The UK Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) advise "The key factor in preventing slippery decking is to ensure that the deck surface is kept clean and surface deposits such as mildew, algae and fine mosses are kept at bay." Deep cleaning is likely to be required before most surface treatments/ resurfacing. For effective deep cleaning, use the correct chemical, physical and thermal energy.

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This web page provides simple step-by-step advice on how to manage, assess and prevent work slips. The advice targets fixed level places of work. See our separate advice on Safer Stairs and Steps and work vehicles

Provide advice and training on safeguards and controls. Signs and safety colours may be useful to back up training and instructions, and to identify high-risk areas.

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For slippery surface resurfacing consider our advice on “Slip Resistance” under Selecting Slip Resistant Pedestrian Surfaces, for example, specify the expected slip-resistance and anticipated life, allowing for wear and tear. Choose and apply new surfaces carefully. In most cases, a new cleaning regime may be required

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act requires risk assessment. The Slip Risk Assessment and Prevention Process can be completed with three key steps.

Pedestrian footwear can mitigate against or contribute to slip-risk. Assess the slip resistance of employee footwear (especially slip resistance of the heels) using our advice on slip-resistant footwear.

The two-page Slip Prevention and Risk Assessment Tool Sample, or a similar document, can help prioritise areas for attention and record and track progress

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To complete a workplace slip-risk assessment, combine the individual slip-risk assessments using a Mapping Tool or using a spreadsheet or some equally effective solution.

Resurface the pedestrian surface with a material that provides a low slip-risk. Methods of resurfacing a slippery surface include*:

Six sectors account for 55% of the workforce but 81% of slips, trips and falls (STF) - these are the “Big Six” sectors. Some areas typically associated with Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) in the “Big Six” sectors can be identified by looking at causes for each sector, for example,

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For slippery surface treatments consider our advice on “Slip Resistance” under Selecting Slip Resistant Pedestrian Surfaces, for example, specify the expected slip-resistance and anticipated life, allowing for wear and tear. In most cases, a new cleaning regime may be required

Transport – walkways and yardsPublic Admin –walkways, entrances/exits and car parksHealthcare – walkways, bathrooms and entrances/exitsIndustry – walkways and entrances/exitsConstruction – walkways and entrances/exitsRetail - entrances/exits, cold rooms and shop aisles

Regulations 9, 23, 99 and 105 of the General Application Regulations outline that pedestrian surfaces should be not slippery. In limited cases, there may be a justifiable reason for intentionally slippery surfaces, for example, on a van loaded by sliding the load, anti-climb paint. In these cases, contamination and pedestrian risk factors must be very carefully risk assessed and warning signs and slip-resistant footwear are likely to be required.

For Slippery Surface Controls, to check the improvement, assess slip-resistance before and after treatment, and monitor periodically thereafter to ensure continued slip-resistance. New cleaning regimes are likely to be required with new, treated, or resurfaced pedestrian surfaces.

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The Napo animated video "Shining example" (1 minute, 8 seconds) shows the problem with choosing a floor surface based solely on how it looks

HSE UK provides useful advice on improving slip resistance. The advice on acid-etching (and hydrofluoric acid) is important. HSE UK has a wide range of case studies including cleaning, matting, design, maintenance and training. HSL advise about an abattoir that reduced slips costs from £207,800 to £136,000 over three years by “clear” floor specifications, “matched” footwear, monitoring and removal of chequerplate.

Slips on a level typically occur on contaminated harder surfaces and not on soft surfaces such as carpets. Slippery Surface locations include wet slippery surfaces, walkways, entrances/ exits and bathrooms. Potential slippery surface slip-risks should be risk assessed including history, data and measurements

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It may be helpful to observe behaviour patterns to identify any behaviours of concern. Pedestrian behaviour can be considered including important questions like

The history of incidents and near-slips may indicate that a surface is slippery. Check for a history of slips or near-slips, or other evidence that pedestrians slip on the surface. Check with workers if the surface is slippery, not just when dry but also when contaminated. Employees should be actively asked for their views – "does the surface feel slippery underfoot when dry or wet/ contaminated?"

Where a surface originally had good slip-resistance, it may be possible to restore that initial good grip with a thorough deep clean. Slip-resistance may have been reduced because of a build-up of dirt, detergent, polish, material from shoe soles. For cleaning and deep cleaning it's important to use the correct chemical, physical and thermal energy. Consider the manufacturers advice on floor cleaning for that particular floor. Deep cleaning is likely to be needed before further surface treatments.

The slip-resistance of a pedestrian surface is likely to change because of traffic, wear and tear, contamination and cleaning. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act requires designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of articles to provide or arrange for adequate information to ensure safe use.

Preventing or restricting pedestrian access in a clear planned matter can be very effective in reducing slip risks, for example

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Also consider the ability to control footwear in the workplace. Has slip-resistant footwear been identified as required PPE?

Some factors may be particular to individual workplaces. Consider any other factors that could affect slip risk such as hot oil, level changes, etc