During the first two quarters of 2026, members of SC Municipal Insurance Trust incurred over one million dollars for slip-and-fall injuries. Individuals injured multiple body parts including legs, knees, arms, wrists, shoulders and ankles. Slip-and-fall injuries can occur in any department while doing normal activities such as walking, carrying materials or moving between work areas.
Workers need to be able to recognize hazards that may lead to slips and falls. Common hazards include wet or slippery surfaces, items on the floor or ground, dim lighting, uneven walking surfaces and weather-related conditions.
Here are some key practices for preventing slip and fall injuries:
Keep hallways and walkways clear of any obstructions.
- Establish a routine for decluttering high-traffic areas.
- Prohibit items from being stored in hallways.
- Secure mats and rugs.
Inspect floors for wet areas on a regular basis.
- Place wet-floor signage in front of areas that are wet or undergoing active cleaning.
- Place absorbent mats at entrances to reduce tracking water beyond the entryway.
Maintain adequate lighting.
- Inspect lighting fixtures on a regular basis and replace burned-out bulbs promptly.
- Make sure that hallways, stairways, parking lots and other high-traffic areas are not dimly lit.
Avoid distracted walking.
- Avoid using or looking at cellphones while walking.
- Look ahead and observe surroundings, maintaining awareness.
- Pay careful attention to footing when walking on uneven surfaces.
- Look up and down when stepping on or off curbs or stairs.
Reduce weather-related risk.
- Place absorbent mats at entrances.
- Encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear.
- Avoid walking in water puddles, mud and wet grass, when possible.
- Address drainage issues that may cause localized pooling of water on walkways.
- Use sand and ice melt during icy conditions.
- Clear entryways of snow, ice or water.
Train employees to identify and report hazards.
- Encourage prompt reporting of unsafe conditions.
- Address reported hazards as quickly as possible.
- Review incidents and near-misses to identify trends and implement corrective action to help prevent future injuries.
By following these best practices, organizations can reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries, protect employees from harm, and promote a safer work environment for everyone.
For more information on best practices to prevent slip and falls, email losscontol@masc.sc