Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Slips and trips
Launching in the autumn, a new learning tool, which includes courses specifically designed for workers, supervisors, managers and health and safety specialists working within catering and hospitality.
HSEs wider advertising campaign on prevention of slips, trips and falls in the workplace, supports the 'Stop Slips in Kitchens' initiative by emphasising the importance of preventing slips and trips within catering and hospitality. It also encourages use of Stop Slips in Kitchens promotional materials, as a means to securing positive improvements in the workplace.
We are keen to hear whether you have taken any positive action on preventing slips as a result of this initiative. We also welcome feedback on how you are using the packs and what you think of the contents. Please feedback via the ‘contact us’ page.
How many slips have happened in your kitchen? When kitchen worker Amy slipped on water from a leaking drinks dispenser, she instinctively reached out to stop her fall, in the process she plunged her arm into boiling hot oil. Chef Ahsan was even more unlucky; he slipped on a floor still wet from mopping and in the process of falling, pulled the entire contents of a hot deep fat fryer over him. These are two examples of serious slip accidents that have happened in a professional kitchen. Last year alone 1863 people received an injury that kept them off work for more than three days, 640 received a major injury (many resulting in broken bones). As well as the personal cost, accidents can leave you shorthanded and can cost you money (e.g. sick pay, compensation claims, increased insurance costs).
Everyone has a part to play when it comes to stopping slips. Chef’s, managers and business owners need to set up effective systems for preventing slips and trips and then need to ensure staff are informed, trained and following those systems. Staff can make a big difference by adopting a ‘see it, sort it’ mentality.
The good news is that it is possible to stop slip accidents from happening and the contents of this site can help.
To spur you into action we are running an initiative over the next 12 months. Your local Environmental Health Officer may visit you to find out what you are doing to reduce slips in your workplace, or may invite you to attend an event, you can also look out for adverts and articles in trade magazines.
Materials have been produced, designed to help you reduce the risk of slipping in your kitchen and help you comply with health and safety legislation. Electronic copies can be viewed by clicking on the links below; some are also available in print.
Contains - an introduction letter, a good practice guide, a floor cleaning card, top tips, choosing footwear information cards and both posters. If you are an employer and have kitchen facilities on your premises or you work in a kitchen, you can request a pack from HSE Books by phoning 01787 881165 or by sending an e-mail request to hsebooks@prolog.uk.com. Please quote the stock code for the pack (MISC773) when ordering a copy.
More information on preventing slips and trips can be found in the main slips and trips web site. If you have a specific query go to the contact us page fill in your details then press send, someone will get back to you.