SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS

Ontario's #1 Workplace Injury — Prevention, Controls, and Employer Obligations

Slips, trips, and falls on the same level are the single most common cause of workplace injuries in Ontario. They happen in offices, on shop floors, in warehouses, on construction sites, and in parking lots. Despite their frequency, they are among the most preventable workplace injuries.

Bullivant Health + Safety | bullivant.ca | 905-664-4943 | 158 S Service Road, Stoney Creek, ON
This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

1. Overview

#1: Most common cause of workplace lost-time injuries in Ontario
20%: Of all lost-time injury claims in Ontario involve a slip, trip, or fall on the same level
2×: Workers over 55 are twice as likely to suffer a serious injury from a same-level fall

SLIPS — LOSS OF TRACTION	TRIPS — FOOT CATCHES ON OBJECT
Wet or damp floors from spills, cleaning, or weather tracking Oily or greasy surfaces in kitchens, garages, or maintenance areas Ice or frost on exterior walkways, parking areas, and steps Loose mats or rugs that slide on hard floors Incorrect footwear for the surface conditions	Clutter and materials left in walkways and aisles Uneven floors, damaged tiles, raised thresholds, and buckled mats Electrical cords and hoses crossing walking paths Poor lighting that prevents workers from seeing hazards Tools, equipment, or debris on stairs or walkways

2. The Legal Framework

O. REG. 851, SECTION 11

The floor of every workplace shall be maintained in a condition that does not endanger the health or safety of a worker. Where a floor may be slippery, it shall be covered with non-slip material or treated to provide adequate traction. (Ontario Regulation 851 — Industrial Establishments)

OHSA Section 25(2)(h) — general duty to maintain walking surfaces in safe condition
O. Reg. 851, Section 22 — aisles and passageways must be clear, maintained, and of adequate width
O. Reg. 213/91 — construction sites must maintain safe walking surfaces, housekeeping, and access routes

3. Employer Obligations

REGULAR INSPECTIONConduct regular inspections of all walking surfaces — floors, aisles, stairs, ramps, parking areas, and outdoor access routes. Increase frequency during wet weather and winter. APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR Establish and enforce a footwear standard for each environment. Workers in wet or oily environments require slip-resistant footwear. Specify and verify compliance. WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Develop a written winter maintenance plan for all outdoor areas — scheduled salting, sanding, and snow clearing with clear responsibility assigned.	PROMPT HAZARD RESPONSEWhen a hazard is identified — a spill, damaged tile, icy walkway — it must be addressed immediately or barricaded until repaired. Delayed response to an active hazard is a violation. ADEQUATE LIGHTING Maintain adequate lighting in all work areas, walkways, stairways, and parking areas during all operating hours. INCIDENT INVESTIGATION Investigate all STF incidents and near-misses. The contributing hazard must be identified and corrected. Repeat incidents in the same location indicate failed hazard control.

REGULAR INSPECTIONConduct regular inspections of all walking surfaces — floors, aisles, stairs, ramps, parking areas, and outdoor access routes. Increase frequency during wet weather and winter.

APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR

Establish and enforce a footwear standard for each environment. Workers in wet or oily environments require slip-resistant footwear. Specify and verify compliance.

WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Develop a written winter maintenance plan for all outdoor areas — scheduled salting, sanding, and snow clearing with clear responsibility assigned.

PROMPT HAZARD RESPONSEWhen a hazard is identified — a spill, damaged tile, icy walkway — it must be addressed immediately or barricaded until repaired. Delayed response to an active hazard is a violation.

ADEQUATE LIGHTING

Maintain adequate lighting in all work areas, walkways, stairways, and parking areas during all operating hours.

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Investigate all STF incidents and near-misses. The contributing hazard must be identified and corrected. Repeat incidents in the same location indicate failed hazard control.

4. Surface Controls & Housekeeping

Surface Controls

Non-slip flooring: install slip-resistant flooring in wet or oily areas — textured vinyl, epoxy with aggregate, or rubber matting
Anti-fatigue matting: use at entry points and workstations; mats must have bevelled edges, be secured, and be inspected regularly for curled edges
Floor marking: mark changes in floor level, ramp edges, and aisle boundaries with high-contrast, durable floor tape or paint
Stair nosing: all stair edges must have clearly visible, slip-resistant nosings. Worn or missing nosings must be replaced promptly
Handrails: required on all stairs and ramps. Must be secure, at the correct height, and extend the full length of the stair flight

Housekeeping

Assign specific housekeeping responsibility — "everyone is responsible" means no one is.
Establish a clean-as-you-go standard. Workers tidy as they work, not after.
Manage cords and hoses proactively — route through covers, above-head systems, or designated cord management. Never run across pedestrian paths.
Inspect and correct at the start and end of every shift.
Spill response protocol — every worker must know: contain it, mark it, report it. Do not assume someone else will see it.

WET FLOOR SIGNS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CLEANING

Signs should be used only as an immediate interim measure while the floor is being cleaned — not left indefinitely as a substitute for addressing the underlying condition.

GENERAL INFORMATION NOTICE

This resource is for general informational purposes only. Requirements vary by work environment. Consult O. Reg. 851, O. Reg. 213/91, and the Ministry of Labour for guidance specific to your workplace.