Canada
Ireland
Slips and trips hazards
Slips and trips cause many injuries, mostly minor, but they can be severe and disabling. They are the most common cause of injury in UK workplaces1, and they account for over a third of liability claims2. Hazards can be present inside a property and outside of it, in car parks, grounds, and access roads, and in temporary structures such as marquees.
Slip and trip risks can develop over time
In comparison with today, historic properties were most likely built to different standards (if any at all) and for very different purposes. Over time, buildings change, becoming worn or damaged, and whilst this is part of their story, hazards develop.
Most slips occur when smooth flooring, such as stone, becomes wet or contaminated as a result of weather conditions or a spillage. Commonly, trips are caused by broken or uneven flooring, hidden steps, or worn floor coverings, and where electrical cables trail across the floor. Poorly lit areas and tight spiral staircases can also cause a slip or trip.
Guidance for slips and trips in historic properties
We have produced a series of guides to help manage slips and trips at historic premises.
The eight-part guide considers a 360o view from prevention to defensibility, and outlines cost-effective, yet sympathetic solutions to protect buildings as well as people.
You can access the practical findings of this unique research by reading more about the different risk factors below or going directly to the guidance documents listed at the bottom of this page.
The problem and the solution
Building design
The fabric and design of a church can be something to celebrate, but might also be a risk.
How do we strike a balance between protecting history and your people?
- Hazard - Change in flooring type and level, where this presents a significant risk
- Solution - A carpet on either side of the step (but not over it) highlights that it is there.
Inspection and maintenance of floors
An effective approach to the inspection and maintenance of floors, steps, and paths is important in preventing slips and trips.
Keeping simple records of this can also help to protect you should a claim be made.
- Hazard - Broken paving
- Solution - After inspection, fence it off.
The environment and contamination
There are a number of factors that can affect how likely people are to slip.
The most important of these include lighting levels (that can influence how easily people will spot hazards); adverse weather conditions (such as snow or ice affecting underfoot conditions); and contamination (anything on the floor surface that can make it more slippery).
- Hazard - Wet weather being walked inside
- Solution - At entrances, add matting of the correct size and position carefully.
Cleaning
Many slip and trip hazards can be eliminated in churches with proper cleaning and good housekeeping. It is easy to get this wrong or ignore it completely, and it is not always viewed as a safety-critical activity.
Poor cleaning can leave smooth floors wet, and bad housekeeping can introduce additional hazards.
- Hazard - A warning sign left in place after the floor has dried.
- Solution - Ensure staff/volunteers know to remove the sign as soon as the floor is safe.
People
How people access and use your church can increase the risk of slipping or tripping. This isn't just during normal, day-to-day activities, but also during other events. Understanding this can help identify slip and trip hazards.
Sharing information about slip and trip hazards with staff/volunteers, and visitors can also help to reduce the chance of them happening.
- Hazard - A staircase that is difficult for someone with a physical disability to use
- Solution - Present a short video about the spaces that cannot be accessed.
Slips, trips and the law
Naturally, you will want to meet any legal responsibilities you may have. Understanding these will be important and should help you respond sensibly and proportionately.
You can access detailed information about these in relation to slips and trips in Module 2: Slips and Trips and the law.
1Health and Safety Executive – Preventing slips and trips at work, a brief guide.
2 Ecclesiastical claims data