Trip Signs

What are trip hazard signs?

Trip hazard signs are a type of hazard sign and alert workers and visitors of potential slip and trip hazards. This could be anything from a recently cleaned floor, requiring a wet floor sign, to an upturned piece of carpet that is yet to be repaired. Trip hazard signs can be identified by their yellow colour, black text and black pictogram of a person falling backwards. They will also include the words ‘caution’, ‘warning’ or ‘danger’, depending on the severity of the risk. To learn more, read our guide to the different types of hazard signs.

Where should trip hazard signs be located?

Trip hazard signs should be located in a visible area with the trip hazard they refer to. While some of these signs may be constant fixtures on your premises, like a Mind Your Head sign to highlight a low ceiling, trip hazards tend to be short-lived and require portable solutions. For example, people responsible for cleaning a premises would use a free-standing Slippery Surface sign when a floor had not yet dried, before removing it when it is.

Are trip hazard signs required by law?

Yes, UK regulations require that trip and slip hazards that cannot be removed are signposted by trip hazard signs. This is required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employers to provide a safe working environment for employees, and the Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) regulations 1996, which goes on to say any risks that cannot be removed are signposted appropriately. Where possible, you should take every measure to minimise the impact and likelihood of slip and trip hazards. However, where there is a delay making repairs to remove trip hazards, or where they are unavoidable, you must provide adequate trip hazard signs to inform employees and visitors of the hazard.