Reducing the Risk of Slips, Trips & Falls in the Workplace 

Post by:Kim Horwedel

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls account for nearly 700 fatalities each year, along with millions of nonfatal injuries that lead to lost work time, medical costs, and long-term physical impact. While these numbers are sobering, they also highlight a powerful opportunity: with the right safety culture and proactive measures, most slips, trips, and falls can be prevented. 

Common Risk Factors 

Many of the conditions that lead to slips, trips, and falls are small, everyday oversights that add up over time. Common causes include: 

  • Wet or greasy floors from spills, cleaning, or weather 
  • Uneven walking surfaces or unsecured mats and rugs 
  • Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting 
  • Items or equipment blocking walkways 
  • Carrying items that obstruct line of sight 
  • Wearing improper footwear or worn-out soles 

These issues don’t just affect high-traffic or industrial areas—they can occur in any environment, from a production facility to a front desk. 

Prevention Starts with Everyone 

Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re managing a team or working on one, here are a few key practices to reduce risk: 

For Employees: 

  • Walk carefully and stay alert—especially in high-traffic or wet areas 
  • Wear proper footwear with non-slip soles suited to the job 
  • Report spills or obstacles immediately 
  • Use handrails when taking stairs or ramps 
  • Avoid distractions while walking, especially when carrying items 

For Employers: 

  • Keep walkways clean, dry, and free from clutter 
  • Provide adequate lighting in all areas 
  • Regularly inspect flooring, stairwells, and entrances for hazards 
  • Reinforce safety expectations through onboarding and training 
  • Follow OSHA’s guidelines for walking-working surfaces and fall protection 

A Safer Workplace Builds a Stronger Workforce 

As a trusted staffing partner, The Reserves Network is committed to helping our clients maintain a safe, productive, and compliant work environment. And as we continue celebrating National Safety Month, we recognize that workplace safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a mindset that starts with awareness and leads to action. 

By focusing on the basics and reinforcing best practices, we can help reduce preventable injuries, improve operational consistency, and protect the most valuable asset any business has—its people.