Your Role in Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injury in educational settings. They can happen to anyone, anywhere on district property, but most are preventable with a little extra attention to daily habits and hazard awareness.

District-Wide Prevention Strategies

Whether you work in a classroom, office, maintenance shop, gym, or on a bus route, these practices can help keep you and everyone around you safe:

• Assign responsibility for daily safety checks – Have a designated person or team walk the property each day to spot and address hazards.
• Keep lighting balanced – Avoid dim areas where hazards hide and overly bright spots that cause glare.
• Inspect stairs, ramps, and bleachers regularly – Check anti-slip surfaces, handrails, and steps consistency.
• Maintain safe flooring – Repair worn spots, tears, or buckling, and make sure mats and rugs have non-slip backing.
• Mark elevation changes – Even a ¼-inch change can be a trip hazard. Use visible signage or reflective strips.
• Review cleaning routines – Ensure the right products and methods are used for each surface, and schedule work for low-traffic times.
• Plan for weather – Have a clear process for managing snow, ice, and wet conditions before they cause problems.
• Use effective barriers and signage – Combine clear words, recognizable symbols, and physical barriers where needed.
• Train staff and students – Share examples of hazards and everyday safe behaviors, like keeping walkways clear and wearing weather-appropriate footwear.

Role-Specific Safety Tips

• Teachers – Keep cords and supplies out of walkways. Use non-slip rugs with flat edges. Encourage students to keep belongings tucked away.
• Office Staff – Arrange cords away from traffic areas. Store deliveries and files off the floor. Ensure hallways and workspaces have adequate lighting.
• Transportation Staff – Use three points of contact when boarding or exiting. Check steps and handrails for moisture, ice, or debris. Wear slip-resistant shoes in all weather conditions.
• Maintenance Staff – Wear appropriate footwear and use fall-protection gear where required. Keep tools and materials organized. Place signage before mopping or waxing.
• Custodial Staff – Post wet floor signs before cleaning. Use products as directed to avoid slick residue. Secure carts and equipment when not in use.
• Athletic Staff – Keep gym floors dry. Wipe up sweat or spills promptly. Store sports gear off the floor. Inspect outdoor surfaces for uneven ground or debris.

Self-Check for School Leaders

Want to know if your campus is doing enough? Ask yourself:

• Are hazards checked for and addressed daily?

• Are all indoor/outdoor walking areas well-lit and maintained?

• Do we have seasonal weather safety procedures?

• Are hazard signs/barriers clear and universally understood?

• Have we trained staff and students to spot and report hazards?

Report It, Prevent It

If you see a slip, trip, or fall hazard:
1. Secure the area.
2. Mark the hazard.
3. Report it through your district or college process.

Every report matters. Every action prevents injury.