Introduction
Slips and trips are among the most common workplace accidents. They can cause anything from minor bruises to serious fractures, head injuries and long-term disability. If your accident happened because your employer failed to keep the workplace safe, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common slip and trip accidents, when employers are responsible, what evidence helps, and how much compensation you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 97,000 workers suffered slip, trip or fall injuries on the same level between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 307 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Slips and trips can cause broken bones, sprains, back injuries and head trauma.
- Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and HSE slip and trip guidance.
- Compensation can include pain, suffering, lost earnings, medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- The standard time limit for claims is three years from the accident or diagnosis.
Report your injury and photograph the hazard with a quick measurement or reference. Note footwear and weather, get witness names, and ask for CCTV and the accident book entry.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director (NAL)
What is a slip or trip accident?
A slip or trip accident occurs when an employee loses their footing due to unsafe workplace conditions. Although slips and trips may seem minor, they are a leading cause of workplace injuries and can result in long absences from work. Common causes include:
- Wet or oily floors – without warning signs or proper cleaning systems.
- Loose flooring – such as damaged carpets, tiles or floorboards.
- Trailing cables – creating tripping hazards in offices or workshops.
- Poor housekeeping – clutter or debris obstructing walkways.
- Inadequate lighting – making hazards difficult to see.
Examples of slip and trip accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Slip on wet floor | No warning signs after cleaning | Sprains, broken wrist, back injury |
| Trip over cable | Trailing wires across walkway | Bruising, fractures, head injury |
| Fall on stairs | Poor lighting, worn steps, loose handrail | Fractures, spinal injury, concussion |
| Trip over clutter | Obstructed corridors or walkways | Bruises, cuts, sprains |
| Slip on icy path | Employer failed to grit or maintain access | Broken bones, head injuries |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be eligible if:
- Your slip or trip accident occurred at work in the last three years, and
- Employer negligence (such as poor cleaning, lack of signage or poor lighting) contributed, and
- Medical evidence links your injury to the accident.
If you’re unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a slip or trip injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations to keep floors and traffic routes safe. Employers' must:
- Ensure floors are clean, dry and free of hazards.
- Provide adequate lighting in stairways and corridors.
- Organise cables and equipment to prevent tripping hazards.
- Maintain staircases, handrails and flooring in safe condition.
- Carry out risk assessments and act on hazards promptly.
Employment status and slip and trip claims
If negligence led to your slip or trip, you can usually claim regardless of contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
See also Health and safety breach claims.
Evidence that strengthens a slip or trip claim
- Medical records confirming the injury.
- Accident book entries and incident reports.
- Photographs of the hazard (wet floor, cables, poor lighting).
- Risk assessments or cleaning records.
- Witness statements from colleagues or visitors.
Time limits for slip and trip claims
You usually have three years from the accident date or from when you realised your injury was linked to unsafe workplace conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Yes. You may still be able to claim, but compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence. See What is contributory negligence?.
Do I need to report my slip or trip straight away?
It is always best to report it as soon as possible, but late reporting does not automatically prevent a claim if medical and witness evidence is available.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and provide a report to support your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Have you been injured at work?
If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Find out more about making a work accident claim:
- Do you qualify?
- How much compensation could you get?
- How does No Win, No Fee work?
Read more: Work accident claim guide
One quick call can give you clarity and confidence about your options after a work accident. A specialist advisor will:
- Give free, confidential and impartial advice
- Explain clearly how No Win, No Fee works
- Connect you with the right solicitor for your case
You're under no pressure to claim. We'll get you the right advice, when you need it.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Slips and trips - provides comprehensive guidance on preventing slips and trips in the workplace to reduce injury risks.
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 - outlines employer responsibilities to maintain safe workplace conditions, including preventing slips and trips.
- NHS: Falls and injuries - offers information on the causes, treatment, and recovery from injuries caused by falls, relevant to workplace incidents.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries resulting from slip or trip accidents at work.