Construction sites change daily. That's why slips and trips controls need a simple, repeatable assessment process focused on temporary walkways, changing levels, housekeeping, weather exposure, and access routes that are used under time pressure. A slips and trips risk assessment for construction helps you identify hazards, record who may be harmed, confirm controls (segregation, lighting, housekeeping), and set actions with owners and deadlines.
If your findings show that steps, ramps, entrances or walkways need improved grip or safer surfacing, you can price remediation:
Construction slip/trip hotspots (where to look first)
Access routes and temporary walkways
- uneven ground and changing surfaces
- mud/grit tracked across routes
- temporary ramps and transitions
- unprotected edges or poorly marked changes in level
- pedestrian/vehicle interface conflicts
Related: Anti-slip walkway surfacing →
Steps, temporary stairs and landings
- inconsistent risers/treads
- poor edge definition
- contaminated treads (mud, dust, wet film)
- missing or loose handrails
- poor lighting at approaches/landings
Related: Anti-slip stair nosing →
Ramps and slopes
- persistent damp and water film
- steep gradients and turning points
- temporary surfaces that polish quickly
- poor drainage at bottom/top
Related: Anti-slip ramp surfacing →
Housekeeping and materials handling routes
- trailing hoses/cables
- tools and materials left on routes
- debris buildup (offcuts, packaging)
- congested routes at peak times
Copy/paste slips and trips risk assessment template (construction)
Project / site:
Area assessed: (e.g., welfare access route, scaffold stair access, main pedestrian walkway, ramp to entrance)
Assessor:
Date:
Review date:
Planned changes next 7 days: (deliveries, pours, temporary works changes)
1) Hazards identified
Tick and add notes:
Slip hazards
- Mud/grit tracked onto walkways
- Wet film from rain/spray
- Spillages (fuel, oils, water)
- Polished temporary surfaces
- Algae on external routes
Trip hazards
- Uneven ground / temporary transitions
- Unmarked changes in level
- Trailing cables/hoses
- Debris and offcuts on routes
- Poorly secured mats/boards
- Damaged step edges / inconsistent risers
- Poor lighting
Exact locations / notes:
2) Who might be harmed and how?
- Site operatives
- Supervisors/visitors
- Contractors/delivery personnel
- Members of the public (if interface exists)
How: slips, trips, falls, fractures, head injuries, sprains.
3) Existing controls
- Pedestrian route segregation and signage:
- Housekeeping regime (who/how often):
- Lighting checks:
- Wet weather controls (grit, drainage, covers):
- Cable/hoses management:
- Step/handrail checks:
- Defect reporting process:
4) Risk level and adequacy
Likelihood: Low / Medium / High
Severity: Low / Medium / High
Overall risk: Low / Medium / High
Are current controls adequate? Yes / No
If No, list gaps:
5) Actions required (owner + deadline)
| Action | Priority | Owner | Due date | Interim controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Action examples:
- Re-grade or repair uneven walkway sections
- Add clear markings for changes in level
- Improve housekeeping frequency on key routes
- Install better lighting on approaches and stairs
- Improve grip on temporary or permanent steps/ramps
- Add barriers and signage at pedestrian/vehicle interfaces
- Implement cable/hoses management solution
6) Monitoring and review
Who verifies actions completed:
Daily/weekly checks required:
Incident/near miss triggers for immediate review:
Construction walk-round checklist (fast)
Use this checklist at start of shift and after bad weather:
- ☐ Main pedestrian routes are clear of debris and materials
- ☐ Cables/hoses are controlled and not crossing walkways
- ☐ Changes in level are obvious/marked
- ☐ Temporary steps/stairs are stable and well lit
- ☐ Handrails are present where needed and secure
- ☐ Ramps are not slick with mud/wet film
- ☐ Wet weather controls in place (grit, covers, drainage)
- ☐ Interfaces with vehicles are segregated and signed
- ☐ Defects are reported and isolated until fixed
Turning findings into a quote-ready scope
If you need improved grip or safer surfacing on steps/ramps/walkways, provide:
- marked-up photos of zones
- surface type and condition notes
- access constraints and working windows
- whether routes must stay open (phasing)
- safety/segregation requirements