Slips, trips, and falls remain the #1 cause of workplace injuries in the UK, accounting for over 30% of reported incidents (HSE, 2023). Many accidents stem from overlooked hazards, especially in industrial, construction, and event settings.
In this post, we’ll expose 5 surprising trip risks in UK workplaces and show how anti-slip step-over platforms and other solutions can prevent injuries, HSE fines, and costly downtime.
1. “Temporary” Cables & Hoses (The Invisible Danger)
The Hazard:
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Loose cables, air hoses, or extension leads snaking across walkways
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Workers assume they’ll "be moved later"—but often forget until someone trips
The Cost:
✅ Real Case Study: A Midlands warehouse faced a £12,000 fine after an employee fractured their wrist tripping over a poorly covered power cable. HSE noted the cable had been a "known issue" for weeks.
The Fix:
✔ Anti-slip step-over platforms bridge cables/hoses safely while allowing access
✔ High-vis yellow GRP models make hazards obvious
✔ Bonus: Prevents cable damage from foot traffic
The Hazard:
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Small height differences between floors, loading bays, or door thresholds
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Workers stop noticing them—until they catch a toe
The Cost:
✅ Real Case Study: A Scottish food processing plant paid £8,500 in compensation after a worker tripped on a 3cm raised doorway, spilling hot liquid.
The Fix:
✔ Low-profile GRP transition ramps with slip-resistant grit surfaces
✔ Contrast colours (e.g., yellow edges) to highlight elevation changes
3. Wet/Slippery Surfaces (Especially in Kitchens & Washdown Areas)
The Hazard:
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UK weather + industrial fluids = invisible slip risks
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Traditional metal platforms become icy death traps in winter
The Cost:
✅ Real Case Study: A London events company was sued for £25,000 after a vendor slipped on a wet metal access plate during winter setup.
The Fix:
✔ GRP step platforms with moulded-in grit (even wet, R11+ slip rating)
✔ Chemical-resistant for washdown areas
4. Cluttered Walkways (Tools, Debris & “Just for Now” Storage)
The Hazard:
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"I’ll move it later" becomes permanent trip hazards
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Pallet edges, loose tools, or packaging left in walkways
The Cost:
✅ Real Case Study: A Manchester factory lost £18,000 in productivity after a forklift driver tripped over debris, causing a chain-reaction collision.
The Fix:
✔ Designated anti-slip walkway systems with raised edges
✔ Worker training + "clean as you go" policies
5. Poor Lighting (Shadows Hide Hazards)
The Hazard:
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Low-light areas in warehouses or outdoor sites mask trip risks
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Workers misjudge steps or platform edges
The Cost:
✅ Real Case Study: A Leeds construction firm faced £15,000 in legal fees after a twilight shift worker tripped on an unmarked pipe cover.
The Fix:
✔ High-vis yellow GRP platforms reflect ambient light
✔ Solar-powered LED edge markers for nighttime sites
Key Takeaways for UK Businesses
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Audit your site for these 5 hidden hazards (HSE offers free checklists)
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Prioritise GRP solutions—they’re lighter, slip-proof, and last decades
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Train staff to report hazards immediately (most accidents involve "known" risks)
Need a Safer Worksite?
Our UK-made anti-slip step-over platforms are HSE-compliant, chemical-resistant, and cut trip risks instantly.