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STEP is an eLearning package developed by the HSE, providing slips and trips guidance through interactive learning.

It is an easy way to learn about slips and trips, how they are caused, why preventing them is important and how to tackle them. STEP includes quizzes, videos, animations, case studies and interactive sequences to enhance the learning experience.

Completing this package will aid understanding of slips and trips, but to reduce accidents you will also need to take action in your workplace.

What industries will it suit?

The general course is suitable for many different industries. The four other courses have been specifically designed for Food Manufacturing, Hospitality & Catering, Education and the Health Services. 

Who can use it?

Anyone: workers, supervisors, managers, safety representatives, small businesses, health and safety professionals, health and safety trainers, architects, designers and so on. This is because it contains three levels of information:

1. Introductory – 15- 20mins - A short, snappy course, provides key information in an easy to understand, interactive format.
2. Intermediate – 1 hour - Contains several short lessons in simple English on key topics including footwear, flooring and assessing slip and trip risk. This level does not have to be completed in one session; you can dip in and out. It includes cascade materials suitable for group training sessions.
3. Advanced – Contains a number of detailed lessons, several of a technical nature e.g. classification of flooring, procurement of footwear, test methods. If fully completed will provide in depth knowledge, alternatively you can dip in and out to learn about specific topics.

Why should I use it?

When tackling slips and trips it is not always easy to know where to start or what the key issues are, STEP can help. This package provides practical guidance and learning that will, if put into practice, help you to successfully tackle slips and trips in your workplace. It also contains all you need to train others.

How do I access it?

STEP will be a free to use online tool. It will sit on the HSE web site, and will be accessible via the slips and trips web pages. STEP will also be available on DVD via HSE books; there will be a small charge for this of £9.00 plus Vat.

If you would like us to let you know when STEP becomes available, please register your interest, inserting the word STEP into the ‘what is your query box’.

Will it help me solve all my slip and trip problems?

If you have a particular slips or trips problem in your workplace, you should contact HSE infoline or visit the HSE slips and trips web pages.

How does it relate to other slips and trips guidance, tools and SAT?

SAT replaces priced publications HSG 155 Slips and Trips: Guidance for employers on identifying hazards and controlling risks and HSG 156 Slips and trips: Guidance for the food processing industry, which are now out of print. It presents the information contained with slips and trips guidance documents in a different way and makes reference to and complements SAT, the slip and trip mapping tool, the hazard spotting tool, the stop slips in kitchens pack and CIRIA: Safer surfaces to walk on – Reducing the risk of slipping.

Why produce an online tool not a publication?

Unlike published guidance, it can be updated quickly, ensuring that HSE constantly provide up to date and relevant slip and trip guidance.

How long does it take to complete?

The introductory level will take about 15-20 minutes and the intermediate just over an hour. The advanced level contains very detailed information and as such is designed to be dipped in and out of rather than completed in one session.

Can I use it to train others?

Yes. You can either let people work through the selected level or alternatively, you can use the cascade presentations to train several people in one go.