If you’re responsible running a busy warehouse, factory or retail unit then it’s up to you to make sure that all steps are taken to keep accidents and injuries to a bare minimum.

With that in mind we’ve produced this handy fact sheet to help you stay informed and aware of what you can do to avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes that lead to unwanted slips and trips in the workplace.

The facts for employers:

1: S&Ts (slips and trips) are the most common cause of work injuries

2: Over 40% of all serious injuries at work are caused by an S&T in one form or another

3: S&Ts are reported to cause around 400,000 deaths a year worldwide

3: It’s your responsibility under the 1974 Health & Safety at Work Act to control S&T risks

4: Under 1999 Health & Safety at Work Regulations you must assess all S&T risks

5: The 1992 Workplace Regulations Health, Safety & Welfare state that you are required to keep all floors in a suitable and good condition

Sensible steps for employers to control S&T risks:

1: Stop your floors from becoming contaminated – keep them clean and well-maintained. Choose flooring that is suitable for the tasks being carried out in the workplace. For example, if chemicals are in use then floor paint may not be suitable.

2: Fix leaks promptly – A safe floor starts with a weatherproof ceiling. Don’t allow moisture to creep in and create dangerous corners

3: Maintain plant and equipment – Poorly kept machines can leak and damage floors causing them to become slippery and unstable

4: Plan pedestrian and vehicle routes around your facility using colour coded zones – this creates a safe working environment for all. For more on this you can read our Royal Mail case study.

5: Always use the correct cleaning methods and products as recommended by your industrial flooring supplier.

6: Think carefully about your flooring

• Check for loose, damaged and worn surfaces regularly throughout the year
• Always choose the right flooring for the job. For example, if electronic and computer or combustible equipment are on site then only ESD flooring should be considered
• Use zoning and clearly marked out pedestrian walkways as discussed above
• Ensure that your lighting is in good working order

7: Make sure that everyone wears the correct footwear

8: Plan your workflow and task management carefully to minimise risk

Lucinda OReilly

Lucinda O’Reilly, Exports & Marketing Director is an integral part of the team that has grown Ecotile Flooring in to the successful manufacturing business it is today. Over the last 20 years she has successfully employed her skills in sales and marketing to ensure Ecotile Flooring is recognised as the market leading manufacturer of PVC interlocking floor tiles. Lucinda’s love of travel means the Ecotile brand is dominant all over Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and India.

To ensure compliance with export regulations Lucinda has gained accreditations from the Chamber of Commerce in Incoterms & Export Licence Controls and Export Procedures & Documentation and has completed the Institute of Export course on Incoterms 2020. She is a member of the Institute of Export, was a finalist in the Natwest Open to Export competition in 2018 and was instrumental in Ecotile Flooring winning a Queen’s Enterprise for International Trade in 2017. Lucinda has recently been interviewed by BBC News and Channel 4 News for her insights on Brexit and is an Export Champion for the Department for International Trade.