Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most frequent causes of injuries on construction sites, often happening during routine tasks where workers least expect them. Most incidents come from poor housekeeping, uneven surfaces, weather conditions, and carrying materials without watching the path ahead.

Housekeeping & Walking-Surface Control

Keeps walkways clear and organized to reduce tripping hazards and cluttered work areas.

Good housekeeping is the foundation of slip-prevention on any site. Debris, scrap materials, cords, hoses, and tools left in walkways create instant trip hazards, especially during high-traffic work. Crews should keep paths clear, dispose of scrap immediately, and maintain organized laydown areas.

Flat, clean walking surfaces reduce the risk of sudden missteps, and housekeeping checks should be part of every daily inspection. A clean jobsite is a safe jobsite, and it starts with the crew that’s standing on it.

Weather, Mud, Ice & Changing Ground Conditions

Recognizes and controls hazards caused by mud, rain, ice, and shifting outdoor surfaces.

Outdoor work creates constantly shifting surfaces. Rain, mud, frost, and ice turn normal walking paths into high-risk zones in minutes. Crews must slow down, test surfaces before stepping, and wear footwear with proper traction.

Grit, salt, mats, or plywood can stabilize slick areas temporarily, but controlling access to hazardous zones is often the safest move. Environmental conditions change throughout the day, workers should adjust their pace and awareness with them.

Footwear, Traction & Personal Awareness

Uses proper footwear and situational awareness to maintain traction and avoid missteps.

Even the best jobsite controls fail if workers wear footwear that’s worn out or wrong for the terrain. Boots should have solid tread, proper ankle support, and be appropriate for weather and ground conditions. Workers need to stay alert to transitions between surfaces ,gravel to concrete, concrete to mud, mud to steel decking, and avoid distractions while walking.

Most slip incidents occur because someone was carrying too much, looking at their phone, or rushing through a congested area.

Stairs, Ladders & Elevated Walking Surfaces

Keeps stairs, ramps, and elevated walkways secure and used correctly to prevent higher-risk falls.

Trips and falls don’t only happen at ground level. Stairs must be kept clear, lit, and used with one hand on the railing. Temporary stairs, ramps, and platforms should be secured, fully decked, and inspected regularly for damage or loose boards.

Workers should avoid jumping off equipment or climbing over barriers, always use designated access points. Elevated surfaces amplify the consequences of a simple misstep, making controlled access and stable footing essential.