HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DAY CARE SETTINGS
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HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DAY
CARE SETTINGSCONTENTS
Page 3
The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.The Management of Health & Safety at
Work Regulations 1999
Page 4
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989
Page 5
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Reporting an Accident. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
1999
Page 6
General Health and Safety. First Aid. Heating Appliances. Floors/Flooring.
Doors/Windows/Stairs. Hot Drinks/Water
Page 7
Passive Smoking. Kitchen Safety. Play Equipment. Outdoor Play Areas
Page 8
List of HSE advice leaflets
Page 9
Introduction to Risk Assessments. Benefits of Risk Assessment. What is Risk
Assessment
Page10
The Risk Assessment Procedure. Calculation of Risk Rating. Existing Controls.
Further Controls
Page11
Risk Control. Recording Risk Assessments
Page 12
Worked example of calculation of risk rating
Appendix 1
Table 1. Numerical values of likely occurrence and
potential severity
Table 2. Risk Rating
Page 13
Table 3. Risk Assessment Summary
Page14-16
Appendix 2
Examples of Playgroup Hazards Outside. Examples of Playgroup Hazards Inside
Page 17
Appendix 3
Some Common Poisonous Plants. Additional Sources of Information
Page 18
Appendix 4
Slips, Trips and Falls Health & Safety Advice
2BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY IN PLAYGOUPS AND
NURSERIES
The Health & Safety At Work Etc. Act 1974
As a place of work the premises must comply with the Health & Safety at Work etc.
Act 1974.
General duties of every employer cover:
provision and maintenance of safe equipment and systems of work
maintenance of the place of work in a safe condition
provision of safe means of entrance and exit provision of adequate welfare
facilities
arrangements for the safe use, handling and storage of articles and
substances
provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as
necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees.
Under this Act, the employer and staff have duty to ensure the health and safety not
only of themselves but also other persons who may frequent the premises, such as
children and their parents.
It is the duty of every employer of five or more persons to prepare a written statement
of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees
and the organisation and arrangements for carrying out the policy. In smaller
establishments where less than five persons are employed, the relationships are
normally face to face and communications between employer and employees
generally are oral rather than written.
However, even the employers of small undertakings need to think out for themselves
their policy for Health and Safety at Work and the means by which they are going to
carry out the policy.
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Under these regulations employers have a duty to carry out an assessment of the
health and safety risks to which their employees and any other persons are exposed
as a result of the carrying out of their business.
Risk assessment involves identification of “hazards” and “risks” involved in the
workplace.
“Hazard” means anything likely to cause harm (eg. electricity, chemicals).
“Risk” is the chance, great or small, that someone may be harmed by the hazard.
The measures to control any significant risks need to be identified and information
provided for employees.
Where there are five or more employees, the significant findings of the risk
assessment must be recorded and the health and safety arrangements to control the
risks.
3Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
These regulations require employers to consider the risks from manual handling to
the health and safety of their employees (where manual handling involves lifting,
carrying, pulling and pushing).
Where possible manual handling should be avoided, possibly by using
mechanisation such as trolleys.
Employers should carry out an assessment of manual handling tasks performed in
the course of am employee’s work.
Assessments should preferably be recorded and, where risk of injury is identified,
steps taken to reduce the risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
An employer or self-employed duty holder should ensure that the electrical
installation and portable equipment over which he/she has control are safe and
without risk to him/herself, employees and others who may use the equipment or
come onto their premises.
Electrical Safety Generally
The easiest way to ensure the electrical installation is “safe” is to only allow
competent electricians to work on electrical wiring. It is usually recommended that an
electrician should inspect wiring at five year intervals and a suitable test certificate
provided in accordance with the current IEE Regulations and kept available for
inspection.
Portable electrical equipment is anything which can be plugged in or connected to
your electrical wiring. It should only be used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
By carrying out visual examinations of portable equipment for obvious signs of
damage or faults in equipment most of the potentially dangerous faults can be
controlled.
Staff should be encouraged to look at electrical equipment they use for signs
of damage and to report them to the employer.
Sufficient socket outlets should be provided to accommodate all appliances likely to
be used at one time.
Trailing wires should be avoided and cables should not be placed under carpets
where damage could go unnoticed.
4The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 1995
Certain accidents must be reported under these Regulations. Details are listed in the
“RIDDOR” booklet, HSE31 (rev.1) – available to download free online from
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/accidents.htm
Reporting an Accident
The arrangements for reporting accidents changed on 1st April 2001. There is now a
simplified procedure to report all cases to a single point, the Incident Contact Centre
based at Caerphilly. You can report accidents in a variety of ways; by telephone, fax,
via the Internet or by post. (The telephone service is available Monday to Friday from
8.30am to 5pm). You can still report directly to your local authority (by telephone and
then on Form 2508 or 2508A), and these reports will be forwarded to the ICC for
processing.
Use the Internet or telephone service you may not have your own copy of the official
reporting forms (2508 or 2508A) – the requirement to keep a record of reported
incidents for inspection by visiting officers still remains. To help with this you will be
sent a copy of your report and given the chance to correct any errors. See leaflet
Misc310 “Riddor Reporting: Information about the New Incident Centre” (available
from the HSE, or to download free online from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/accidents.htm
Please send postal reports to the following address:
Incident Contact Centre
Caerphilly Business Park
Caerphilly
CF83 3GG
For Internet reports please go to: www.riddor.gov.uk
for alternatively link in via the HSE web site: www.hse.gov.uk
By telephone (charged at local call rate): 0845 300 9923
By fax (charged at local call rate): 0843 300 9924
y e-mail: riddor@natbrit.com
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
1999
These Regulations require assessment of the risk to health from substances in use
or present on the premises and taking of appropriate steps to minimise or eliminate
those risks. Further details are available in the HSE leaflet “COSHH – A Brief Guide
to the Regulations” – INDG136 (rev.1), available to download free online from
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/accidents.htm
5General Health and Safety
First Aid
A properly stocked first aid kit should be available – no medication should be kept in
the first aid kit.
It is advisable for at least one member of staff to undertake an approved first aid
course and a named person should be appointed to take charge in the event of an
accident.
Accident records should be maintained. The easiest way is to record accidents in a
book.
(This should be available for inspection by authorised persons). It is good practice to
take the accident book on all group outings and accidents should be recorded as
soon as possible. Parents should be informed of any accident or injury to their child.
Heating appliances
Should be safe, securely fixed and guarded, and regularly serviced. The use of
portable appliances is generally not acceptable.
Floors/flooring
Floors/flooring should be level and coverings non-slip and appropriate for the area
(eg. washable for messy play areas).
All joints and edges must be properly secured to avoid tripping hazards. See “EBC
Slips, Trips and Falls Health and Safety Advice”.
Doors/window/stairs
Precautions should be taken to protect children from the dangers of swing doors, split
level floors or unguarded stairs.
Glass doors and low windows must be fitted with safety glass or covered with safety
film.
Windows should be fitted with safety catches if they may be accessible to children
additional barriers may be necessary.
Adequate door catches (eg. high handled doors or two key locks etc.) should be fitted
to ensure children cannot leave the group unaccompanied, but parents and staff can
enter.
Hot drinks/water
Hot drinks/water used by children should have the temperature carefully controlled to
prevent scalding.
Hot drinks ideally should not be taken into areas where children could knock them
over and be scalded.
6Passive smoking
Passive smoking is now recognised as a health risk and should not be allowed in
areas used by children.
Kitchen safety
Kitchens are hazardous places for adults and even more so for young children with
hot liquids and dangerous chemicals.
If children need to enter the kitchen to learn kitchen skills it is advisable that groups
are small and constantly supervised. Children should not be allowed in the kitchen
during meal preparation times.
A safety barrier/gate should be used in the doorway to the kitchen to prevent children
gaining access.
Boiling kettles, hot liquids and cleaning materials should be kept out of children’s
reach.
Cleaning materials, toiletries, medicines, etc. must be stored securely in the original
containers fitted with child-proof lids.
All cupboards should be fitted with child safety catches. Cooker guards should be
fitted where appropriate.
Play equipment
Play equipment must be properly maintained and kept clean. Damaged or broken
equipment must be removed immediately for repair or disposal.
Outdoor play equipment can be especially hazardous. All outdoor play equipment
which is used commercially will receive heavier use than that for which “domestic”
equipment is designed and must accordingly be more durable. All new equipment for
permanent installation outdoors should comply with current British Standards.
Outdoor play areas
Outdoor play areas should be sited, wherever possible, so that there is level access
from the playrooms avoiding steps or stairs. The site should be well drained to
minimise corrosion to the base of the equipment.
Equipment should be sited to prevent interference between users on one piece of
equipment and another. Attention should be given to likely child traffic patterns to
avoid children passing dangerously near one piece of equipment (eg. swings) when
moving from one piece of equipment to another.
Equipment must be firmly fixed to the ground without risk of tilting or toppling.
Concrete is not suitable for surfaces around play equipment as it is abrasive and
extremely hard (a fall from 12 inches onto concrete covered with tarmac could prove
fatal to a child). A number of alternative impact absorbent surfaces are available for
use around play equipment.
All play equipment should receive a daily visual inspection to check for damage and
wear. More detailed inspections should be carried out monthly.
7The area should be securely fenced to prevent children gaining access to the street
or other areas and staff supervision is essential at all times. Gates should be fitted
with locks positioned so that children cannot open them. Plants in play areas should
not be hazardous to children (eg. poisonous).
For further information or advice contact Environmental Health
HSE leaflets which can be used for more “in depth advice” are
as follows:
*Stating Your Business. Guidance on preparing a health and safety policy document
for small firms. INDG324.
Health and safety law poster (Health and Safety Law - What You Should Know),
ISBN 07176 1380 1.
A Step by Step Guide to COSHH Assessment. ISBN 0 11 8886379 7.
*Electrical Safety and You. IND(G)231(L).
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992. Updated to
include changes affecting young people and new and expectant mothers. MISC079.
* Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare. A short guide for managers. IND(G)244(L).
* 5 Steps to Information, Instruction and Training. IND(G)213.
* Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls at Work. IND(G)225.
* First Aid at Work – Your Questions Answered. IND(G)214(L).
* Getting to Grips with Manual Handling. A short guide for employers.
IND(G)143(rev1)
*5 Steps to Risk Assessment. IND(G)163(rev1).
COSHH – A Brief Guide to the Regulations. What you need to know about the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999.
INDG136(rev1)
* RIDDOR Explained. HSE31(rev1).
* RIDDDOR Reporting: Information about the new incident centre. MISC310.
These leaflets are current at the present time, but are up-dated from time to time.
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/accidents.htm
Publications marked with an asterisk can also be downloaded free online from HSE
Leaflets about Hazards at Work, at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hazards.htm
8RISK ASSESSMENT IN PLAYGOUPS AND NURSERIES
INTRODUCTION
Risk assessment is a method of preventing accidents and ill health by helping people
to think about what could go wrong and ways to prevent problems. It is also good
practice and a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1992 (now up-dated to 1999).
BENEFITS OF RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk assessment also enables organisations to:
Carry out a thorough assessment of all significant risks associated with their
activities
Reduce the costs associated with accidents and ill health and the likelihood of
negligence claims
Identify priorities on the basis of risk and
Highlight training needs.
WHAT IS RISK ASSESSMENT
To appreciate how risk assessment works it is necessary to understand the meaning
of the terms 'hazard' and 'risk' in the context of risk assessment.
A 'hazard' is anything with the potential to cause harm; e.g.
Fire
Electricity
Sharp tools
Damaged flooring
'Risk' is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, (depending on the frequency of
exposure to the hazard, and the number of people exposed).
The level of risk can be defined as high, medium or low, however for a given situation
any two people may decide the level of risk is different.
Risk rating gives a numerical value to the risk and is more likely to result in
consistent assessment of the level of risk by different individuals.
The method described is only one of many available, but the basic principals are the
same, no matter how complex/simple the method used.
9THE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
The process of risk assessment is as shown below.
Using Table 3 record the following information:
List any hazards associated with your activities, examples of playgroup
hazards are given in Appendix 3.
For each hazard
List the individuals or groups of people who might be harmed
Identify by reference to Table 1 the likely occurrence(LO) i.e. likelihood of
harm from a particular hazard and record the numerical value on Table 3
Identify from Table 1 the potential severity of the consequences (PS) of
harm from the hazard then record the numerical value on Table 3
CALCULATION OF RISK RATING
Multiply numerical value of likely occurrence (LO) by the numerical value of potential
severity of consequences (PS) this gives a numerical value for the Risk Rating. Write
on Table 3.
EXISTING CONTROLS
Record any existing controls in place to reduce the risk for each hazard.
FURTHER CONTROLS
When the numerical value of the risk rating calculated is greater than 4 the risk is
considered to be significant for the purposes of this risk assessment procedure
and further controls are necessary.
RISK CONTROL
If further controls are necessary to reduce the risk the following methods should be
considered:
Remove/eliminate the hazard e.g. replace slippery flooring with non-slip
surface
Substitute a safer way of carrying out the activity
Separate/isolate the person from the hazard e.g. fence off poisonous plants to
prevent access to children
Use of a safe system of work eg put equipment away when children have
gone
Train, instruct or supervise staff
Provide PPE to minimize the consequences as a last resort
Risks with the highest risk ratings should be dealt with first.
10RECORDING RISK ASSESSMENTS
Where there are five or more employees, the law requires that the risk assessment
should be written and that employees should be aware of it.
Review and revision of the risk assessment should take place periodically especially
if there are any changes in the areas to which it relates.
WORKED EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION OF RISK RATING
A playgroup has to store equipment in an outside shed two hazards associated with
removing and replacing equipment in the shed are:
Being struck by falling objects incorrectly stored
Manual handling
People at risk are:
Playgroup staff
Children
Parents
The activity is carried out twice a day when the playgroup is set up at the start of the
day and when everything is put away at the end. The playgroup is open 5 days a
week. For each of the hazards calculate the risk rating and if necessary any further
controls needed to reduce the risk.
Risk rating for each hazard
(1) Falling objects - people at risk would be staff
It is possible that someone could be struck by falling objects stored in the shed but
there is no record of it happening the numerical value for likely occurrence is = 1
The potential severity of the consequences of falling objects striking a member
of staff would depend on e.g. the weight of the objects, any sharp edges and the
height of fall. Say the potential consequences were minor (may need first aid & short
break from duties, treatment on the spot) the numerical value would be = 2
The risk rating would be: (Likely occurrence) x (potential severity of
consequences) = 1 x 2 = 2
No further action would be necessary controls already adequate
(2) Manual handling - people at risk could be staff, children and parents (if
equipment is moved when children/parents are present).
The manual handling is carried out twice a day on 5 days a week the likely
occurrence is therefore common and the numerical value = 5
The potential severity of the consequences for untrained members of
staff/children/parents could be major (needing qualified attention, unable to do
normal duties for more than 3 weeks, intermittent incapacity) the numerical value =
5
The risk rating would be: 5 x 5 = 25
Further controls are necessary e.g. manual handling of equipment only when no
children/parents present, training for staff, Manual handling assessment, heavy
equipment lifted by more than one person or use of trolleys.
11Appendix 1
Table 1 - Numerical Values of Likely Occurrence and Potential Severity
Numerical Likely Example Numerical Potential Example
Value Occurrence Value Severity of
Consequences
1 Most No record 1 Low No injury expected
unlikely of or injury unlikely to
occurrence need medical
attention. Able to
carry out normal
duties
2 Possible Foreseeable 2 Minor May need first aid.
occurrence Hasn’t Short break from
occurred in duties. Treated on
last year spot.
3 Occasional Has/could 3 Significant Injury results in
occur inability to do normal
approx. duties. Off work
once a year more than 3 days,
but less than 3
weeks
4 Frequent Occurs 4 Major Needs qualified
more than medical attention.
once a Unable to do normal
year; not as duties for more than
often as 3 weeks.
weekly Intermittent
incapacity
5 Common Occurs 5 Permanent Retirement injury.
weekly or disability or Unable to do normal
more often; fatality. job, retirement
inevitable.
Table 2 - Risk Rating
Potential Severity Likely Occurrence (LO)
(PS) 1 2 3 4 5
RISK RATING = (LO) x (PS)
1 1 2 3 4 5
2 2 4 6 8 10
3 3 6 9 12 15
4 4 8 12 16 20
5 5 10 15 20 25
Risk Ratings in bold require further action.
12Table 3 Risk Assessment Summary
Premises: Room: Area/location: Date: Completed by:
Hazard Persons at Risk Risk rating Existing control Further Benefit for Review
(Individuals/Groups) LO x PS measures controls children date
eg. 3 x 2 needed
=6
LO = Likely occurrence
PS = Potential severity of consequence
A risk rating greater than 4 indicates the risk is significant.
For the purposes of this risk assessment further controls are necessary
13Appendix 2
PLAYGROUP HAZARDS
OUTSIDE CONTROLS
Contaminated sand in sandpit Prevention by Keeping sand covered
exclude animals, rake sand regularly to remove
debris, replace sand regularly
Playground contents e.g. broken glass, animal Fence playground, exclude unauthorized
excrement persons, inspection and removal
Animals (outside/inside) Exclusion or, if necessary to permit animals,
assess risk for individual situation
Exposure to sun - sunburn Restrict exposure by limiting time, provision of
shade, clothing to cover body, sun cream
provision by parents
Paddling pool - drowning Full supervision, pool emptied immediately after
use
Insects - stings Sticky/sweet foods and drinks not taken outside
any spillage cleaned up immediately wash child's
hands and face
Poisonous plants See Appendix 3 for list of common poisonous
plants. Ensure all plants accessible are not
poisonous/non-allergenic, list any plants and
seek advice
Use of defective playground/ other equipment Inspection for cracks splinters broken pipes
frayed ropes etc remove from use any damaged
equipment giving rise to risk of harm
Use of playground equipment, slips, trips, falls, Supervision, equipment secured to ground, 6ft
danger of being struck by clearance around static
equipment equipment, 8ft clearance back and front of
swings, mats or absorbing surfaces between
equipment
Escape of children from playground or premises Secure undamaged fencing at least 4ft high, no
horizontal bars or footholds or gaps larger than
4'' childproof self closing latches on gates
supervision. Doors provided with latches or locks
out of reach of children
14PLAYGROUP HAZARDS
INSIDE CONTROLS
Strangulation from blind/curtain chords Ensure such items are not low enough to pose a
risk to children
Trapping fingers in doors Slow closing mechanism or door jamb protectors
Electricity – sockets, appliances Ensure sockets are out of reach/ use socket
covers, inspection and testing of appliances,
defective appliances removed from use
Burns from fires, heaters, radiators Fireguards to British standard, radiator covers,
heaters and fires fixed in place
Glazing in windows/doors Low level glazing in windows and doors should
be safety glazing, toughened, laminated glass or
covered in plastic safety film as advised by
competent person to comply with British
standards
Falls out of windows Opening restrictors so windows do not open
beyond 4'' this should not conflict with any Fire
Brigade requirements no furniture or equipment
under windows
Falls down stairs Safety gates/barriers to British Standards with
secure fixings, supervision on stairs
Dangerous toys Inspection to ensure no damage/loose parts, toys
to comply with British standards and for
appropriate age range of children, damaged toys
removed
Trips/falls slips on scattered toys Tidy toys traffic routes are kept clear
Small items/parts of toys capable of Ensure where possible no items small
swallowing/insertion in nose or ears enough/parts of toys and no loose parts on toys
supervision
Sharp objects/edges/corners – cuts Inspection removal protection
Hot water/drinks – scalds Thermostatic control of hot water, no hot drinks
near children
Kettle flex could be pulled and child scalded Keep out of reach
Chemicals e.g. disinfectant, toilet blocks Keep disinfectants etc in childproof cupboards do
not use toilet blocks if
accessible to children
Kitchen No access to children
Lead paint on premises Ascertain if present, arrange removal if possible
or prevent access supervision of children to
ensure they do not pick at paint
15INSIDE ( continued) CONTROLS (continued)
Falls from height from play equipment Supervision and correct use
Slips/trips/falls due to floor condition Inspection, loose carpet etc fixed in place,
damaged flooring replaced, spillage cleared
immediately, non-slip floor
Unsafe storage of items Ensure items are not likely to fall onto persons,
heavy items stored at correct height
Plastic bags-suffocation Not allowed in playgroup
Trailing cables Tuck away so that no longer tripping hazard on
traffic routes cover with cable trunking
Manual handling Training, assessment, correct storage lifting
equipment by more than one person
Any hazards associated with the structure of the premises, eg. walls, floors, ceilings and any
equipment/items left out by other premises users must also be considered.
16Appendix 3
POISONOUS PLANTS
Plant Poisonous part of plant
Bluebell - -
Cherry Laurel Berries/leaf
Christmas Rose All parts
Daffodil Bulb/leaves
Daphne Mezereum Berries/bark
Delphinium Seeds/leaves
Firethorn (Pyracantha) Berries
Foxglove All parts
Holly Berries
Honeysuckle Berries
Horse Chestnut Berries/seeds
Ivy All parts
Laburnum All parts
Lily of the Valley All parts
Lords and Ladies Berries
Lupin All parts
Mistletoe Berries
Morning Glory Seeds/berries
Nightshade – Deadly, Woody, Berries/other parts
Black
Poinsettia Leaves/flowers
Privet Berries/seeds/leaf
Rhododendron Seeds/berries/leaf
Rhubarb Leaves
Snowberry Berries
Sweet Pea Seeds
Winter Cherry Berries
Wisteria Seeds
Yew Leaves/seeds/fruit
Further Information
For a wide range of advice, information and the latest leaflets and publications, contact the
Health and Safety Executive:
HSE Infoline: telephon 08701 545500 (open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) fax: 02920
859260
e-mail: hseinformationservices@natbrit.com
or visit the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk
You can also order online from HSE Books: www.hsebooks.co.uk
or get further online advice from HSE Direct: www.hsedirect.com
or from HSE/DOH Healthy Workplace Initiative: www.signupweb.net
This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory, but
which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.
17Appendix 4.
Slips, Trips and Falls – Health & Safety Advice
One of the targets the Health and Safety Executive have set this year is to reduce accidents
caused by slips, trips and falls, one of the most common causes of accidents in Britain, and
therefore the area being targeted for Safety and Health Week this year.
Ten facts about slips and trips
1. In 1999/2000 slips and trips in British workplaces accounted for 31% (provisionally 8,680) of
all reported major non-fatal injuries to employees.
2. During the same period they accounted for 20% (provisionally 26,236) of over-threeday
injuries to employees.
3. 95% of reported slips and trips result in broken or dislocated bones.
4. Well over a million working days are lost each year as a result of slips and trips.
5. The increasing development of a “compensation culture” and the number of
businesses operating on a “no win, no fee” basis will increase costs to employers.
6. Three people have died in each of the last two years following slips and trips.
7. Wet floors account for 90% of such accidents.
8. The food and drink industry has four times as many slips and trips as other
industries.
9. The cost to society could be as much as £763 million with employers have to pick up a bill
for £368 million.
10. As the facts show, slips and trips do not usually just result in embarrassment or bruised
pride, they can prove very costly slip-ups in many other ways.
Slip/trip hazards include:
spills/splashes of liquid – a few drops may drastically reduce slip resistance;
inadequate drying of floors after cleaning;
ingress of rain into indoor pedestrian areas during wet weather;
use of unsuitable flooring types/footwear;
poorly maintained/uneven floors;
obstructions/objects on the floor;
curling edges to doormats/carpets;
trailing electric cables across pedestrian thoroughfares;
build-up of residues on flooring, eg. grease, animal excreta, leaves, ice, etc;
items left across pedestrian thoroughfares by contractors working.
These are just a few examples. Risk assessments can be used to identify such hazards and
to ensure adequate controls are in place.
18Good Working Practice to prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
Where possible, the aim should be to eliminate risk at source (eg. levelling uneven floor
surfaces). The next preferred option is substitution (eg. using an alternative method of floor
cleaning), followed by separation (eg. using barriers to keep workers away from wet floors).
The final prevention measure is protection (eg. wearing footwear with non-slip soles). The
use of personal protective equipment should be a last form of protection after all
organisational and technical measures have been exhausted. There are often simple but
effective measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate slip and trip risks.
Preventive actions to consider include:
Good housekeeping – Poor housekeeping and general untidiness are a major cause of slips
and trips. Keep the working environment clean and tidy, with floors and access routes kept
clear of obstacles. Remove rubbish regularly so it does not build up.
Cleaning and maintenance – Regular cleaning and maintenance will minimise risks.
Rubbish should be removed regularly and work areas kept clear. Cleaning methods and
equipment must be suitable for surface being treated. During cleaning and maintenance work,
take care not to create new slip and trip hazards.
Lighting – Ensure good lighting levels, functioning and position of lights to ensure all floor
areas are evenly lit and all potential hazards, e.g. obstructions and spills can be clearly seen.
Lighting levels need to allow safe passage through the premises. Exterior lights may be
required as outdoor workplaces must be adequately lit.
Flooring – Floors should be checked for damage on a regular basis and maintenance carried
out when necessary. Potential slip and trip hazards to look for include holes, cracks, and loose
carpets and mats. In any location, the floor surface should be suitable for the work carried out,
eg. it may need to be resistant to oil and chemicals used in production processes. Coating or
chemically treating existing floors can improve their slip resistant properties. It should be kept
clean.
Stairways – Many accidents occur on stairways. Handrails, slip resistant covers to steps, high
visibility and non-slip marking of the front edges of steps, and sufficient lighting can all help in
preventing slips and trips on stairs. Other changes of level such as ramps are often difficult to
see. They need to be well marked, with appropriate use of safety signs.
Spillages – Clean up spills immediately using an appropriate cleaning method (chemical
treatment may be required). Use warning signs where the floor is wet and arrange alternative
routes. What caused the spill to occur - can work methods or workplace be changed to
minimise spillages?
Obstructions – Where possible, obstructions should be removed to prevent trips occurring. If
it is not possible to remove an obstruction then suitable barriers and/or warning notices should
be used.
Trailing cables – Place equipment so cables do not cross pedestrian routes. Use cable
covers to securely fix cables to surfaces.
Footwear – Workers need to have footwear that is suitable for their working environment.
Take account of the type of job, floor surface, typical floor conditions and the slip-resistant
properties of the sole.
Outdoor workplaces – Outdoor workplaces must be arranged so that risks of slipping and
tripping are minimised, e.g. through anti-slip measures in icy conditions and suitable footwear.
19Employers’ Responsibilities
Requirements set in European Directives (such as on workplaces, safety signs,
personal protective equipment, and Framework for Safety) that are relevant to the
prevention of slips and trips, include:
Ensuring that, as far as possible workplaces receive sufficient natural light
and are equipped with artificial lighting adequate to protect workers’ safety and
health.
Ensuring that workplace floors are fixed, stable and level and have no bumps,
holes or slopes. and are not slippery.
Providing safety and/or health signs where hazards can not be avoided or
adequately reduced by preventive measures.
Providing personal protective equipment (eg. protective footwear)
appropriate for the risks involved and where they can not be avoided by other
means. It should be comfortable and well maintained, and not lead to any
increase in other risks.
Following a general Framework to manage health and safety, including:
o assessment and prevent of risks;
o giving priority to collective measures to eliminate risks;
o providing information and training; and
o consulting employees, co-ordination on safety with contractors.
Consulting the workforce is a requirement. Using their knowledge helps to ensure
hazards are correctly spotted and workable solutions implemented.
The minimum requirements set by Directives have been implemented in national
legislation that may include additional requirements.
Maintaining a healthy and safe working environment is not only a management
responsibility. Employees also have duties to co-operate and look after their own and
others’ safety, following instructions in accordance with training given. Everyone
should be encouraged to contribute to improving health and safety.
The attached checklist can be used as a preliminary aid to identifying hazards.
20Slips, Trips and Falls
Health & Safety Checklist
General Yes No
1. Are floors uneven/damaged? □ □
2 Do electric cables trail across pedestrian routes? □ □
3. Is the floor covering damaged and a trip hazard? □ □
4. Do rugs/mats/carpets curl at the edges/need fixing to the floor □ □
5. Are floor surfaces slippery when dry? □ □
6. Are floor surfaces slippery when wet? □ □
7. Do cleaning materials make the floor slippery? □ □
8. Do residues build up on floor surfaces/ground making it slippery? □ □
A “YES” response to any of the above requires risk assessment/ remedial measures to
be taken if controls are inadequate.
Procedures/Working Practices/Workplace
9. Are lighting levels adequate on all traffic or pedestrian routes? □ □
10. Where there are changes in levels, is lighting adequate and the change in level highlighted
by, for example, a colour change/hazard tape? □ □
11. Are handrails provided where appropriate, where there are level changes? □ □
12. Do all staircases and steps have handrails where appropriate? □ □
13. Are procedures in place to immediately clean up spillages? □ □
14. If greasy liquids are spilled, is a suitable cleaning agent available and used? □ □
15. Are appropriate signs used after floors have been cleaned and an alternative bypass route
provided? □ □
16. Are passageways/stairs/escape routes kept clear? □ □
17. Are articles properly stored and put away so they do not cause obstructions? □ □
18. Are safe working procedures adopted when transporting items up or down stairs? □ □
19. Are ladders inspected and maintained? □ □
20. Are damaged ladders taken out of service at once and disposed of? □ □
21. Are safe working procedures adopted when using ladders/ working at height? □ □
2122. Are openings in floors fenced off? □ □
23. When workmen/cleaners are working on site, does risk assessment include creation of
tripping/slipping hazards? □ □
24. Is provision of appropriate footwear considered in risk assessment in relation to slips, trips
and falls? □ □
25. Are risk assessments always done before working at height, and suitable controls in
place? □ □
26. In a workplace where flooring can be slippery, do you wear non-slip shoes? □ □
A “No” response to any of the above requires risk assessment/remedial
measures to be taken.
Other comments:
Department:
Workplace:
Job Title:
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