Slip, Trip, Fall: The #3 Non-Fatal Injury Cause and How We Stop It Picture This

In the image, the worker is stepping directly onto a large puddle of spilled liquid surrounded by scattered tools, hoses, and debris. There is no housekeeping, no warning signage, and no attempt to cordon off the hazard. His feet are slipping out from under him, arms flailing as he loses balance, showing he was walking too fast for the cluttered conditions. This combination creates a perfect storm for a slip-trip-fall injury in a workspace that should have been controlled.

Workers should keep walking surfaces clean, dry, and free of clutter by immediately reporting or cleaning spills and removing loose tools and hoses from walkways. Employers must ensure proper housekeeping routines, adequate lighting, and clearly marked hazard signage when surfaces become wet or uneven. Using slip-resistant footwear and maintaining a deliberate walking pace further reduces the risk. Consistently following these practices prevents the most common non-fatal injury type in workplaces.