Advice from RSA Insurance

Don’t slip up when it comes to health & safety!


Statistics issued by the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) show that in 2007, 1,349 employees suffered a slip, trip or fall type accident whilst at work.  This figure represents 17.4% of all accidents notified to the HSA and accounts for the second highest cause of non-fatal major injuries in both manufacturing and service industries and for over half of all reported injuries to members of the public.

Actions brought as a result of injury can be expensive and extremely damaging to your customers business.  Nigel Dawkins, Risk Control Manager RSA, notes that risk management works on the premise that 60% of all accidents that occur are predictable. If something is predictable then it must also be preventable.  It is increasingly important that Insurance Brokers are fully aware of the slip, trip and fall risk, can advise their clients on the threat and potential damaging outcomes and also provide support in the identification, assessment and management of such risks.  From the client aspect the good news is that, in many cases, effective solutions are often easy and inexpensive to implement.

What does the law say?


The Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work.
Under Section 2 Employers must, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure the design, provision and maintenance of a workplace and its means of access in a condition that is safe and without risk to health. 
Section 19 & 20 requires the Employer to assess risks (including slip and trip risks) and where necessary take the necessary action to safeguard health & safety.
The Safety, Health and Welfare (General Application) Regulations 2007, requires floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstruction.

Risk Assessment


All employers need to assess the risks to employees and others likely to be affected by their work. This identifies what needs to be done to control existing hazards.

The HSA advise that the assessment should take account of:-

1.         The type of hazard indicating likelihood of occurrence.  In some instances, it may not always be possible to eliminate all hazards and control measures will need to assume that the hazard is always present. There will be other situations where a hazard can be satisfactorily controlled through intervention.

2.         Characteristics of the workplace to include the nature and condition of the floor surfaces, lighting etc.

The type of flooring surfaces will be dictated by the use of that area. In commercial kitchens for instance, where floor surfaces have the potential to become wet from spillages, the floor surface must be capable of providing an adequate slip resistance for the user, even when wet.  Where employees work away from the premises, it will be necessary to consider hazards that they face too.

3.         Likely influence of weather – rain or frost in particular.  Employees and members of the public walking in rainwater (in abundance this summer!) can introduce water and change a floor surface from acceptable to dangerous. Simply providing matting or mats in matt-wells will remove the water from the person’s shoes and limit / prevent transfer onto the floor surface.

4.         Maintenance and cleaning provisions.  A rigorous maintenance and cleaning routine is essential for all flooring surfaces, to ensure that they remain safe. This must include routine inspections and a procedure for dealing with spillages. Cleaning methods and equipment must be suitable for the type of surface being treated. It may be necessary to get advice on the appropriate method of treatment from the manufacturer or supplier.

5.         Workplace users. The wearing of appropriate footwear is a major part of controlling slips and falls and Employers should introduce a ‘Footwear Policy’ which requires employees to wear flat rubber soled shoes with enclosed toes. Where there is a need for specialised footwear, the Employer is required to provide them at no cost to employees.

Reducing the Risk – practical examples for your customers

  • Spillage of wet and dry substances can lead to a floor becoming slippy. A ‘Stand Over’ spillage policy should be introduced which ensures that the person locating the spillage stays with the spillage until it is cleared and directing other users away from area.  Wet Floor warning signs should be placed around the affected area. The policy should identify the equipment and specify a suitable cleaning agent to be used.
  • Position equipment so as to avoid trailing cables crossing pedestrian routes. Where this is unavoidable use cable covers to securely fix to the surfaces and restrict pedestrian access to prevent contact.
  • Ensure mats are securely fixed so that they do not slide on the floor surface.
  • If the floor surface is slippery, investigate whether it is possible to chemically treat it to improve the slip resistance. If this can not be done successfully it may be necessary to replace the floor surface – professional advice should be sought.
  • Ensure that lighting provided is adequate and that blown bulbs are replaced promptly.
  • Where there is a change of level – improve lighting, provide brightly coloured nosing to delineate levels and fit a handrail. Where there is a ramp, provide hand rails and use floor markings.
  • Ensure workers wear suitable footwear at all times.

What assistance does the RSA Risk Control Team offer?


Risk Control is about recognising and eliminating, controlling or accepting the hazards which form part of the various types of risks we underwrite.  We work on the basis that if we can predict 60% of all incidents then we can prevent them. RSA provide a Risk Control Programme which outlines the actions necessary to help clients protect and improve their business advising on issues such as:-

  • New Building Plan Reviews
  • Sprinkler System
  • Major Causes of Fire
  • Security & Theft
  • Safe Limits
  • Health & Safety Issues
  • Environmental / Pollution
  • Safety Statements
  • Gradually Developing Diseases
  • Accident Investigation / Reporting

RSA’s Risk Control Team have produced Fact Sheets, Risk Control Notes and Guidance Booklets on Risk Management topics concerning Risks facing business today. These are available, free of charge, to your customers.  For further information on this or any other related please contact the Risk Control Unit in RSA Insurances at 01 – 290 1123.