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HAZARDS
Slips and Trips in Aged Care
Slips and trips are one of the most common
causes of workplace injuries in the aged care
environment.
They most commonly result in musculoskeletal injuries,
cuts, bruises, fractures and dislocations but have the
potential to cause much more serious injuries.
Slips usually occur when there is a loss of grip between
a person’s shoe and the floor. Trips occur when a
person’s foot hits a low object in their path, causing a
loss of balance.
Factors that can contribute to the risk of slips and trips
in an aged care environment may include:
Wearing footwear that is not appropriate for the
work environment
Storage of objects in walkways and high traffic
areas eg. trollies left in corridors
Spills
Uneven, slippery or loose floor coverings
Inadequate cleaning
Poor lighting
Fatigue, and
Rushing.
Some fairly simple strategies that should reduce the
likelihood of injury include:
Ensuring all workers wear appropriate, rubber
soled shoes
Good housekeeping eg. cleaning floors thoroughly
and regularly
Ensuring lighting is adequate
Keeping corridors and walkways clear
Placing non-slip matting at building entrances, and
Keeping electrical cords out of foot traffic areas
or securely covered.
When might this hazard occur?
Wearing inappropriate footwear can be a major slipping
hazard, especially in wet areas such as bathrooms
and kitchens. Implementing a policy requiring workers
to wear suitable non-slip footwear will reduce the
likelihood of injury from slips and trips.
Slips are common in wet areas like kitchens and
bathrooms where frequent washing, spills, worn flooring
and cleaning products can all contribute to the risk.
Aged care facilities should ensure floors are cleaned
regularly, any spills are immediately cleaned and
safety signage is erected to reduce the likelihood of an
accident or injury.
Office areas pose many potential trip hazards. Computer
and photocopier cables, boxes of resident files and
other loose objects are common causes of trips and
injuries. Ensuring cables and cords are secured away
from high traffic areas and implementing procedures
and policies will reduce the risk.
What do I need to do?
Under work health and safety legislation, aged care
facilities have a duty to provide a safe and healthy
workplace. In order to meet these obligations and their
duty of care to residents, an aged care facility must have
robust policies in place in relation to slips and trips.
The facility must also provide adequate training and
respond to and investigate complaints. Some key
considerations are:
Consult with workers, work health and safety
representatives and supervisors to identify the
risk in relation to slips and trips.
Practical Help
SafeWork Australia
WorkCover NSW
Victorian WorkCover Authority
SafeWork SA
WorkSafe NT
WorkSafe WA
WorkSafe Tasmania
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)
WorkSafe ACT
Ask yourself these questions:
• What might happen?
• When might it happen?
• Why might it happen?
• What could cause this to happen?
(there may be multiple causes)
Ensure policies and procedures are in place.
Identify workers who may be at higher risk.
Provide all workers with appropriate information,
instruction and training to identify the risk factors
associated with slips and trips and the role they
have to play in reducing the risk.
Consider what you are currently doing to manage
the risk and whether it is effective
(these are also known as controls).
Develop and implement any new controls necessary.
If you would like further information about
Slips and Trips in Aged Care, please contact
the risksupport Helpdesk on:
www.risksupport.org.au
Catholic Church Insurance Limited
ABN 76 000 005 210, AFSL no. 235415
GPO Box 180 Melbourne 3001
1300 660 827
helpdesk@risksupport.org.au
www.risksupport.org.au
Important Notice: This publication is intended to provide a summary
and general information only to clients of Catholic Church Insurance
Limited. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as advice or
considered as a comprehensive coverage of the topics discussed. You
should seek professional advice tailored to your own circumstances.
CCI RM290 0614