Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common accidents that occur in the workplace, and they can lead to serious injuries if not addressed. These accidents typically happen when employees lose their balance due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles in their path. In fact, slips, trips, and falls in the workplace make up a significant portion of workplace injuries—what percentage of workplace accidents are slips, trips, and falls? Around 25% of all workplace injuries are related to these types of accidents. Understanding how to avoid slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is key to creating a safer environment for your team and reducing potential risks.
What Are the Most Common Causes and Risk Factors?
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, and understanding the most common causes and risk factors is essential for preventing these accidents. Let’s explore some of the primary causes of slip and fall accidents in the workplace and the factors that make these incidents more likely, along with some key data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to shed light on the scope of the issue.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace
The most common types of slip and fall cases are often caused by preventable hazards. Here are some of the leading causes:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Wet floors or slippery surfaces due to spills, leaks, or environmental factors are one of the most frequent causes of slip accidents. In fact, studies show that wet conditions are responsible for a significant percentage of slip and fall injuries in the workplace. - Uneven Surfaces and Obstructions
Obstacles in walkways, such as debris, tools, and uneven flooring, are common trip hazards. This can lead to serious injuries, especially in environments where employees are frequently moving about in high-traffic areas. - Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for workers to see hazards like cracks, debris, or uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents. Poorly lit areas, particularly in warehouses or construction sites, contribute to a notable portion of slip and fall incidents. - Improper Footwear
Employees wearing inappropriate footwear—whether it’s not slip-resistant or not suited to the working environment—are more likely to slip on wet or uneven surfaces. Employers should encourage the use of proper safety footwear to reduce these risks. - Cluttered Workspaces
Clutter in workplaces—such as loose cables, improperly stored materials, or obstructed walkways—can increase the likelihood of tripping and falling. Regular housekeeping and organization are critical in preventing these types of accidents.
Risk Factors Contributing to Slip and Fall Accidents
While the causes of these accidents can vary, several risk factors increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls:
- Employee Age and Health
Older workers or employees with medical conditions (like balance or vision issues) are more prone to injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Employees aged 55 and older are at a significantly higher risk for serious fall-related injuries. - Lack of Training and Awareness
Workers who are not adequately trained on recognizing hazards or proper safety measures are more likely to experience slip, trip, and fall incidents. Proper training can help prevent these accidents by raising awareness about potential risks and safe behavior. - Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as ice, snow, or rain, can create slip hazards in outdoor environments or in entryways, increasing the risk of falls, particularly during the winter months. - Lack of Safety Equipment
The absence of anti-slip mats, safety rails, or fall protection systems can expose employees to unnecessary risk, especially in high-risk areas such as stairways, ramps, or elevated platforms.
Industry-Specific Data: Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Construction Industry
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are particularly prevalent in industries with high physical activity, like construction. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,070 fatal work-related injuries were recorded in 2024 across all industries. Of those fatalities, 844 of those were slip, trip, and fall injuries. And slip and fall cases requiring days away from work totalled 479,480.
Specifically within the construction industry, 1,034 fatalities were recorded in 2024 with over one-third of those due to slip, trips, and falls in the workplace. Across all private industries, construction accounted for 48.8% of all falls, slips, and trips making it one of the highest-risk industries to work in.
In terms of nonfatal injuries, nonfatal falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry that required at least one day away from work occurred at an annualized rate of 30 per 10,000 full-time workers in 2024—much higher than the overall private industry rate of 22.6. This highlights the significant risk construction workers face on the job, especially when working in high-risk environments such as scaffolding, ladders, or other elevated areas. Understanding the causes and risk factors of slip, trip, and fall accidents is the first step in reducing these incidents in the workplace. Proactive measures like improving floor conditions, ensuring proper footwear, and training employees can significantly lower the likelihood of these types of accidents. The construction industry, in particular, faces unique challenges, with a higher rate of falls and injuries compared to other industries. For more in-depth information on reducing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, be sure to read our detailed article on 10 Leading Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Ten Ways to Prevent Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in The Workplace
By implementing these ten simple but effective workplace slip and fall prevention measures, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of slip, trip, and fall accidents in the workplace. Creating a culture of safety not only protects employees but also helps prevent costly workplace injuries, worker compensation claims, and potential legal liabilities. Taking proactive steps to reduce slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is a win-win for both employees and employers alike.
- Maintain Clean and Dry Floors
Wet or slippery floors are a leading cause of slip accidents. Employers should ensure that floors are kept clean and dry, especially in areas where spills are likely to occur, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Installing slip-resistant mats in high-risk areas can also help prevent accidents.
- Regularly Inspect Walkways and Surfaces
Uneven or cracked floors can cause employees to trip and fall. Regular inspections of walkways and workspaces help identify potential hazards like loose tiles, carpeting, or uneven flooring. Ensuring quick repairs will prevent these common trip risks.
- Install Proper Lighting Inadequate
Lighting can make it difficult for workers to see potential hazards, such as obstacles or changes in floor level. Employers should ensure that all areas—particularly stairways, hallways, and parking lots—are well-lit and that burned-out bulbs are replaced promptly.
- Implement Non-Slip Flooring
For workplaces that deal with frequent spills or wet conditions, non-slip flooring is a wise investment. Installing anti-slip surfaces in high-risk areas like entrances, bathrooms, and kitchens can significantly reduce the chances of slip accidents.
- Provide Proper Footwear
Employees should be encouraged to wear appropriate footwear for their specific work environment. Slip-resistant shoes can help reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors, especially in industries such as food service, healthcare, or manufacturing.
- Use Warning Signs for Wet Areas
Whenever a spill occurs, it’s essential to immediately mark the area with visible warning signs to alert employees. Wet floors or freshly mopped areas should be clearly marked to avoid accidents until the surface dries.
- Train Employees on Safety Practices
Proper training can go a long way in preventing slip, trip, and fall accidents. Employees should be educated on the importance of maintaining clean workspaces, identifying hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions promptly. Training on proper lifting techniques can also help prevent falls related to carrying objects.
- Encourage Regular Breaks
Fatigue can increase the risk of accidents, as tired workers are more likely to trip, slip, or fall. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, stretch, and rest when necessary to stay alert and focused while on the job.
- Ensure Safe Stairways and Handrails
Stairways are one of the most common places for workplace falls. Make sure all stairs are clear of clutter, have secure handrails, and are equipped with non-slip surfaces. Employers should also ensure that stairs are adequately lit and free of hazards.
- Promote a Clean and Organized Work Environment
Cluttered workspaces can easily lead to trip hazards. Employers should encourage employees to keep walkways and work areas organized, storing materials properly and maintaining a clear path for movement. Designating specific areas for tools, equipment, and supplies can help prevent clutter from obstructing pathways.
In addition to these preventative steps, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines general requirements for walking-working surfaces that employers must follow to protect employees from slips, trips, or falls in the workplace. Under OSHA’s General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910.22), employers are legally obligated to meet the following general requirements:
- Ensure that all walking-working surfaces are capable of safely supporting the maximum intended load placed upon them.
- Provide employees with a safe means of entering and exiting all walking-working surfaces.
- Regularly inspect all walking-working surfaces and address any hazardous conditions before employees are permitted to use them again. If immediate repairs are not possible, the hazardous area must be guarded or restricted until it is fixed. Any repairs involving the structural integrity of a surface must be performed or supervised by a qualified person.
Per 29 CFR Part 1910.28, employers also have a duty to provide fall protection for all employees exposed to fall hazards. This duty includes providing guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, handrails, and covers for holes/openings, dangerous equipment, hoist areas, unprotected sides and edges, dockboards, runways and walkways, fixed ladders, stairways, low-slope roofs, and scaffolds.
Compliance with these OSHA fall protection requirements is essential for maintaining a safe workplace. Employers should regularly assess their work environments, implement the appropriate fall protection systems, and ensure that all employees are properly trained on fall hazard recognition and prevention.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious consequences for employers, including OSHA citations, hefty fines, and potential legal action in the event of a workplace injury or fatality. Beyond the legal and financial implications, non-compliance puts workers at unnecessary risk. OSHA compliance is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral responsibility. Every employee deserves a safe workplace, and it is the employer’s duty to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace before they occur.
What To Do After An Accident
In the unfortunate event of a slip, trip, or fall accident at the workplace, it’s crucial for both employers and employees to know the correct steps to take to ensure the safety of the injured individual and to comply with legal and insurance requirements. Immediate actions can help minimize the severity of the injury and ensure proper documentation is in place for any potential workers’ compensation claims or legal proceedings.
What Employees Should Do After a Slip, Trip, or Fall Accident:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you or a coworker has been injured, it’s important to seek medical help right away—even if the injury seems minor. Some injuries, such as concussions, sprains, or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately, so professional evaluation is essential. - Report the Incident to Your Employer
As soon as possible, notify your employer or supervisor about the accident. Reporting the incident ensures that it is properly documented and allows the employer to take immediate action to address any hazards that contributed to the accident. To learn more about reporting a workplace injury, read through our Nevada Workers’ Compensation Guide. - Document the Scene and Injury
If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the scene where the accident occurred, as well as any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue legal action. Collect witness statements as well, if applicable. - Follow Medical Advice and Keep Records
After seeking medical attention, be sure to follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment. This includes follow-up visits, medications, and any prescribed physical therapy. These records will be important for filing a claim.
What Employers Should Do After a Slip, Trip, or Fall Accident:
- Ensure Immediate Medical Care for the Employee
The first priority for employers should be the health and safety of the injured employee. Ensure that they receive immediate medical attention and assist them in getting to the hospital or clinic if necessary. Provide first aid when applicable. - Investigate the Incident
After ensuring the employee’s well-being, employers should investigate the cause of the slip, trip, or fall. Identify the hazards that led to the accident—whether it’s a wet floor, obstructed walkway, or uneven surface—and take steps to correct them immediately to prevent future incidents. - File an Incident Report
Employers should create a detailed incident report outlining the circumstances of the accident, the actions taken, and the steps that will be implemented to prevent future occurrences. This report will be crucial for insurance purposes and any potential legal matters. - Notify Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Providers
Once the incident has been reported internally, employers must notify their insurance provider and, if applicable, file a workers’ compensation claim. This will ensure that the employee receives the proper medical benefits and that the employer is in compliance with any legal requirements. - Review Workplace Safety Procedures
After the accident has been addressed, employers should review their safety protocols and hazard prevention measures to ensure they are sufficient. This could include updating training, improving hazard identification practices, or making physical changes to the workspace.
To learn more about the specific steps you should take after a slip and fall incident, read our new blog article, What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident. Ready to talk to an attorney? Contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman & Throop if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident for a free, no-obligation consultation at (775) 322-6500. With over 60 years of experience fighting for injured workers in Nevada, we’ve built a reputation of helping countless people recover the compensation and benefits they’re entitled to under the law. Slips, trips, and falls in the workplace can turn your life upside down, and Friedman & Throop is here to fight for you when it matters most.
Who Is Liable for a Slip, Trip, and Fall Injury
When a slip, trip, or fall injury occurs in the workplace, determining liability can be complicated. Several parties could be responsible depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Understanding who may be liable for a slip, trip, and fall injury is critical for both employees and employers, particularly if legal action is needed to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages.
Potential Parties Liable for a Slip, Trip, and Fall Injury:
- The Employer
Employers are typically responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. If an injury occurs due to hazardous conditions—such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or blocked walkways—employers could be held liable for failing to address or rectify these dangers in a timely manner. - Property Owners or Managers
If the accident happens in a building or facility not owned by the employer but managed by a third party (for example, an office building or shared space), the property owner or manager could be liable. They are responsible for ensuring that the premises are safe for workers and visitors alike. - Third-Party Contractors
Contractors performing maintenance, cleaning, or other services could be liable if their actions led to a slip, trip, or fall. For example, if a cleaning service leaves a wet floor without proper warning signs, or if a contractor fails to repair a broken floor, they may be responsible for the accident. - The Injured Party
In some cases, the injured individual may be partially or fully responsible for the accident. If the employee ignored safety protocols, was not wearing appropriate footwear, or failed to heed warnings about potential hazards, their actions might reduce the liability of other parties. - Product Manufacturers
If faulty equipment, materials, or products contributed to the injury (such as a defective floor mat or slippery flooring), the manufacturer of those products could be held accountable for the accident. Product defects that directly cause a slip, trip, or fall are often grounds for legal action. - Insurance Providers
Although insurance companies are not directly liable for the accident, they play a significant role in covering the costs of the injury. In cases where workers’ compensation is applicable, the insurance provider will help pay for medical bills and lost wages, depending on the circumstances.
If you have suffered a slip, trip, or fall injury at work, it’s important to understand your rights and explore who may be liable. Understanding who is responsible for your injury can help guide your next steps in seeking compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Friedman & Throop can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees unless we win your case, so you can pursue the compensation you deserve without paying anything upfront. Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation at (775) 322-6500.
For more information on how to navigate slip, trip, and fall liability, check out our new blog article, Understanding Slip and Fall Liability.
FAQs About Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace
What’s the difference between a slip, trip, and fall?
While the terms slip, trip, and fall are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to three distinct types of accidents that occur in different ways:
A slip occurs when there is too little friction or traction between a person’s feet and the surface they are walking on, causing them to lose their balance. Slips are commonly caused by wet, oily, or slippery surfaces, such as a freshly mopped floor, an icy sidewalk, or a spill that has not been cleaned up or marked with a warning sign
A trip occurs when a person’s foot unexpectedly strikes or catches on an object or uneven surface, disrupting their balance and forward momentum. Common causes of trips include uneven flooring, loose carpeting, cluttered walkways, raised thresholds, or unsecured cords and cables.
A fall refers to the event that often results from a slip or trip, where a person loses their balance and descends to a lower level or to the ground. However, falls can also occur independently, such as when a person falls from a ladder, stairway, or elevated work surface.
Are slips, trips, and falls common injuries in the workplace?
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries that occur in the workplace. According to the U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 479,480 slips, trips, and falls in the workplace in 2024 that required employees to take time off, and a total of 844 work-related fatalities due to slips, trips, or falls.
How do you deal with slips, trips, and falls in the workplace?
Dealing with slips, trips, and falls in the workplace requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Employers should identify and correct hazards by conducting regular workplace inspections to spot potential risks such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways, and addressing them promptly. Preventative measures such as installing non-slip flooring, using warning signs, maintaining proper lighting, and requiring employees to wear slip-resistant footwear can also go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, employers should train employees on safe walking practices, proper housekeeping procedures to help maintain a safe work environment, and how to recognize and report potential hazards. In the event that a slip, trip, or fall does occur in the workplace, immediately seek medical attention. It is also important to report and document the incident as soon as possible to help identify the cause and prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
How long do I have to report a workplace injury?
In Nevada, employees must file an incident report (Form C-1 Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease) within 7 days of the accident.
Can I still receive workers’ compensation if I’m partially at a fault?
Yes, in the state of Nevada workers’ comp operates on a no-fault system. This means you can qualify to receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, there are certain scenarios that would make an employee ineligible for workers’ comp in the event of an accident such as:
- Injuries that are intentional and self-inflicted
- Injuries that happen due to illegal activities at work
- Injuries that happen due to alcohol or drug use
- Injuries that happen as a result of violating company policy/procedures
- Injuries that require first aid care only
- Injuries that are not reported within required time frame
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