Addressing the Key Issues - Slips and Trips

Slips and trips injuries comprise 33% of “major” injuries in the food and drink industries for example causing a broken arm or requiring hospitalisation). Slips injuries are more prevalent in the food and drink industries than in most other industries.

For both major and over 3 day absence injuries combined, slips and trips comprise over 25% of injuries reported to HSE in the food and drink sector of which 80% are slips and 20 % trips.
This represents over 2,600 injuries per year.

It is a common misconception that slip injuries just happen and that little can be done about it. However years of experience now shows that slip prevention can be managed effectively and can cut injuries by 50% or more, significantly reducing costs.

Most slips (90%) occur when the floor is wet with water or contaminated with food product.

Most trips (75%) are caused by obstructions, the remainder by uneven surfaces.

To check how you are managing slips and trip hazards go to: Level 3 self assessment.

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