From the inventor of Dow’s ‘drive to zero’ campaign, Harold Nicoll founded the safety effort that declared there was no acceptable number of injuries in the workplace including slip and fall incidents. It made a significant impact on the company’s culture. Since then, organizations of all types have also made ‘zero’ the only number of injuries and accidents employees and employers will accept. – HN.
As employers and organizations of all types work to enhance their reputations, they can take a major stride forward emphasizing workplace safety and communicating the emphasis on safety regularly. This includes slip and fall accidents.
Every event or workplace—whether a large public fundraiser, at a restaurant, inside the office or a day on a construction site—depends on people showing up ready to do their work. Protecting those people from preventable injuries is not only the right thing to do morally, it’s smart operational risk management and good employee communications. Slip-and-fall incidents are among the most common and costly hazards in public venues and workplaces. They can ruin a good day, cause long-term disability, and expose organizations and individuals to legal risk. Collaterally, the organizations’ reputation will suffer if the public, regulators, customers, prospective customers, employees, contract employees and their families believe that the company is unconcerned with the welfare of the people who work there. Preventing slip and fall accidents is not a difficult or expensive campaign to manage. It will pay huge dividends for the company inside and outside the ‘fence line.’
This article lays out practical steps you can use to reduce slip-and-fall risk, how to respond if a fall occurs, and why clear safety communications are essential.
Common slip-and-fall hazards to watch for
Many hazards are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Common trouble spots include:
– Floor mats that shift or curl at doorways or work zones.
– Uneven flooring, thresholds, ramps, steps, and transitions between carpet and hard surfaces.
– Electrical cords and cables that run across walkways.
– Food or beverage spills that create slick spots.
– Obstructions: tables, chairs, equipment, and supplies left in aisles.
– Overflowing trash or debris that creates unstable walkways.
– Poorly stored items encroaching on foot traffic paths.
– Inconsistent or dim lighting that hides hazards.
– Temporary structures or signage that aren’t secured or are placed in high-traffic locations.
– Open cabinets, especially lower cabinets that are left open.
Pre-event walkthroughs and continuous vigilance
Prevention starts with a thorough walkthrough of the space before operations begin. Or include slip and fall discussions as part of the daily ‘tailgate meeting’, staff meeting or other employee gatherings:
– Inspect entrances, dining/service areas, back-of-house zones, and high-traffic routes.
– Flatten or remove loose mats; repair or highlight uneven surfaces.
– Reroute or secure cords (use long, continuous tape along the cord rather than many short strips that become additional trip points).
– Ensure trash containers are adequate and emptied before they overflow.
– Assess lighting and add temporary lights where needed.
– Secure temporary structures, signage, and displays.
– Roll up hoses and cords not in use.
– Close cabinets and remove other obstructions on the ground that are hard to see.
Don’t treat the walkthrough as a one-time activity. Assign staff, shift leaders, floor leaders etc. to monitor and maintain safe conditions throughout the shift, clearing spills, moving obstructions, cleaning wet or greasy spots and replacing burnt-out bulbs as needed.
Practical cleanup and storage rules
– Clean spills immediately; keep cleaning supplies accessible.
– Store supplies, tools, and equipment away from walkways.
– Keep exit routes and aisles clear at all times.
– Use signage to warn of temporary hazards (wet floors, in-progress maintenance, etc).
If someone falls take immediate actions
– Prioritize medical care. If there’s any question about injury severity (unconsciousness, severe pain, head injury, suspected fracture), call emergency services.
– Treat the person respectfully and avoid moving them unless immediate danger is present.
– Document the incident promptly: location, time, conditions, witness names, and photographs of the scene and any contributing factors.
– Report the incident to the facility manager or event organizer and file any required incident reports.
Understanding liability and evidence
I know no one likes to consider the legal fallout associated with on the job or on location injuries due to slip and fall accidents. But the fact is that slip-and-fall incidents can (will?) lead to legal claims. Key components investigators and attorneys will consider:
– Duty of care: Did the property owner, employer, or event operator have a responsibility to keep the area safe (the answer is yes, someone does).
– Proof of dangerous condition and causation: Was there a hazard that directly led to the injury? Should this threat have been recognized and remediated? If so, by whom?
– Notice: Did the responsible party know (actual notice) or should they have known (constructive notice) about the hazard?
Because physical evidence can change quickly (spills cleaned up, objects moved), timely documentation—photos, witness statements, incident reports—are all critical.
Who might be held responsible
Liability can be shared across multiple parties depending on the situation: property owners, event organizers, contractors, vendors, and sometimes individual staff members. That’s why everyone involved should take reasonable care to prevent hazards and to respond appropriately when issues arise.
Why safety communications matter
Clear, consistent communication is as important as physical safety measures:
– Expectations: Make safety responsibilities clear to every staff member, volunteer, and vendor before the event begins.
– Training: Provide short, focused briefings on common hazards and response steps. Reinforce simple actions (clean spills promptly, remove tripping hazards, report incidents).
– Reporting channels: Ensure everyone knows how to report hazards and incidents (who to call, where to find first-aid kits, incident report templates).
– Visual cues: Use signage and floor markings to highlight hazards, changes in floor level, or restricted areas Title: Prioritizing Employee Safety: Simple Steps and Clear Communication to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Safety is everyone’s job. Make safety a consistent part of the culture inside your organization. It is very worthwhile.
About The Author
While working at the Dow Chemical Company, Harold Nicoll founded the “Drive To Zero” safety initiative, which was later adopted company wide. The initiative’s goal was to push for a 0% rate of accidents, injuries, and spills, promoting a culture where safety was paramount and seen as an achievable goal.
Long-term impact: The success of the “Drive To Zero” safety program helped contribute to a significant reduction in injuries and incidents at Dow. For instance, in one division, leaks and spills were reduced by more than 60% over a decade, and employee injuries also fell dramatically. By creating and promoting the “Drive To Zero” safety initiative, Nicoll contributed to a major cultural shift at Dow, promoting a proactive and aspirational approach to workplace and environmental safety.