ABSTRACT
Slips and trips account for approximately 20% of injuries to staff in the Prison Service. This chapter establishes underlying causation for falls to prison staff and to provide recommendations to reduce their occurrence. Analysis of Slip, Trip and Fall (STF) accident data was conducted at a national level (RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) and also at a local level (accident records from seven prisons). Prison visits to seven locations were also conducted which provided opportunities to talk with local health and safety representatives. Most falls were initiated by a slip (51%), with 25% initiated by a trip. Common slip hazards included water (or wetness), food and ice. Common trip hazards were temporary obstacles (eg, food trays, entrance matting), uneven ground and permanent obstacles (eg, gate fixings). Accident records analysis and discussions with health and safety personnel highlighted that stairs are common sites for falls. The stairs observed in the prisons varied considerably.
