How to Use: Walk high-traffic areas like entrances, stairs, and parking lots—best during wet weather to spot slippery spots. Use a flashlight for dark corners. Ask manager: “Incident logs? Mats replaced?” Mark High (wet floors without signs, uneven pavement), Medium (faded paint, loose handrails), or Low (marked, well-lit, clean) risk. Slips, trips, and falls cause more than 240,000 nonfatal injuries each year (Pearson Koutcher Law 2025 estimate); 144 same-level fall deaths in 2022 (National Safety Council Injury Facts). Total cost: more than $70 billion yearly (Liberty Mutual and National Safety Council). Prevent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.22 (walking and working surfaces) and National Safety Council guidelines.
THE BASICS: WHY SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS HAPPEN
- Slips: Feet lose grip on wet, oily, or dusty floors.
- Trips: Toes catch on cords, clutter, or raised edges.
- Falls: From stairs, curbs, or same level due to poor balance.
Top Causes (Occupational Safety and Health Administration/National Safety Council 2025):
- Wet or uneven surfaces – 31% of construction injuries (Occupational Safety and Health Administration Online Center; water or bumps throw people off balance).
- Clutter or cords – common in offices and warehouses (items in walkways catch feet).
- Poor lighting or handrails – shadows hide steps, loose rails fail to support.
- Weather – ice and snow double outdoor fall risk (National Safety Council; slippery paths cause sudden drops).
Key Numbers: Second leading cause of preventable death, third for injuries (National Safety Council); 421 construction fall deaths in 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics and Safety+Health). Fall protection is the top Occupational Safety and Health Administration violation for 15 straight years (National Safety Council 2025). 85% of incidents are preventable with good housekeeping.
Your Goal: Find hidden dangers—stop a simple stumble from becoming an emergency room visit or big insurance claim.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FLOORS & WALKWAYS CHECKLIST
Why Check: Wet floors cause 55% of slips (National Safety Council)—loss of traction sends people down fast.
- Surfaces: clean and dry, no spills or oil, absorbent mats at all entrances Why: Liquids or grease turn floors into ice.
- Uneven areas: height changes less than 1/4 inch, no cracks or potholes Why: Small lips trip toes.
- Cords and wires: taped down or in covered channels Why: Loose cords snag feet.
- Rugs and mats: flat on floor, no curled edges, secured with tape Why: Raised corners catch shoes.
- Signs: “Wet Floor” cones or signs for any spill Why: Warns people to walk carefully.
STAIRS & RAMPS CHECKLIST
Why Check: Stairs cause 20% of falls (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)—one misstep can mean a hard drop.
- Handrails: 34–38 inches high, on both sides, tight and sturdy Why: Loose rails fail when needed.
- Steps: non-slip edges, all risers same height (4–7 inches) Why: Uneven steps throw off rhythm.
- Lighting: at least 1 foot-candle, no dark spots Why: Shadows hide edges.
- Ramps: slope no steeper than 1:12, guardrails if drop over 30 inches Why: Steep ramps cause loss of control.
- Debris: nothing stored on stairs, steps clear Why: Items block safe passage.
PARKING LOTS & EXTERIORS CHECKLIST
Why Check: Outdoor falls rise in winter (National Safety Council)—ice and potholes surprise walkers.
- Pavement: no holes deeper than 2 inches, smooth surface Why: Potholes twist ankles.
- Striping: bright lines for lanes, fire lanes clearly marked Why: Faded paint confuses drivers and walkers.
- Curb ramps: meets Americans with Disabilities Act, no raised lips Why: Lips trip wheels and feet.
- Snow and ice: removal plan in place, salt or grit applied Why: Ice turns paths into slides.
- Drains: open and clear, no standing water Why: Puddles hide under snow.
LIGHTING & VISIBILITY CHECKLIST
Why Check: Poor light causes 25% of trips (Illuminating Engineering Society)—people can’t see hazards.
- Light levels: 1 foot-candle in walkways, 5 foot-candles on stairs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Why: Dim areas hide bumps.
- Bulbs: all working, no flickering Why: Dark spots appear suddenly.
- Emergency lights: turn on automatically, 90-minute battery Why: Guides people in power failure.
- Signs: lit exit signs, hazard warnings visible Why: Shows safe path.
- Contrast: yellow tape or paint on step edges Why: Makes steps stand out.
HOUSEKEEPING CHECKLIST
Why Check: Clutter causes 30% of trips (National Safety Council)—mess builds up fast.
- Storage: aisles at least 36 inches wide, nothing on floor Why: Narrow paths force detours.
- Spill response: cleanup kits ready, staff know procedure Why: Fast action stops slips.
- Training: yearly slip prevention, proper footwear rules Why: Teaches awareness.
- Audits: weekly walk-throughs, incident logs kept Why: Finds problems early.
- Personal protective equipment: non-slip shoes for wet areas Why: Better grip prevents falls.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MANAGER
- “Incident logs last year—any slips or trips? What caused them?”
- “Housekeeping schedule—who checks floors daily?”
- “Winter plan—snow removal contract in place?”
- “Staff training—when was the last slip hazard session?”
- “Lighting maintenance—bulb replacement log up to date?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Wet unmarked floors, broken handrails, icy walkways → Suggest attention immediately, fix now
- Medium = Faded lines, minor clutter → Clean and repair in 30 days
- Low = Clean, well-lit, trained staff → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Clear it. Light it. Grip it.”
Resources:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.22: Walking-Working Surfaces
- National Safety Council Slips, Trips, and Falls Guide
- Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Ramps
- Illuminating Engineering Society Lighting Handbook
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.