Young Workers: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injuries.

Young workers can slip when they lose their footing, trip when catching their foot on or in something, and fall when coming down a ladder. Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:

• Spills
• Greasy floors
• Ice
• Snow and rain
• Loose mats or rugs
• Stepladders

Tips to Stay Safe

Employers can remind young workers to:

• Clean up spills and anything slippery. Check with supervisors about how to use cleaning products. Don’t use cleaners that could make the floor slippery.
• Clear walkways, stairs, and lobbies of anything that might be a tripping hazard, such as cords, wires, empty boxes, and clutter.
• Make sure that floor mats lay flat rather than wrinkled or bunched.
• Use handrails when walking up and down steps.
• Before using any ladder or stepladder, make sure it opens fully.
• Check that ladder extensions are fully locked and that the ladder legs are stable on a flat, non-slippery surface.
• Clean off any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet of a ladder before use.
• Don’t go over the load limit noted on the ladder.

Resources

Slip-Resistant Shoes: Learn how 5-star rated slip-resistant shoes can reduce food services worker slip injuries.

• Infographic (also available in Spanish)

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Wholesale and Retail Trade Establishments

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers

OSHA

• Portable Ladder Safety Quick Card
• Ladder Safety App
• Safe Work for Young Workers
• Young Workers – Employer Responsibilities for Keeping Young Workers Safe