SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS


SLIPPING UNDER THE RADAR


Watco examines where slip risks really develop and why they’re often missed.


Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace incidents, and most teams are confident they know where the risks lie. Wet floors, external steps, loading bays and busy walkways are all regularly identified as risk areas. However, many incidents don’t occur in these obvious locations.


Instead, they happen in areas that are considered low risk. Spaces that are familiar, frequently used, and gradually changing under operational pressure. Understanding why risk develops in these areas is key to preventing accidents.


THE PROBLEM WITH ‘KNOWN’ RISK AREAS


High-risk zones tend to receive the most attention. They are inspected regularly, clearly marked, and often treated with solutions where needed. But this focus can create a blind spot elsewhere.


Surfaces outside of these zones are still exposed to traffic, contamination and environmental conditions but without the same level of scrutiny. Over time, they begin to behave differently, even if they appear unchanged.


WHY UNEXPECTED AREAS BECOME HAZARDOUS


The areas where slip risk is underestimated tend to share one thing in common: they are subject to changing conditions and mixed use.


Transitional areas including entrances, thresholds and loading doors are exposed to constant movement between environments. Water, dust and debris are carried across surfaces, often sitting on materials that weren’t designed for those conditions.


Access routes between operational zones often experience high footfall and fast movement. These areas are rarely treated as high risk, but they are used repeatedly throughout the day, which leads to surface polishing, reduced texture and a gradual loss of slip resistance.


External walkways and secondary routes present another challenge. Unlike main access points, they may not benefit from regular cleaning or drainage maintenance. Water can pool, debris can build up, and surface damage can affect how moisture sits on the ground, all of which increase the likelihood of slips.


In each case, the risk is not caused by a single issue, but by the interaction between surface condition, environment and behaviour.


THE IMPACT OF GRADUAL CHANGE


Slip risk rarely develops suddenly. Surfaces can become smoother as coatings wear down or concrete becomes polished through repeated use. Line markings may fade, reducing visibility and awareness of designated walkways. Small areas of damage, such as minor cracks or uneven areas, can alter how water sits on a surface or how people move across it.


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Because these changes are gradual, they are often overlooked. Teams adapt by adjusting routes or slowing down, without recognising the underlying issue. Over time, this creates conditions where risk exists but is not actively managed.


A MORE INFORMED APPROACH


Addressing this challenge is not about inspecting more areas at random, but understanding how different parts of a site behave in practice. This means focusing on:


• Areas where environments change (internal ↔ external). • Routes with repeated, high-frequency use. • Surfaces exposed to moisture, contamination or poor drainage.


Where early signs of wear are identified, such as reduced texture, pooling water or inconsistent grip, targeted solutions should be applied. This may include anti slip coatings or GRP solutions to restore traction, repairs to correct uneven or damaged surfaces, or updated markings to reinforce safe movement.


Selecting solutions that match how each area is used ensures that surfaces continue to perform reliably over time.


“THE AREAS WHERE SLIP RISK IS UNDERESTIMATED TEND TO SHARE ONE THING IN COMMON: THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGING CONDITIONS AND MIXED USE.”


LOOKING BEYOND THE OBVIOUS


Managing slip risk is not just about responding to visible hazards. It is about recognising how environments change over time and identifying where risk may be building beneath the surface.


By understanding why certain areas become hazardous, rather than simply where incidents have already occurred, facilities managers can take a more targeted and effective approach to managing risk.


www.watco.co.uk/advice/guides-resources


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