Get Health & Safety Information

LoCall: 1890 289 389

Email: wcu@hsa.ie

Web: Learn More Here

Retail slips, trips and falls

The Get a grip guidance (440Kb) can help you to prevent slips, trips and falls in your workplace and the advice for retailers in this section should be taken in conjunction the Get a grip guidance (440Kb).

Don’t underestimate the importance of slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls account for about a fifth of all reported accidents in this sector
Almost 15% of reported slips, trips and falls in the sector result in an absence of over a month
Slips, trips and falls were the major cause (44%) of workplace accidents reviewed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board

In addition to the advice and guidance in Get a grip (440Kb), some examples of safeguards for the retail sector are;

Particular care may be required around self-service drinks areas. Monitor self-service drinks areas on a frequent, regular, planned basis.
Walk-in chiller and freezer floors can be particularly hazardous if wet. Check floors routinely.
Where necessary, monitor for spills on a frequent, regular, planned basis. Record-keeping can help ensure monitoring takes place.
Consider using contoured/moulded pallets for liquid container storage and display - to reduce the risk of containers being knocked over.
Consider the use of floor mats near fragile liquid containers. This may also help reduce losses through breakages.
Do not put containers of liquid too close to the front of shelves or hanging over the front edge where they are more likely to get knocked over.
Small fruit/vegetable items, some with a high liquid content e.g. grapes, tomatoes, may be a high slip risk if they fall onto the floor. Provide floor mats or display items pre-packed to reduce risk.
Use only the minimum amount of water in flower display buckets.
Store containers, particularly of liquid, with the opening on top - unless specifically designed to be stored with the opening on the side or bottom. This will help prevent spills in the event in the event of a defect or damage.
Dispose of packing material and other wrappings carefully. Do not leave them lying around the floor.
Inserts in papers and magazines may be slippery. Monitor and remove them promptly if they fall onto the floor.