Aviva warn of continuing slips and trips risk

Published:  09 March, 2011

Spring may be coming, but Aviva is warning the retail and leisure sectors of the continuing risk of slips on floors made wet by rainwater or spillages.

As part of Aviva’s ongoing Simply Safety campaign, the advice is targeted at the retail and leisure sector, where more than a fifth of all major injuries caused by slip or trip accidents at work take place, according to the latest HSE statistics.

Phil Grace, liability risk manager at Aviva, said: “As we say goodbye to the ice and snow it is important to remember that the risk of slips and trips remains. It is particularly important for the retail and leisure industry where more than 2,000 people working in the sector were badly injured in a slip or trip at work in 2008/09.

“Introducing just a few simple and low cost measures can cut the risk of slips and trips resulting in serious injury to staff and members of the public.

“With 90 per cent of slips occurring when the floor is wet because of water or spillages of food, drink or other substances, proper cleaning processes are essential.

“A mop and bucket might remove the sticky residue of a split drink, but they will not dry a shiny tiled floor. In such cases, use a dry, absorbent cloth or paper to remove all traces of moisture.

“All spills should be clearly marked until they can be cleaned and appropriate matting may be required to ensure rainwater is not trampled through premises. Matting is also vital in reducing the risks at fresh food counters where dropped items such as grapes or leaves can pose a serious hazard.”

Grace also advises conducting a thorough risk assessment.

To download the Simply Safety factsheet visit:

https://help.aviva.co.uk/resources/avivabroker/tools-and-templates/Simply_Safety_Retail_and_Leisure