Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls on Construction Sites

Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries in the construction industry. While falls from heights often receive the most attention, incidents occurring at ground level can also result in serious injuries, lost workdays and costly disruptions.

Construction sites present constantly changing conditions. Uneven ground, exposed cords, scattered materials, muddy walkways and wet surfaces can create hazards throughout the workday. As fall weather brings increased rainfall, fallen leaves and changing temperatures, workers must remain alert to these risks.

Preventing slips, trips and falls starts with recognizing hazards, maintaining safe walking surfaces and taking precautions as jobsite conditions change.

Common Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards

• Wet and Slippery Surfaces: Rain, mud, standing water, oil and other substances can reduce traction on walking and working surfaces.
• Uneven Terrain: Excavations, ruts, loose gravel and changes in ground elevation can cause workers to lose their footing.
• Poor Housekeeping: Scattered tools, debris, scrap materials and improperly stored equipment create unnecessary tripping hazards.
• Cords and Hoses: Extension cords, welding leads and air hoses stretched across walkways can easily catch a worker's foot.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poor visibility makes it difficult to identify obstacles, changes in elevation and other hazards.
• Improper Footwear: Worn or unsuitable footwear may not provide adequate traction for changing jobsite conditions.

Steps to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

1. Maintain Good Housekeeping
Keep work areas organized and free of unnecessary materials. Remove debris regularly, store tools and equipment properly, and keep designated walkways clear.

2. Inspect Walking and Working Surfaces
Before beginning work, inspect the area for wet spots, uneven surfaces, loose materials and other potential hazards. Correct unsafe conditions whenever possible and report hazards that cannot be immediately addressed.

3. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Select work boots with slip-resistant soles suited to the jobsite environment. Inspect footwear regularly and replace boots when tread becomes excessively worn.

4. Manage Cords and Hoses
Route cords and hoses away from walkways whenever possible. Where crossings cannot be avoided, use appropriate protective covers or other measures to reduce tripping hazards.

5. Use Extra Caution in Wet Weather
Rain and mud can quickly change jobsite conditions. Use designated walkways, avoid unnecessary shortcuts and take extra care when entering or exiting equipment. Remove mud and moisture from footwear when appropriate to prevent tracking slippery material onto steps and platforms.

6. Maintain Three Points of Contact
When climbing onto or exiting equipment, face the machine and maintain three points of contact. Use designated steps and handholds, and never jump from equipment.

7. Provide Adequate Lighting
Ensure work areas, stairways and access routes are sufficiently illuminated, especially during early morning and evening hours when daylight is limited.

Make Hazard Recognition Part of the Daily Routine

Supervisors should incorporate slip, trip and fall prevention into daily jobsite inspections and toolbox talks. Encourage employees to report hazards immediately and address unsafe conditions before an incident occurs.

Workers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid carrying loads that obstruct their view and use designated access routes whenever possible.

When work involves elevated surfaces, ladders, scaffolds or unprotected edges, employers must also ensure that appropriate fall protection measures are in place in accordance with applicable OSHA requirements.

The Bottom Line

Preventing slips, trips and falls requires awareness, good housekeeping and attention to changing jobsite conditions. Taking a few extra moments to identify and correct hazards can prevent serious injuries and help ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.

Remember: Watch your step, keep walkways clear and never overlook a potential fall hazard.

Additional Resources: For more information, visit OSHA's Construction Safety and Health Resources and Construction Industry Standards (29 CFR 1926).