Slip Risk Management Guide
Slips are rarely “just bad luck”. In most workplaces they follow a predictable pattern: a contaminant (water, oil, coolant, food grease, powders) reaches a walking surface, friction drops, and someone encounters it before the area is made safe. Good slip risk management focuses on stopping contamination at source, controlling where liquids can travel, and responding quickly when spills do happen.
1) Identify where slip risks start
Start by mapping the places where floors change condition or people change speed and direction. These are the areas where slips most often occur.
- Entrances and walkways where rain is tracked inside
- Loading bays and goods-in areas where pallets, shrink-wrap and spillages build up
- Workshops where oils, coolants and cutting fluids can spray or drip
- Kitchens and canteens where fats and oils create a persistent film
- Plant rooms where leaks from pumps, pipework, IBCs and drums can go unnoticed
- Cleaning periods when floors are wet or residues remain after mopping
If you want a practical, step-by-step approach to typical causes and controls, see Serpro’s Slip Prevention Guide.
2) Reduce contamination at source
Prevention is always cheaper than response. Aim to stop leaks and drips before they reach walkways, and to contain predictable “messy” activities.
- Use containment under known leak points (machines, pumps, valves, decanting points)
- Separate wet/dirty processes from pedestrian routes where possible
- Improve housekeeping so waste, packaging and trailing materials do not create trip-to-slip scenarios
- Choose flooring and mats appropriate for the contaminants present and the traffic level
Where leaks are part of day-to-day operations, containment products can help keep floors dry. For example, browse Drip and Spill Trays for under-equipment protection.
3) Make spill response fast and consistent
Even with good prevention, spills will happen. The key is a response method that is immediate, obvious and easy for staff to follow.
- Position spill kits where incidents are most likely (not hidden in a cupboard “somewhere”)
- Standardise the response: isolate, contain, absorb, dispose, and record
- Make responsibilities clear (who responds, who replaces consumables, who signs off the area as safe)
- Keep the right absorbents for the liquid being handled to avoid spreading contamination
For typical workplaces handling mixed liquids (water-based spills, oils, coolants, mild chemicals), explore Spill Kits and General Purpose absorbent pads. For hydrocarbon-only applications where water is present, see Oil and Fuel (Oil Only) Spill Kits.
4) Signage and safe access
Signage is not a replacement for cleaning up a spill, but it is essential while a hazard is being controlled and during routine cleaning. The goal is to protect people while the area is being made safe.
- Use clear “wet floor” signage immediately and remove it once the floor is dry and safe
- Create safe walking routes around known risk areas during cleaning or maintenance
- Consider barriers or cones where pedestrians could ignore signage
See Wet Floor Signage for guidance on selecting and positioning signs.
5) Staff training and accountability
Training staff on safety protocols is crucial in preventing slip accidents. Employees should be educated on:
- Safe Work Practices: Training should include safe handling practices for materials that may leak, ensuring that all staff know how to respond to spills effectively.
- Emergency Response Procedures: Staff should be familiar with emergency procedures for dealing with spills, including how to use spill kits and whom to notify in case of an incident.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Encourage staff to remain vigilant about their surroundings and report any hazards immediately.
For further training support and practical spill-response routines, refer to Serpro’s Spill Training page.
6) Monitoring, reporting and continual improvement
Slip risk management works best when it is treated as a cycle rather than a one-off exercise. A simple review process helps you spot repeat locations, recurring causes, and gaps in control measures.
- Record spill incidents and near misses, including location, liquid type and time to make safe
- Review cleaning methods and schedules if floors are regularly left wet or slippery
- Inspect high-risk zones routinely (entrances, production lines, decanting points)
- Audit spill kit placement and make sure response materials are available and in date
You may also find this helpful: Spill Management Best Practices.
External references
If you need official UK guidance and printable resources, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides comprehensive information on preventing slips and trips at work: