Over a third of all major injuries reported each year is caused as a result of a slip or trip at work. Packaging which has been left lying around the site poses a serious tripping hazard.

It is not acceptable for corridors and stairwells to be obstructed with materials, footpaths to be uneven, cables to be strewn across walkways or for steps into site cabins to be poorly constructed. Sites should be properly organised, with waste streams managed, so that walkways are kept clear of unnecessary obstructions which could cause a trip injury.  Everyone should clear up after themselves with all packaging being disposed of in a skip.

It is important to ensure that everyone working on the site is aware of the site policy for managing the movement and storage of materials around the site, and the removal of waste from work areas.

Further information:

A section on the HSE web site gives guidance on how to avoid falls and trips in construction, (www.hse.gov.uk).

This message can be stuck onto the packaging of any building product which has the potential for becoming a tripping hazard if discarded on the ground.

Messages should be printed on A5 size laminated synthetic labels with a permanent adhesive backing to ensure adequate adhesion to the packaging.

This message has been approved by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association.