Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Hazards and harm

Slip, trip, and fall hazard

Also known as: slip, trip and fall hazard

In machine safety, a slip, trip, and fall hazard is a hazard caused by poor footing, obstacles, changes in elevation or contaminated surfaces, which can make a person lose balance or fall from height.

  • Machine safety
  • Maintenance

In one sentence

A slip, trip, and fall hazard at machinery comes from leaks, clutter, cables, steps and work at height on access routes and platforms.

Example

Coolant leaking from a CNC machine makes the floor at the loading station slippery; a drip tray and a grated platform keep the operator's footing dry.

How it applies

  • Machine safety: The machinery legislation requires safe access to operating and maintenance positions. Provide platforms, stairs and guardrails where people must work at height, slip-resistant surfaces, and routing for cables and hoses that avoids trip points.
  • Integrated systems: A fall near a machine can carry a person into a hazardous zone. A slip is often the start of a more serious injury.
  • Technical documentation: Describe safe access for maintenance tasks, including the fixed means of access, and list leaks and spillages to look for in the pre-use check.
  • Evidence: Record foreseeable sources of contamination (coolant, oil, product) and the measures that keep walking surfaces clear.

Slip, trip, and fall hazard vs. mechanical hazard

ISO 12100 lists slipping, tripping and falling among the possible consequences of mechanical hazards, but the origin usually lies in the surroundings or the access route rather than in machine motion. See mechanical hazard.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Blog editorial definition, based on ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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