As we move into autumn, wet weather, fallen leaves, reduced daylight and colder conditions increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls around school premises. These incidents remain one of the most common causes of injury for staff, pupils, visitors and contractors.
Schools should ensure that their risk assessments and premises arrangements take account of changing seasonal conditions and that hazards are identified and dealt with promptly.
Common Autumn hazards in schools
Fallen leaves
Wet leaves can become extremely slippery, particularly on common entrance and egress to school buildings, playgrounds, steps, ramps and pathways.
Schools should:
- regularly inspect frequently used pedestrian routes
- clear accumulations of leaves and other debris
- pay particular attention to steps, ramps, slopes and entrances
- take action or restrict access where a hazard cannot immediately be made safe.
Wet floors and entrances
Autumn weather often brings rain, mist and damp conditions, which can result in wet floors and surfaces within, particularly around entrances, corridors and reception areas.
Check that:
- entrance matting is suitable and positioned effectively
- wet or contaminated floors are dealt with promptly
- cleaning arrangements minimise the need for people to walk across wet floors
- appropriate warnings or barriers are used while a temporary hazard is being addressed.
Reduced daylight
Shorter daylight hours can affect visibility during morning arrivals and afternoon departures.
Check external lighting and report defects promptly through your usual premises or property arrangements. Particular attention should be given to entrances, exits, steps, pathways and other regularly used pedestrian routes.
Severe weather, frost and ice
Strong winds and storms can introduce additional hazards such as fallen trees, debris on walkways and slippery surfaces. These should all be considered when reviewing risk assessments.
Following severe weather, premises managers should check the site and pedestrian routes and take appropriate action where hazards are identified. Access to unsafe areas should be restricted until they can be made safe.
Schools should also consider their arrangements for frost and ice before colder weather arrives. Identify areas particularly prone to ice, such as entrances, car parks, walkways, slopes and shaded or wet areas, and gritting when frost, ice or snow is forecast.
Importance of reporting near misses
Near misses provide valuable information about potential hazards before an injury occurs. Examples might include:
- Slipping without falling
- Nearly tripping over equipment
- Identifying a slippery surface before someone is injured.
Reporting these near misses on EEC helps the school take preventative action and improve safety controls. Somerset Council’s policy also requires the investigation and review of accident and near-miss information to help identify underlying or recurring causes.
Take five minutes to check your site
This autumn, consider:
- Are leaves and debris being cleared from key routes?
- Are entrances effectively managed during wet weather?
- Is external lighting working?
- Are paths, steps and ramps in good condition?
- Are arrangements in place for frost and ice?
- Do staff know how to report hazards and near misses?
Learn more
Our Slips, Trips and Falls Policy and Guidance helps you to understand what causes slips and trips and how to prevent them. The Preventing slips, trips and falls Schools Guidance sheet provides a handy checklist for premises managers.
The HSE’s slips and trips webpages also provide plenty of further information and resources, including frequently asked questions such as the best way to use grit
