Slips, trips and falls occur regularly on campus. This includes tripping and slipping down the stairs, on sidewalks, over parking bumpers, near construction sites, and on wet surfaces.  

The majority of these incidents occur when an employee is not paying attention or are rushing and not watching their footing. An increase in accidents can be attributed to people looking at/texting on their phones while walking. Slips, trips, and falls can be very dangerous to you as well as others around you who may be impacted if you are off balance. 

There are many things we can do to minimize slips, trips, and falls. For example: 

• Always keep your  head/eyes up while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings and not a screen. 
• Avoid reading while walking. 
• Walk, don’t run.  
• Always use handrails when ascending or descending a stairway.  
• Take one step at a time when ascending or descending a stairway. 
• Be cautious of environmental conditions, such as rain, that may build up on the steps of stairways or walkways. 
• If you are walking through a construction zone, take extra precautions to notice where you are stepping.  
• Watch for opening doors on stairway platforms and in hallways. 
• Avoid carrying an item if it will block your view. Instead, use a cart or carry some smaller loads. 
• Make sure your shoelaces are tied! 

Contact Facilities Management if you notice that there is inadequate lighting, loose carpeting or tile, leaking faucets or toilets, or that a stairwell or floor has trash, debris, water, or anything else that could cause the surface to be slippery.

• Campus facilities contact
• Health facilities contact

Disability Management Services (DMS) for Campus, Health Workers Compensation for Health, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), and Facilities Services are concerned for your well-being and are here to support you in having a safe workplace.