LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 105
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
Personal Protective Equipment
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Slips, trips and falls can lead to severe injuries, including
broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries, among
others. In Ontario, same level falls account for an average of
over 8,800 lost-time claims every year (WSIB, 2024).
!
Slips, trips and falls can be avoided with the practice of good
housekeeping in the workplace and workers being aware of
job related hazards.
Prevention Points
All workers have the responsibility to prevent slips, trips and falls
from happening in the workplace by correcting any potential
hazardous situations and by alerting others of the hazard or
reporting it to their supervisor. A good rule of thumb: in the
event of a fall, avoid resisting the fall – instead relax your body by
going limp, break the fall with your arms bent and roll with the
momentum of the fall. Consider these prevention points as well:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Clean up all spills and remove the hazard source. Slips can be
avoided by ensuring the area is free from water or other liquids.
Uneven or rocky ground should be cleared or levelled and/or
traffic should be re-routed around the problem area. Ensure
pathways on job sites are smooth, free of holes and rocks, etc.,
and materials properly stored.
Ice is a major cause of slips/falls. Clear ice, apply salt and sand
or re-route traffic.
