How to Prevent Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional death in the United States and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (CDC). While not all falls are fatal, and many don’t cause any harm, one in five falls results in severe injuries such as broken bones or head trauma. In 2020, 805 people died at work due to a fall, and 211,640 received injuries bad enough to require days away from work (NSC). Employers that are serious about protecting their workers and their company must take proactive steps to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents in the workplace.

The Mechanics of Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

There are three things involved in slips, trips, and falls—friction, momentum, and gravity. Your center of gravity is the point where the weight of your body is evenly distributed. Imagine yourself standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Now imagine three points, one on each foot and one on your lower back, forming a triangle. If the point on your lower back—your center of gravity—extends past either of the lower two points, you can lose your balance and fall.

The shape and size of your body determines your center of gravity. Shorter people have an easier time maintaining their balance due to a lower center of gravity. In contrast, taller people are less stable, and it takes less force to move their center of gravity past their feet. When you walk, your center of gravity shifts, and for a brief moment, you become off-balance. If you are unlucky enough to encounter a slip or trip hazard at that moment, you are likely to fall.

A slip occurs when there isn't enough friction between your feet and the walking surface, like slipping on a greasy floor or an icy sidewalk. A trip is when your foot or lower leg comes in contact with something unexpectedly and stops, or you step down to a lower level and your momentum continues to move your body forward.

We’ve all likely tripped on a door threshold or unexpectedly stepped off of a curb and lost our balance. Most people only lift their foot about half an inch off the ground with every step, which means anything half an inch or taller could potentially trip them. Things like uneven surfaces, tools, floor mats, or power cords can all cause a fall.

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