simple, costeffective and lead to both immediate and long-term benefits
such as:
> reduced level of risk
> reduced workplace injury
> reduced compensation costs
> improved communication channels between management
and employees
> increased productivity.
CLASSIFICATION
Slips, trips and falls are defined as:
> falls from a short height, including falls from furniture,
ladders, work platforms, down stairs or landing awkwardly
after a jump

> the time to process and manage the injury

> falls on the same level, including falls up stairs

> increased workloads for other employees

> loss of expertise and necessary skills

> all slips, trips and stumbles, even if a fall does not
necessarily follow

> additional training needed for replacement staff

> stepping, kneeling or sitting on objects.

> decreased productivity

> the human aspect of pain and suffering.

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PREVENTION
Effective prevention strategies
require knowledge and
understanding of where the risk
of slips, trips and falls exists
and taking action to prevent
such incidents. The OHS risk
management model is useful to
establish the risks that exist in
your workplace.

OHS RISK MANAGEMENT MODEL

The Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008
(OHS Code 2008) is a key prevention tool designed to help
agencies to systematically manage OHS hazards1. The four risk
management steps are:
1. Identify the hazard.
2. Assess the risk associated with the hazard.
3. Control the risk.
4. Monitor and review the process.
Many slip, trip and fall hazards do not require an intensive risk
analysis. However, hazards still need to be identified, assessed,
controlled and monitored to ensure that preventive strategies
deal with the appropriate source of risk2.
1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARD
Identifying the hazard is the first step to determining exactly
where slips, trips and falls occur in the workplace.
The six most common objects or circumstances that were
directly involved with the cause of an injury from slips trips and
falls in a three year period were:
> external traffic and ground surfaces (24%)
> internal traffic and ground surfaces (11%)
> steps and stairways (10%)
> road transport (9%)
> holes in the ground (3%)
> sitting furniture (3%)3.

1 Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008,

www.comlaw.gov.au
2 Identifying hazards in the workplace, publication OHS 10,
www.comcare.gov.au
3 Sourced from The Commission Data Warehousedata as at
31 August 2009.

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Work environments and employee activities differ between
workplaces yet incidents often occur when:
> there is an unobserved obstacle or impediment

Workplace inspections
Arrange regular workplace inspections and pay particular
attention to:

> an individual is unaware of a potential hazard

> floors

> the type or condition of the floor surface represents a

potential hazard.

> stairs

There is scope to design, monitor and maintain the workplace

in a way that will eliminate or reduce the hazards faced by
employees, visitors and the general public. Employers should
be aware of potential hazards and understand their role to
eliminate or reduce the problem.
There are a number of techniques that can assist employers
to gather information including consultation, workplace
inspections and OHS management information systems.
Consultation
Consultation with employees, health and safety committee
members, health and safety representatives (HSRs) or
employee representatives may highlight any potential hot spots
within the organisation. Employees can identify issues relating
to:
> the design and layout of work areas
> activities that are conducted in the work area
> normal and informal procedures for carrying out specific
tasks
> public and staff access.

> lighting
> tasks
> personal protective equipment i.e. footwear
> housekeeping, cleanliness and cleaning methods
> variation in conditions at different times of the day.
OHS management information system (OHS MIS)
An OHS MIS is critical to the first and last stages of the risk
management cycle. In the first stage, the OHS MIS can provide
data to set benchmarks on the current level of performance.
Injury and incident reports and workers compensation data can
help to identify:
> the history of slips, trips and falls in the workplace
> where the incidents occurred
> the source or reasons for the incidents
> who is likely to be exposed.
Workplace specific OHS statistics and workers compensation
claims data are excellent sources for identifying target areas,
establishing a benchmark of performance and providing
direction for prevention strategies. The planning process is
important to ensure that the identified causes of injury are
addressed and that resources are allocated to control those
hazards that pose a significant risk to safety.
Employee records such as sick leave and absenteeism rates
can also help to identify injury and illness patterns.

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2. ASSESS THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE HAZARD
Once hazards are identified, the next step is to assess the level of risk and prioritise key areas to target prevention. High priority
hazards are those that have significant risks and are not adequately controlled. Risk assessments correlate the likelihood of an
incident occurring against the possible consequences of the incident.
Case study 1
Table 1 shows the risk assessment of a rain-affected entrance foyer. The number of people using the area was identified to
determine the likelihood of an incident occurring. Information from incident reports was used to identify the rate of incidents and
consequences of injuries already sustained from the hazard. This showed that the rate of occurrence was high and the injuries
sustained were minor sprains and strains. The organisation determined that the overall level of risk of injury posed by a slippery
floor in the foyer was high and took appropriate preventive action.

Table 1Risk assessment for slippery surface (rain)

Very Likely

Likely

Unlikely

Highly Unlikely

Fatality

High

High

High

Medium

Major Injuries

High

High

Medium

Medium

Minor Injuries

High

Medium

Medium

Low

Medium

Medium

Low

Low

Negligible Injuries

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3. CONTROL THE RISK
Identified high-risk hazards must be controlled. Control
measures generally fall into three categories:
1. Eliminate the hazard.

5. Introduce administrative controls to raise awareness in the

workplace. Introduce adequate signs to highlight problems,
provide training, and ensure tender specifications for new
plant, equipment and services include OHS compliance.

2. Minimise the risk.

6. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as slipresistant footwear.

3. Use back-up controls when all other options have been

exhausted.

Case study 2

The best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it. There are six
identified control strategies known as the hierarchy of control.
The strategies are ranked from most effective through to least
effective.
Hierarchy of control
1. Eliminate the hazard from the workplace entirely. For
example, remove the need to decant fluids in the workplace
as spills will cause a slip hazard.
2. Substitute or modify the hazards by replacing it with
something less dangerous. For example, substitute a type
of floor surface, or modify an existing surface to reduce the
risk of slipping.
3. Isolate the hazard by removing staff access to it. For
example, cordon off areas while cleaning is in progress
and surfaces are slippery.
4. Use engineering methods to control hazards at the source.
For example, install channels in the floor and cover them
with grates to allow easy drainage.

Single control strategies are not always effective and more

than one control strategy may be needed to achieve the best
protection.
In case study one, personal protective equipment (slipresistant footwear) was used as only one component
of an overall strategy to minimise risk. This is not
necessarily a solution in itself. However, when coupled
with administrative and modifying controls such as
blocking access to the area, providing alternate access
and egress during wet periods, and raising awareness of
the hazard reduces the likelihood of an occurrence.
Long-term controls may include modification and/or
engineering controls such as applying a non-slip coating
to a slippery floor. An administrative measure, such as
a maintenance policy or training strategy, may also be a
viable option.
Further information regarding the hierarchy of control is detailed
in part one of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of
Practice 2008.

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Once a risk assessment is completed, there are a number of ways to control the hazard. Table 2 identifies six common hazards
associated with slips, trips and falls. The characteristics that make each hazard potentially dangerous are also identified.
Table 2Possible control strategies for common hazards associated with slips, trips and falls
Common hazards

Consideration of risk

Possible strategies

Control type

Floor surfaces

Type and condition

Review of work practices

Administrative

Appropriate selection for

prescribed work activity

Administrative

Monitoring and maintenance

protocol

Administrative

Redesign surface texture

Engineering

Warning signs

Administrative

Slip resistant footwear

Personal protective equipment

Maintenance protocol

Administrative

Exclusion zones

Isolate/administrative

Design/gradient

Handrails/ramps

Engineering

Stairwell

Lighting

Engineering

Obstruction to common walkways

Storage facilities/workplace design

Modify/administrative controls

Clear and clean workplace policy

Administrative

Systematic and regular

housekeeping

Administrative

Change in surface texture/gradient

Warning signs

Administrative

Outdoor paving/car parks

Handrails

Engineering

Define walkways

Modify/administrative controls

Allowance for weather conditions

Isolate/modify/administrative

Lighting

Engineering

Common hazards

Weather conditions

Spillage

Stairs

Obstacles

Uneven surfaces

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Furniture

Weather
conditions

Footwear

Broken

Maintenance protocol

Administrative

Inappropriate use

Provide stable steps to retrieve

items out of reach

Engineering/modify

Entrance ways, car parks,

pathways

Maintenance protocol

Eliminate/administrative

Ice, humidity, rain

Warning signs

Administrative

Type and condition

Chemical resistant, slip resistant

solea soft sole is generally
more slip resistant

Personal protective equipment

4. MONITOR AND REVIEW THE PROCESS

A risk management process is cyclical. When workplace
hazards are successfully controlled the cycle continues. There
is always the potential for new hazards to be introduced into a
workplace due to:

A systematic process to record information will help to identify

hazards and monitor the outcomes of your control methods.
Keep records that show:
> details of workplace inspections
> worksheets/checklists used to identify hazards

> new technology, equipment or substances

> reviews of systems of work, and health and safety audits

> new work practices or procedures

> completed risk assessments

> a change in work environment, such as moving to a

different office or reducing staff numbers

> any action that has been taken to rectify particular hazards

> new staff with different skill and knowledge levels and
awareness of risk control measures.

> health surveillance of staff

> instruction or training carried out to ensure staff competency

> maintenance of plant and equipment.

Premium paying agencies can access useful data through
Comcares Customer Information System (CIS). CIS is an online
performance reporting system accessed via a secure internet
link. It allows agencies to examine their historical workers
compensation data including costs, incidence and injury types.

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SLIPS
While most hazards can be seen,
slips often occur because people
are not aware of a potential
hazard.

People may be distracted, have their vision obscured by objects

they are carrying, or be relying on a single control measure,
such as protective footwear. If a hazard cannot be completely
eliminated, it can be appropriate to apply a number of control
measures to reduce the risk level.
Employers also need to consider the environment outside the
workplace. This includes areas such as car parks, paths and
walkways that can be greatly affected by weather or hazardous
at night.
COMMON HAZARDS
Common slip hazards include:
> a slippery floor surface
> fluid on a floor, such as rain tracked inside a foyer, or on
tiling around the exterior of a building
> spills and contaminants
> sudden changes in floor surfaces, such as a change from
carpet to polished timber
> a downward slope in the floor, such as a ramp
> fine growth, such as moss on an exterior pavement
> inappropriate footwear.

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TRIPS
A trip usually involves:
> a low obstacle in the pedestrians path
> the persons inability to see or notice an obstacle.
Material left in walkways or corridors is one of the most
common causes of trips in the workplace. Systematic and
regular housekeeping is an important way of making sure
that obstacles do not cause trips. It is good practice to have
a clear and clean walkways policy and specifically define
passageways. It may be necessary, in an industrial situation or
outside, to mark all walkways with painted lines.
Proper planning and design can eliminate and reduce risks by
providing:
> storage facilities for equipment and personal items
> adequate and well directed lighting
> floor or ceiling conduit for electrical cords, computer leads
and telephone lines.
Externally, uneven or loose paving, or poorly maintained access
routes, often cause trips. Footpaths, garden edging and car
parks need to be assessed for potential hazards.

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COMMON HAZARDS
Common tripping hazards include:
> loads that obstruct vision
> broken tiles, worn floor coverings
> turned up mat edges
> uneven floor surfaces
> obstacles in traffic areas
> electrical cords or cables across work or traffic areas
> personal items, such as bags left on the floor
> uneven paving and poorly maintained access routes.
STAIRS
The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standard AS
1657:1992Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders
gives detailed information on the design and construction
requirements for stairs and stairwells. The main points to
consider are the condition of the stairs, the lighting, and
whether the edge of the step is visible.

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FALLS
Falls can occur either on the
same level or from a height.
Falls on the same level are more
common and are primarily
caused by slips and trips.

A fall from a height is likely to be more dangerous because it

can cause serious injury or fatality. Falls can occur from:
> ladders
> roofs
> vehicles and equipment
> towers, masts or observation posts
> steps and stairways
> a sharp drop, such as a cargo delivery ramp.
COMMON HAZARDS
Common hazards occur from:
> losing the grip on a ladder or hand-rail
> overbalancing
> not being aware of sharp drops or uneven ground, such as
a cargo loading dock
> obstructed vision so that hazards are not immediately
obvious
> misjudging a distance, such as to the edge of a step
> leaning or sitting on an object that is not designed to take
weight
> stepping or jumping to a lower level
> faulty or broken chairs or using them as step-stools
> faulty or broken plant and equipment
> inappropriate footwear.

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RESOURCES
You can refer to the specific guidelines below for further
information relating to managing slips, trips and falls
> The Building Code of Australia identifies proportion,
uniformity, visual cues and lighting requirements of stairs
and stairwells
> Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4663:2004Slip
resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
> Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4586:2004Slip
resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
> Australian Standard AS 1657:1992Fixed platforms,
walkways, stairways and laddersDesign, construction and
installation
> Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4804:1997
Occupational health and safety management systems
> Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4360:1999Risk
management
Additional resources and assistance are available through the
Comcare website (www.comcare.gov.au) or by contacting
Comcare on 1300 366 979.

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ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments offer employers some specific technical detail and advice for implementing practical solutions in the
workplace.
ATTACHMENT AFLOORING CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Floor type

Characteristics

Typical application for use

Carpet

Carpet has a shorter life than a hard floor surface

but can be a cost effective solution in many
cases. Installation should be wall to wall to avoid
the hazard of tripping on edges. When used in
small local areas, such as entrances, it should be
installed in a recess in the floor.

Corridors, offices and areas where quietness is a

high priority and spills unlikely. However, carpets
of synthetic materials may be used in entrance
areas (to absorb water and dirt), exterior areas
and bathrooms.

Fibreglass grating

This product can have grit particles moulded

into the upper surface to provide very good slip
resistance. Fluids are very quickly drained away.

Factory areas where fluids are unavoidable. Use

on overhead platforms and walkways is also
appropriate.

Cork

Must be sealed to prevent absorption of oil and

water but likely to be slippery when wet.

Light industry, small kitchens, lecture rooms,

standing mats. Softer than vinyl.

Timber

Needs to be sealed to prevent absorption of oil and

water. Can be slippery when wet if highly glossed
or polished.

Meeting halls, gymnasiums, older factories and

offices.

Steel plate

Tends to be slippery when wet or oily, particularly

when worn.

Factory areas with very heavy traffic, or to span

openings in floors. Usually with a raised pattern
(for example chequer plate) which provides some
slip resistance.

Rubber

Less effective in wet conditions. Must be fixed

down well at the edges and joins to avoid tripping
hazard.

Ramps and areas requiring extra slip resistance,

stair treads. Usually with round stud pattern.

Plastic matting

Interlocking PVC extrusions give good drainage

and slip resistance. May be hosed down or steam
cleaned.

Bathrooms, standing mats.

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Concrete

Rounded aggregate can be slippery when concrete

wears. Interior surface is often sealed to prevent
dusting and absorption of liquids but this can
increase slipperiness.

External pathways, factory and warehouse floors.

Slip resistance depends on finish and wear. Use
angular aggregate for pathways.

Terrazzo

Gives good appearance and wears well, but can

be slippery when wet, when excess polish is used
or when dusty.

Office building foyers and pedestrian areas in

shopping centres. Lay in panels separated by
metal strips.

Quarry tiles and

ceramic tiles

Low water absorption and good resistance to

chemicals. Slippery in wet conditions if smooth
but can be moulded with aggregate or profiles
to improve slip resistance. Special cleaning
equipment like a high-pressure water spray may
be needed as a build up of grease or dirt can
make these tiles slippery.

Suitable for kitchens where hot spills might occur.

Also appropriate for shower rooms and toilet.
Needs frequent cleaning.

Glazed ceramic tiles

Slippery when wet, particularly with soapy water.

Some slip resistance treatments available but it is
preferable not to install these products on floors.

Bathrooms and toilets.

Vinyl tiles and sheet

Easy to clean. Use in sheet form where washing is

required to avoid water getting under tiles. Slippery
when wet, particularly if polished. Slip resistant
vinyl with aggregates moulded in is available.
Thicker, softer vinyl is more slip resistant than hard
vinyl.

Light industrial environment, corridors and hospital

wards. Not suitable where hot spills are likely to
occur.

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ATTACHMENT BFLOOR TREATMENTS
To increase slip resistance, floors need to have greater friction or adhesion. Slip resistant footwear and treating the floor are two
potential strategies. If an existing floor is a problem and it is too expensive to install new flooring, it is possible to apply a floor
treatment. The cost of treatment varies considerably and it is a good idea to do a cost analysis, particularly if the treatment does not
significantly improve the quality of the floor. Successful treatments are those that substantially increase the surface roughness of the
flooring, though the surface may not look as attractive and cleaning methods may need to be changed.
For wet areas such as kitchens the flooring material or treatment should be continued up the walls to at least 75mm. The continuation
between the floor and the wall should be rounded to prevent fluids getting under the edges. This will reduce cleaning and drying time.
Sheet flooring such as vinyl should be welded to prevent water seeping through and to allow more thorough cleaning.
Treatment type

Typical application for use

Mild etch

Applicable to ceramic tiles, granite, terrazzo, clay pavers and vinyl. They may increase slip
resistance but the tile may still be too slippery, particularly for soapy water.

Strong acid etches

Applicable to concrete. Should make it suitable for slip resistance with water but not with oil.

Adhesive

Applicable to all flooring types. Mineral-coated adhesive strips are useful for localised slip hazards
such as stair treads and ramps. However, they wear quickly and should be considered as a
temporary solution or receive regular replacement.

Sand blasting

Applicable to concrete, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, terrazzo, clay pavers and steel plate. Oil can
still make the surface slippery.

Grinding

Applicable to concrete, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, terrazzo and clay pavers. This treatment can
give a rougher surface, so it can be used to give slip resistance under oily conditions.

Grooving with diamond saw

Applicable to concrete, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, terrazzo and clay pavers. For example,
grooves 23 mm deep, spaces at 710 mm would give slip resistance under oily conditions.
Loss of the sealed surface could lead to staining.

Coatings

Applicable to concrete, clay pavers, steel plate and timber. A range of base materials is used
including acrylics, flexible polymers, polyester resin, vinylester resin and epoxy resin. For the best
slip resistance the coatings include some aggregate such as rubber particles, silica sands and
silicon carbide granules. These treatments can be tailored to the application depending on the
level of chemical, traffic or slip resistance needed. With the right aggregate, slip resistance under
oily conditions is quite feasible.

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CHECKLIST 1WORKPLACE INSPECTION TO PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
A yes response may require corrective action.
NO
Indoor
Entrance
Can water be tracked onto smooth floors (for example, foyers) on rainy days?
Stairs
Is lighting too low in passages, ramps or steps?
Does lighting cause distracting shadows or glare?
Do steps and handrails comply with AS 1657:1992?
Is the edge slip resistant or poorly defined?
Ramps
Are the ramps steep or slippery?
Rooms and corridors
Are there hard, smooth floors in wet or oily areas?
Do fluids leak onto the floor from work processes or machines?
Is poor drainage causing pooling of fluids?
Does ice collect on cold room floors?
Is the floor slippery when wet?
Is there anti-slip paint, coating profile or tape that is worn, smooth or damaged?
Do aisles require marking and signage to be kept clear?
Are sudden floor surface changes not easily visible (any ridge that is as high as the shoe sole
or higher)?
Are there trip hazards due to equipment and other moveable objects left lying on the floor?
Are there raised carpet edges or holes worn in the carpet?

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YES

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Are vinyl tiles loosening and curling at the edges?
Is there build-up of polish on floors? Is there excessive detergent residue?
Do employees have to walk on wet floors?
Does your workplace require wet floor signage and/or instructions for proper use of signage?
Outdoor
Stairs
Is lighting too low for clear visibility of ramps or steps?
Do steps and handrails comply with AS 1657:1992?
Is the edge slip resistant or poorly defined visually?
Ramps
Are ramps too steep or slippery?
Does poor drainage cause pooling of fluids?
Is there moss or other growth on pathways?
Is the paving uneven, or are there potholes in the car park that are poorly defined visually?
Is there anti-slip paint, coating profile or tape that is worn, smooth or damaged?
Are there moveable objects left lying on the ground?

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CHECKLIST 2REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT TO PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
A yes response may require corrective action.
NO
Management system
Does the slip-resistance of floors require testing as per AS/NZS 366.1:1993Slip resistance of
pedestrian surfaces, Part 1 requirements?
Do cleaning methods for all floors and paths need to be specified and recorded?
Do cleaning contractors need to be instructed on required methods and standards?
Do staff require training in the procedures for dealing with slip, trip and fall hazards?
Is accountability for floor quality and housekeeping clearly specified and accessible to all staff?
Do employees need to be advised and encouraged to wear appropriate footwear?
Cleaning methods
Is the cleaning method appropriate for the floor surface?
Is there any build-up of polish on floors?
Is there excessive residue or detergent?
Do employees have to walk on wet floors after the floors have been washed?
Does your workplace require wet floor signage and/or instructions for proper use?
Do employees have to walk on greasy, oily or wet floors?
Do loads carried or pushed interfere with forward vision?
Are tread patterns on shoes worn or clogged with dirt?
Are loads being carried excessive, upsetting balances?
Are heavy trolleys being pushed or pulled up ramps?
Are employees hurried due to time constraints?
Shoes
Do employees require slip-resistant footwear?
Does the footwear used by employees have smooth soles or soles made of leather, PVC or crepe?

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YES

1300 366 979 | COMCARE.GOV.AU