TBT – Slips & Trips

Overview

Location: Depot/On Site

Duration: 10-15 mins

Purpose

  • Share practical, quick wins to prevent trip incidents across depot, yard, and live TM sites.

  • Clarify that everyone is responsible for spotting and fixing trip hazards (“See it, sort it” where safe; otherwise report it immediately).

  • Reinforce that trips are not the same as slips — trips are typically forward falls caused by the foot catching an obstacle or change in level.

Key message: Most trips are preventable with good housekeeping, clear walkways, sensible layout, and prompt fixes.

  • Trailing cables/air lines/hoses (chargers, tools, generators) crossing walkways.

  • Changes in level: kerbs, potholes, cable ramps, temporary ramps, metal plates, raised covers.

  • Uneven/damaged surfaces: broken concrete/asphalt, loose pavers, yard ruts.

  • Obstructions: stacked cones/signs, pallets, packaging, banding, debris.

  • Poor lighting / glare / shadows (inside stores, in yards at dusk/dawn).

  • Carrying loads that block view; rushing; distractions (phones).

  • Steps & stairs with poor nosings/handrails or inconsistent rises.

  • Vehicle access: tail lifts, steps/footplates, three‑points‑of‑contact.

  1. Keep walkways clear — set a minimum width and keep it that way. No storage in escape routes.

  2. Cable control — route at high level or edges; use cable ramps/covers for any crossing. No “temporary” fixes left overnight.

  3. Fix defects fast — potholes, loose mats, damaged flooring; if you can’t fix now, isolate/mark and report.

  4. Light it right — ensure adequate task and route lighting; replace failed bulbs promptly; avoid dark‑to‑bright transitions.

  5. Steps & stairs — clear, consistent; contrasting nosings; fit/maintain handrails (900–1000 mm); keep dry and free of clutter.

  6. Good housekeeping (5S) — clear-as-you-go; remove banding and offcuts; stack cones/signs neatly; keep pallet routes open.

  7. Loads & line of sight — don’t carry items that block your view; use a spotter, trolley or split the load.

  8. Footwear — wear suitable, well‑fitting safety boots; replace worn soles; use supplier guidance for grip where needed.

  9. Yard layout — separate pedestrian and vehicle routes; mark short‑cuts as “no pedestrian route” if unsafe.

  10. Weather plan — manage mud/water ingress; secure mats; winter gritting; keep entrances swept.

Micro‑habit: Take 3 seconds before moving through a cluttered area to scan ground level, edges, and your exit path.

Yard

  • Repair potholes/ruts; prevent short‑cuts over uneven ground.

  • Grit/brush in poor weather; ensure lighting is effective at night.

  • Define pedestrian routes and keep them free of parked kit.

Vehicles / Mobile Work

  • Stow straps, chains, and tools; no loose kit on decks.

  • Maintain steps/handholds; use three‑points‑of‑contact.

  • Position signs/cones so they don’t obstruct pedestrian routes.

Live Sites

  • Keep footways clear of offcuts; control cable runs; avoid trailing kit through pedestrian diversions.

  • Highlight changes in level with clear markings; use ramps/plates correctly and check edges.

Do

  • Report and make safe hazards immediately.

  • Use proper storage for cones, signs, and tools.

  • Walk, don’t rush; keep one hand free on steps.

Don’t

  • Step over barriers/ramps “just this once”.

  • Leave cables across walkways without covers.

  • Carry loads that block your view.