ABSTRACT
Slipping, tripping and falling accidents (STFAs) in the UK which result in a major injury (generally, defined as those involving an amputation, fracture or other injury requiring hospitalisation) regularly form the largest single accident causation category reported to the Health and Safety Executive. In 1988/89 there were 9903 major STFAs out of a reported accident total of 19,944-almost 50% (Thomas, 1991). At a less severe level of injury, but still requiring three or more days absence from work, STFAs were the alleged cause of 26% of all such reported injuries; second only to those resulting from lifting and handling activities (which comprised 33% of the total).
