Citation

Proctor TD, Coleman V. J. Occup. Accid. 1988; 9(4): 269-285.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The pattern of work related injury from slipping, tripping and other falls on the level in the U.K. is reviewed. The toll is significant: nearly 18% of all accidents involving absence from work of more than 3 days are caused by these incidents and the outcome is often serious. An initiative by Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) involving new guidance and reference material titled "Watch Your Step" is described and the scope for prevention of these accidents is assessed. HSE believe that al least half of the accidents are readily preventable.Research into methods of test for the slip resistance of flooring and footwear is also reviewed in relation to the surface conditions found to cause accidents. Reference is made to the practicability of existing test methods and their possible application in the future is explored. An assessment is made of what would be a realistic goal from the point of view of HSE and industry.