Unlike falls from working at heights, incidents involving Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) at the same level, can happen at any site, at any time.
These incidents occur when a person loses balance on the same level, often due to slips, trips or missteps.
Slips, trips and falls can result in minor injuries such as sprain and strains, to much more serious and disabling injuries such as spinal cord injuries, head trauma and in severe cases, even death.
Contractors and others in control of construction sites must manage work so that people can move safely around the site.
Your site should be kept in a clean and orderly condition to reduce the chance of injury through slips and trips.
Everyone can contribute to reducing slips and trips on site. If you see a risk, sort it, or report it to someone who can.
Risk management of STF at the same level
An analysis of compensation claims of STF at level-related injuries in construction showed that the following factors may contribute as below:
| Source of the risk | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Slippery or wet surfaces | Site and environmental conditions (e.g. rainwater, spills, mud) increased the risk of slipping |
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| 2. Poor housekeeping | Disorganised workspaces or materials left in access areas increase the risk of tripping. |
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| 3. Poor site layout | Poor/ a disorganised site with or unclear walk/ access paths can obstruct safe movement and increase the risk of tripping or falling. |
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| 4. Uneven ground/surface | Abrupt level changes and uneven transitions between walking surfaces increase the risk of trips and falls. |
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| 5. Poor ladder or plant access and egress | Unsafe use or transition on/off ladders or when entering/exiting plants (crane, truck or Utes) can increase the risk of falls. |
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| 6. Mishandling of heavy objects | Failing to control large or heavy materials or carrying large objects blocking view of travel path can increase the risk of trips and falls. |
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| 7. Poor work organisation | Psychosocial factors including high workloads, poor time management, poor instructions, poor supervision may increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. |
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Risk Management of STF at the same level
Identifying hazard
The first step is to identify where slips, trips or falls could occur.
On a construction site, conditions change often, so it’s important to stay alert. You can identify hazards by:
- Talking to workers – they know the site and can point out areas where they have seen potential hazards.
- Inspecting the site – look for things like loose materials, uneven ground, poor housekeeping or poor lighting.
- Site map - mark areas where incidents have happened or where hazards are regularly reported.
- Reviewing available records – review incident or injury reports, and workers’ compensation claims to spot patterns or repeat issues.
Assessing the risk
Once hazards are identified, assess how likely they are to cause harm and how serious that harm could be.
- Often, a combination of factors that create the risk. Factors in construction might include:
- contaminants (water, mud)
- Surface / ground condition (slippery, muddy, uneven, unstable)
- Environment (cluttered, confined, poor lighting)
- Footwear (inadequate, unsuitable for the task)
- Housekeeping (lose cables, sharp object, obstructed walkways)
- Equipment (poorly maintained, poor usage, poor handling)
- Work organisation (tight timeline, poor scheduling, time pressure)
Also consider:
- How many people are exposed to the hazard?
- What could happen if someone slips or trips? For example, falling near sharp tools, moving machinery, or from a height makes the risk more serious.
- How often does the hazard occur? Is it a one-off or a regular issue?
- Have a look at all the risk factors so that the solution properly addresses the risks.
Controlling the risk
Look at the assessed risks and decide what needs to be done to eliminate or reduce the risks and how quickly these control measures need to be implemented.
After assessing the risks, decide what needs to be done to eliminate or reduce them. Use the hierarchy of control – start with the most effective options.
Tips for implementing the most effective controls include:
- Act quickly on short-term fixes while working on long-term solutions.
- Use multiple controls if needed – one control might not be enough.
- Involve workers and contractors – they can help identify practical solutions.
- Communicate clearly – make sure everyone knows what’s changing and why.
- Maintain controls – check regularly that they’re still working and suitable for the current site conditions.
Refer to guidance on managing STF risks related to contamination, cleaning, surfaces, housekeeping, obstacles, environment, footwear, and site design.
Monitoring and reviewing:
Control measures that have been put in place must be monitored and reviewed, and, if necessary, revised to make sure they work as planned.
Things change fast on construction sites, so regular checks are essential.
- Inspect the site regularly to see if new hazards have introduced.
- Talk to workers – are the controls / changes on site working for them? Are there any new controls to be implemented?
- Update controls if site conditions change or if incidents still happen.
Preventing STFAL in construction sites
Control contaminants
Clean up spills of water immediately. Use spill kits and restrict access to affected areas until cleaned.
This is common in plumbing work (e.g., installing or maintaining pipes, bathrooms appliances).
Plan for weather change conditions
Set up temporary covers or walkways in areas prone to water accumulation, especially during rain. Use fans, blowers or absorbent materials to dry wet surfaces.
This is highly relevant in roofing, scaffolding and site access routes. This helps protect workers transitioning between levels or moving between outdoor and indoor areas during severe rain or windy weather.
Use anti-slip materials
Apply slip-resistant tape, mats or coatings on ramps, walkways or scaffold planks where surfaces are likely to become slippery.
Frequently needed on temporary staircases, scaffold platforms, or steel decking surfaces during structural works.
Wear task-appropriate, slip-resistant footwear
Ensure all workers wear steel-toe boots with slip-resistant soles that provide good traction on wet, uneven, or unstable surfaces. Footwear should be designed specifically for construction conditions and matched to the task and terrain - whether it's wet concrete, scaffold planks, muddy excavation zones, or steel decking.
Tips for footwear to prevent STF
- Inspect regularly - look for signs of wear - such as worn-out treads or soles that no longer provide grip. Replace footwear with damaged soles or compromised traction.
- Keep soles clean - remove mud, gravel, or debris from treads to maintain effective grip and prevent slipping.
- Ensure workers are wearing footwears suited to the specific tasks and ground conditions (e.g., uneven, loose gravel or muddy surfaces require deep, aggressive tread for better grip and stability.
Smooth or wet surfaces require fine, slip-resistant tread
- Ensure footwears have adequate ankle support to reduce the risk of ankle rolls or sprains - especially on uneven ground, ladders, or excavation zones.
- Ensure footwear are comfortable (correct size and fit) and secure (firm fitting, well fastened around the foot and not loose fitting).
Implement regular clean-up routines
Assign teams to clean up work zones and access areas at specific times throughout the day, not just at the end of shifts.
This can be encountered often framing works and fast-paced renovation sites where multiple trades generate debris, packaging, and offcuts throughout the day.
Keep access ways clear
Ensure all walkways, stairways, and working platforms are kept free of tools, loose materials, packaging, offcuts, and waste. Use designated storage areas and clearly marked pathways to avoid clutter in access routes.
This is common in services installation, fit out or framing stages. Trip hazards often arise in shared areas like scaffold decks, temporary stairs, corridors, or between work zones where space is limited, and movement is constant.
Secure loose items
Keep cables, hoses and cords bundled and away from footpaths. Use cable covers or suspend them off the floor when necessary.
Typical for electricians, plumbers, or painters using powered tools, lighting, or spray systems.
Dispose of waste responsibly
Provide adequate bins and debris collection points. Prohibit leaving materials or sharp waste (like nails, glass, or offcuts) in walkways.
Relevant across the site but also in demolition areas, carpentry shops, or scaffold platforms.
Designate and mark walkways
Ensure appropriate planning of the work site layout, site set-up, entry and exit to allow for safe and clear access and movement. Use paint, tape, cones, or signage to clearly identify pedestrian routes and keep workers out of high-risk areas.
Identify entry and exit areas
Ensure that entry and exit areas and passageways are clearly lit, signed and kept free from materials and debris.
Install barriers and edge protection
Guard floor openings, penetrations, trenches, and temporary voids with barriers, covers, or toe boards.
Applies heavily in early-stage high-rise construction, civil works, and service trenching where floor openings and access hatches are exposed.
Review layout regularly
As project stages change, revisit the placement of walkways, signage, and exclusion zones to keep them current with the tasks and activities being undertaken.
Particularly relevant on sites progressing rapidly from structure to services and interior finishes, where new hazards emerge frequently.
Level temporary walking areas
If appropriate, use temporary coverings like plywood, steel plates, or compacted gravel to provide safe access over rough or muddy areas.
Necessary for foundation works, services trenches, and external access paths during groundwork and site preparation.
Inspect surfaces daily
Identify and address uneven or damaged walking surfaces, especially after wet weather or equipment movement.
High-risk zones include scaffold approaches, slab edges, or haul roads where heavy traffic creates ruts and trip points.
Install temporary flooring where needed
Use walk boards or platforms in demolition, roofing, or internal strip-out zones to provide consistent footing.
Especially useful in residential renovations or commercial strip-outs where subfloors are removed or damaged.
Provide mechanical aids
Provide mechanical lifting aids to minimise the need for workers to carry unwieldy loads that obstruct their forward view.
Position ladders correctly
Ensure that ladders are placed on flat, stable ground and are tied off or secured where possible.
Frequent concern in ceiling work, services installation, and temporary plant access — especially when access is limited or ad hoc.
Maintain three points of contact
Workers should be informed and trained to always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or vice versa) when using a ladder.
Crucial in internal tasks such as overhead wiring, fixing ceiling grids, or ducting where distractions and multitasking are common.
Do not carry loads while climbing
Use tool belts or lift systems to move tools and materials. Never carry items in hands while ascending or descending ladders.
Important during HVAC installation, electrical fit-off, or when working in ceiling voids via ladders.
Provide safe transition areas
Ensure the base and top of ladders are clear, well-lit, and provide a stable surface to step on or off.
Needed in plant rooms, riser shafts, mezzanines, and service platforms with temporary access arrangements.
Provide clear task instructions
Supervisors should provide all workers on site with suitable and adequate information on the scope, process and safety steps before work begins.
Critical for complex or multi-trade jobs such as service rough-ins, slab prep, or staged demolitions where unclear roles increase risk.
Allow sufficient time for tasks
Speak to workers and contractors about timeframes to address time pressures and tight deadlines, that increase pace, rushing and taking shortcuts.
Common in end-of-project cleanups, defect rectification periods, or night-shift turnarounds where workers are under high pressure.
Coordinate workflows
Plan the sequence of trades to minimise overlap in confined areas. Avoid overcrowding zones with multiple teams.
Needed during services installation, kitchen fit outs, and any task involving parallel activities in the same work site area.
