Top 5 Slip and Fall Hazards on Industrial Sites (And How We Prevent Them)
Slip and fall hazards are among the most common—and preventable—safety risks on industrial and construction sites. These incidents don’t just cause injuries; they result in lost productivity, higher insurance costs, and can damage a company’s reputation. At Credence Construction Ltd, we take a proactive approach to managing job site risks and making safety part of our everyday work culture.
In this blog, we’ll cover the top five slip and fall hazards found on industrial job sites, how our team reduces these risks, and include practical insights drawn from the SCSA’s Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Manual (PDF).
1. Uneven Surfaces and Site Debris
According to the SCSA, poor housekeeping is one of the biggest contributors to slip and fall injuries. Cluttered pathways, loose cords, and materials left in walkways increase the risk of trips.
Our prevention strategy:
- Daily job site inspections to identify and remove trip hazards
- Clear marking of uneven surfaces
- Use of durable ground mats where needed
- Strict housekeeping enforcement on all project sites
Our team in repair and maintenance services is trained to maintain safe environments even in complex industrial spaces.
2. Wet or Slippery Conditions
The SCSA highlights that wet floors—from rain, mud, or even oily residues—are a leading cause of slip incidents. These can be found both indoors and outdoors, especially in transitional areas.
Our prevention strategy:
- Use of anti-slip floor coverings and mats
- Drainage and grading planning in all construction solutions
- Prompt cleanup of spills and water accumulation
- Hazard signage for wet or cleaning zones
Our team anticipates seasonal hazards and adjusts protocols to suit environments like agricultural, mining, or shop-floor settings.
3. Unsecured Ladders and Elevated Work Areas
Falls from height consistently rank among the most severe workplace injuries. The SCSA advises that ladder use must follow clear standards for placement, stability, and usage.
Our prevention strategy:
- Fall protection systems including harnesses, tie-offs, and rails
- Ensuring ladders meet angle and anchoring requirements
- Secure scaffolding systems via our industrial scaffolding services
- Site-specific fall hazard training for all field crew
We don’t compromise on height safety. Every elevated task includes a risk assessment and backup measures.
4. Poor Lighting in Work Areas
The SCSA guide outlines that poor lighting is an often-overlooked hazard. Shadows, glare, and low visibility increase the risk of missing spills or obstacles.
Our prevention strategy:
- Use of temporary light towers for night work
- Installation of task lighting for detailed jobs
- Reflective paint and markings for changes in floor level
- Replacing damaged or outdated lighting fixtures on-site
We integrate lighting considerations into everything we build—whether it’s steel fabrication or shutdown support.
5. Inadequate Training and Awareness
The manual points out that many slip and fall incidents happen because workers simply aren’t aware of what to watch for—or are rushing to complete tasks.
Our prevention strategy:
- Daily safety briefings and toolbox talks
- Visual safety signage across all job zones
- Supervisor-led walkarounds to ensure compliance
- Feedback systems to report and correct near-misses
We believe everyone on-site is responsible for safety. That mindset helps prevent the kinds of incidents that can sideline a crew or delay a project.
Final Thoughts
Slip and fall hazards are a serious issue on any industrial site, but they’re also preventable with the right systems, training, and attention to detail. At Credence Construction Ltd, safety is more than a checklist—it’s a standard we work by every day.
By combining industry best practices with guidelines outlined in trusted resources like the SCSA Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety Manual (PDF), we ensure our crews and our clients stay protected.
If you’re planning a facility upgrade, equipment installation, or shutdown service, our experienced team is ready to complete the work efficiently and safely. Learn more about our construction services and how we help clients across Saskatchewan maintain both performance and protection.
