Product Overview

Summary: This Slip Trip and Fall Prevention Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for controlling one of the most common causes of workplace injury in Australia. It helps businesses systematically identify, manage and monitor slip, trip and fall hazards, supporting WHS compliance while creating safer, more accessible workplaces for workers, contractors and visitors.

Slips, trips and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and workers compensation claims across Australian industries, from retail and hospitality to construction, healthcare and warehousing. Many of these incidents are preventable with consistent housekeeping, appropriate surface design, and a clear process for identifying and controlling hazards. This Slip Trip and Fall Prevention Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step-by-step approach for managing these risks, so that prevention becomes a routine part of daily operations rather than a reactive response after someone is hurt.

The SOP translates WHS duties and Australian guidance into practical actions tailored for real workplaces: how to assess floor surfaces, lighting, housekeeping standards, pedestrian and vehicle routes, seasonal weather impacts and the needs of vulnerable workers or visitors. It defines responsibilities at every level, from workers and supervisors to PCBUs, and outlines how to conduct inspections, respond to reported hazards, implement controls and verify that those controls are working. By adopting this procedure, businesses can reduce injury rates, demonstrate due diligence, and create a defensible record of proactive risk management if an incident is ever investigated.

Beyond compliance, this SOP supports better customer experience and staff productivity. Fewer incidents mean less downtime, fewer disruptions, and lower workers compensation and insurance costs. Clear guidance on signage, barricading, spill response, footwear, cleaning methods and contractor management ensures that everyone on site understands the standards expected of them, helping to build a strong safety culture around one of the most visible and easily controlled risk areas.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the frequency and severity of slip, trip and fall incidents across all work areas.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS legislation and recognised guidance on managing common physical hazards.
• Standardise housekeeping, inspection and reporting practices so that hazards are identified and controlled before incidents occur.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers and clients through a documented, repeatable prevention process.
• Improve worker confidence, morale and productivity by providing a visibly safer and better organised workplace.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Retail Store Managers
• Hospitality Venue Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• School and Campus Facility Managers
• Risk and Compliance Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Wet or contaminated floors from spills, cleaning or weather ingress
• Uneven, damaged or poorly maintained floor surfaces
• Loose mats, cords, hoses and other trip hazards in walkways
• Poor housekeeping leading to cluttered aisles and obstructed exits
• Inadequate lighting in walkways, stairways and external areas
• Unsafe use of ladders, steps and access equipment for reaching tasks
• Changes in floor level, ramps and thresholds without appropriate design or marking
• Inappropriate or inadequate footwear for the work environment
• Slips on external surfaces affected by rain, moss, sand or leaf litter
• Falls on stairs due to missing or defective handrails and non-slip nosings

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Slip, Trip, Fall, PCBU, Reasonably Practicable, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Hazard Identification: Typical Slip, Trip and Fall Risks by Work Area
• 5.0 Risk Assessment Methodology and Risk Rating Matrix
• 6.0 Control Measures for Slips (Floor Surfaces, Cleaning, Footwear, Weather Management)
• 7.0 Control Measures for Trips (Housekeeping, Cables, Storage and Traffic Routes)
• 8.0 Control Measures for Falls on the Same Level and at Low Heights (Stairs, Ramps, Steps)
• 9.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Housekeeping Checklists
• 10.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting Process
• 11.0 Contractor and Visitor Management for Slip, Trip and Fall Risks
• 12.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 13.0 Emergency Response and First Aid Considerations for Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries
• 14.0 Documentation, Records and Evidence of Due Diligence
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory laws)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 4586: Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
• AS/NZS 4663: Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use