Slips, Trips, and Falls: Control the Walking Route

Know the hazard

Team: General Small Business. Topic: Everyday Workplace Safety.

Walking is part of nearly every job, so a damaged mat or wet doorway can expose the entire business. Look at the route as a person carrying supplies, using a mobility device, or entering from bright sunlight would experience it. Small surface changes can become serious when visibility or balance is reduced.

Use the controls

Keep routes clear, provide suitable lighting, and address loose flooring, curled mats, cords, and contamination. Wet-floor signs warn people, but they do not remove water or prevent everyone from entering. Use an effective barrier or alternate route when necessary, and maintain protection until the surface is ready for normal use.

Work within the safe plan

Report a recurring wet area instead of repeatedly treating only the puddle. The source may be a roof leak, condensation, a machine, or tracked-in weather. Footwear should suit the task and conditions, but footwear does not excuse a defective floor. When moving materials, keep your view of the route clear and use a cart or assistance when needed. Our standard is a route that remains safe during the work, including for people who were not present at this talk.

Discuss with the crew

After mopping an entrance, an employee places one sign behind an open door. Customers continue entering across the wet tile.

Question: What is inadequate about this setup?
Answer guidance: The warning is poorly visible and does not effectively control entry onto the wet surface.

Question: What should change?
Answer guidance: Create a clearly protected section or alternate entrance, control moisture, and verify the floor before reopening.

Prepare, act, and follow up

Leader preparation: Identify a frequently used entrance or aisle for a brief inspection.

Put it into practice: Walk one normal travel route and identify both an immediate correction and the underlying cause.

Supervisor follow-up: Check the same route during the busiest period or next rain event.

Official reference: OSHA — Walking-Working Surfaces
https://www.osha.gov/walking-working-surfaces

Awareness briefing. Apply current site procedures and applicable requirements. This talk does not replace required qualification, practical training, exposure assessment, medical evaluation, or a written program.

Suggested session: 5-7 minutes, including discussion and activity. Prepared October 18, 2026; recheck current requirements before use.

Show the crew

Walk one normal travel route and identify both an immediate correction and the underlying cause.