# Slips, trips and falls on the same level

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/slips-and-trips
Last updated: 2026-10-23

Most of us think of falls as something that happens from a roof or a ladder. But a lot of injuries on our jobs happen right on the ground: tripping over a cord, slipping on mud, or stepping on scrap. This week, let's keep our walkways clear and watch where we put our feet.

## Key points

1. Clean as you go. Pick up scrap, cutoffs, and debris and put them in the dumpster or a pile out of the walkway, not at the end of the day.
2. Pull nails or bend them over in any lumber or form boards you take off. Never leave boards with nails sticking up on the ground.
3. Run cords and hoses along walls or overhead when you can, not across walkways. If they must cross a path, cover them or mark them.
4. Clean up spills of water, oil, or mud right away. If you can't clean it now, block it off and tell someone.
5. Wear work boots with good tread and keep them laced. Worn-out soles slip on wet plywood, mud, and ice.
6. Keep stairs, doorways, and exits clear of tools and material. Stack material neatly so it doesn't spill into paths.
7. Watch your step and don't carry loads that block your view. Use enough light so you can see the floor, and slow down on uneven ground.

## Talk it over

- Where on this site have you tripped or almost slipped in the last week?
- Which walkways or stairs are most often blocked, and who can keep them clear?
- How should we handle cords, hoses, and scrap on this job so they stay out of the way?

> **Remember:** A clean site is a safe site: clean as you go and watch your step.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.25](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.25) — Housekeeping

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.