Preventing Slips and Trips in Autumn and Winter - Health & Safety Perspective

As daylight hours shorten and wetter weather arrives, familiar workplace routes can become more hazardous. Wet leaves, muddy paths, rainwater at entrances and poorly lit steps can all increase the risk of a slip or trip. Employers should review their arrangements now, before frost and ice add to the problem. A few practical changes can help protect employees, customers and visitors throughout the colder months.

Inspect Workplace Walkways and Check Outdoor Lighting

Start by walking the routes people actually use. Include car parks, delivery areas, external steps and emergency exits, as well as the main entrance. Look for uneven paving, loose mats, damaged handrails and places where water collects. Pay particular attention to shaded areas and shortcuts. Check routes after dark too: lighting that appears adequate during the day may leave hazards difficult to see in the early morning or evening.

Clear Wet Leaves and Maintain Safe Access Routes

Arrange regular removal of fallen leaves and keep drains clear. Wet leaves can create a slippery surface and hide defects beneath them. Repair recurring problems, such as blocked drainage or damaged paving, rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms. Where a route cannot be made safe promptly, restrict access and provide a suitable alternative, taking care to maintain safe emergency escape arrangements.

Prevent Slips on Wet Floors and at Entrances

Rainwater carried indoors creates another risk, particularly on smooth floors. Entrance matting should be suitable for the volume of foot traffic, stay securely in position and be checked for saturation or curled edges. Cleaning arrangements should respond to the weather, with more frequent checks during heavy rain. Remove water promptly and keep people away from wet areas until they are safe. Warning signs should support these controls; placing a sign beside a wet floor does not remove the hazard.

Prepare for Frost and Ice with a Winter Gritting Plan

Prepare for freezing conditions before the first cold spell. Identify priority routes and make sure grit, equipment and trained employees are available. Decide who monitors forecasts, who treats the routes and who provides cover when that person is absent. HSE advises gritting when frost, ice or snow is forecast, allowing time for the salt to work before people arrive. Recheck treated areas because rain can wash salt away and conditions may deteriorate again.

Brief Employees on Autumn and Winter Workplace Safety

Employees also need clear instructions. A short seasonal briefing can explain the safe routes, how to report damaged lighting or slippery surfaces and what to do when conditions change. Encourage suitable footwear for the work and environment and avoid carrying loads that obstruct the view of steps or uneven ground. Consider people who may need additional support, including those with reduced mobility.

Review Slip and Trip Risk Assessments

Review the relevant risk assessments, cleaning schedules and winter maintenance arrangements against what happens on site. Record who is responsible for inspections and how defects are followed up. Use accidents and near misses to identify recurring locations or failed controls. If the same entrance becomes wet every time it rains, the arrangements need to address why this keeps happening.

Take Action: Complete a Seasonal Workplace Safety Check

This week, carry out a walk around the premises with the person responsible for maintenance or cleaning. Agree the repairs and seasonal controls needed, assign owners and completion dates and check that the work is done. Revisit the routes after heavy rain and during the first freezing conditions to confirm that the controls remain effective.

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