NI Safety Tip of the Week: Slips & Trips Are Not ‘Accidents’ — They’re Preventable Failures
Updated: 11th April 2026
Most slip and trip incidents come down to one of three things:
Contaminated floors — wet, oily, dusty, or poorly maintained
Poor housekeeping — cluttered walkways, trailing cables, blocked routes
Ineffective cleaning methods — wrong detergents, floors left wet, no spill response plan
These are management issues, not worker issues.
This Week’s Tip: What NI Workplaces Should Be Doing (Based on HSENI Guidance)
- Stop floors becoming contaminated Fix leaks, maintain plant, use proper entrance matting, and design tasks to minimise spillages.
- Use the right cleaning methods Choose detergents suited to the floor type, leave floors dry, and keep pedestrians out of wet areas.
- Maintain flooring and lighting Damaged floors, worn mats, and poor lighting are major contributors to falls.
- Keep walkways clear Remove obstructions, store materials properly, and prevent trailing cables.
- Choose appropriate footwear Where floors can’t be kept dry, slip‑resistant footwear may be required.
- Involve employees They see the problems first — encourage reporting of spills, damage, and near misses.
Why This Matters:
HSENI data shows that over one‑third of all reported workplace injuries come from slips, trips, and falls. These incidents are entirely preventable with the right controls, and HSENI inspectors expect to see:
Safety Quest supports NI workplaces with:
- Workplace slip/trip risk assessments
- Site housekeeping audits
- Cleaning method reviews
- Flooring and lighting assessments
- Practical, site‑ready control measures
- Staff awareness sessions
- We don’t just hand over paperwork — we help you fix the root causes.