Slips and Trips Accidents in the Workplace

IES was commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to evaluate the impact of the Health and Safety Awareness Officers (HSAO) campaign on Slips and Trips accidents in the workplace. The project gathered information about the work environment and employers’ attitudes in relation to practices that cause these types of accident. The study used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, including a survey of employers where an accident had occurred in the workplace and there had been a visit from the HSE, and a comparison group of employers with an accident but who did not receive a visit. Face-to-face and telephone interviews with employers, HSE staff and policy makers were complemented by desk research on behavioural models affecting slips and trips accidents. This research provides an evidence base for HSE in developing future policies.