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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Slips Trips and Falls Quiz: Test Your Safety Know-how

Quick, free workplace slips and trips quiz with instant results and tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Aya ChaoUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration on fall prevention knowledge and safe load handling on sky blue background.

This slips, trips and falls quiz helps you spot hazards and prevent common injuries at work. You will review quick scenarios on walkways, ladders, and housekeeping, with instant tips you can use today. For more safety practice, take our risk assessment quiz, explore fall prevention questions and answers, or check the warehouse safety quiz.

What is the primary factor that causes a slip?
Improper lighting
Insufficient surface friction
Obstructed pathways
High noise levels
Slips occur when there is not enough friction between the walking surface and footwear, leading to a loss of traction. Contaminants like water or oil can drastically reduce friction. Proper housekeeping and maintenance help maintain adequate surface traction.
Which type of footwear sole is most effective in preventing slips?
Smooth plastic sole
Wet suede sole
Rubber sole with deep tread patterns
Leather sole
Rubber soles with pronounced tread patterns help channel away liquids and increase friction on a surface. Leather and smooth plastic soles offer minimal slip resistance, especially on wet or oily floors. Choosing appropriate footwear is a key personal control measure.
What is the simplest method to address a small liquid spill on a hard floor immediately?
Mop or absorb the spill promptly
Place a warning sign and leave it
Wait for supervisor approval
Cover with a rubber mat
Promptly mopping or absorbing a spill removes the slip hazard at its source. Relying solely on signs or barriers does not eliminate the dangerous surface. Quick clean-up is a fundamental housekeeping practice.
Housekeeping practices help prevent trips by:
Leaving extension cords across corridors
Storing tools on staircases
Stacking materials randomly
Removing debris and obstacles from walkways
Keeping walkways clear of debris and stored items prevents trip hazards. Poor storage and clutter increase the likelihood of someone catching a foot and falling. Regular inspections and clean-ups maintain safe passage.
What minimum illumination level (in lux) is generally recommended for indoor walkways to reduce fall risk?
10 lux
100 lux
500 lux
5 lux
About 100 lux is a common guideline to provide clear visibility in corridors and walkways. Too low lighting increases the chance of missteps and unseen obstacles. Overly bright lighting is unnecessary for simple passageways.
What is the first step in identifying slip, trip, and fall hazards in the workplace?
Purchase safety gear
Provide training first
Install warning signs
Conduct a walk-through inspection
A systematic walk-through inspection allows you to observe real conditions and spot hazards directly. Training and signage are important but should follow hazard identification. Without knowing what hazards exist, other measures may be ineffective.
Which of the following is NOT a good housekeeping practice?
Blocking emergency exits
Cleaning up spills promptly
Organizing tools and equipment
Removing waste regularly
Emergency exits must remain clear at all times to ensure safe evacuation. Good housekeeping includes prompt spill cleanup, proper storage of tools, and waste removal. Blocking exits creates a critical safety hazard.
Which measure is most effective at preventing trips on a staircase?
Installing and using handrails
Covering steps with loose mats
Leaving personal items on steps
Painting steps in bright colors only
Handrails provide stable support and help prevent falls if a person stumbles. Bright paints and mats do not address balance or support. Loose mats can introduce new trip hazards.
Which flooring characteristic is most desirable to reduce slip incidents?
High-gloss finish
Wet mopped finish
Textured, slip-resistant surface
Smooth ceramic tile
Textured surfaces improve traction by increasing surface friction. Glossy or smooth finishes can become dangerously slippery when wet. Choosing the right flooring is an engineering control to reduce slip risk.
What is the most effective way to make an outdoor walkway safe when it is covered in ice?
Water down the surface
Allow it to melt naturally
Cover with a non-adhesive mat
Apply de-icing agents such as salt or calcium chloride
De-icing agents lower the freezing point of water and break down ice to improve traction quickly. Water can refreeze and worsen conditions. Temporary coverings may shift or become slippery themselves.
Why are warning signs used near slippery areas?
To alert individuals to potential hazards
To decorate the workspace
To replace lighting improvements
To eliminate the hazard
Warning signs provide an immediate visual cue to exercise caution in an area. They do not remove the hazard but draw attention so people can adjust behavior. Signage is an administrative control in the hierarchy.
What is the correct ergonomic technique for lifting a heavy object to prevent falls and back injuries?
Keep your back straight and bend at the knees
Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
Twist your torso while lifting
Lift with arms fully extended
Bending at the knees and keeping a straight back maintains load close to the body and reduces shear on the spine. Twisting or bending at the waist increases risk of injury and loss of balance. Proper lifting technique is a key training element.
In the hierarchy of controls, which measure is considered more effective than personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Administrative controls
Routine PPE inspections
Engineering controls
Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely, making it the most effective control. PPE is the least effective because it relies on correct use and does not address the hazard itself. The hierarchy prioritizes elimination over all other methods.
How should extension cords be managed in a work area to minimize trip hazards?
Coil them in footpaths
Run them under rugs
Place them across doorways
Secure them with proper covers or overhead support
Proper cable management such as cord covers or overhead routing prevents cords from lying in walkways. Under rugs can create uneven surfaces and hiding cords can damage insulation. Organized routing reduces trip risk.
What is the primary purpose of performing a risk assessment for slips, trips, and falls?
To assign blame after incidents
To increase production speed
To reduce employee breaks
To identify hazards and implement control measures
Risk assessments systematically identify potential hazards and help select appropriate controls. They are proactive tools to prevent incidents rather than punitive measures. Proper assessments improve overall safety culture.
Under which OSHA standard must general industry adhere to fall protection requirements?
29 CFR 1960
29 CFR 1926
29 CFR 1910
29 CFR 1904
OSHA's general industry fall protection requirements are outlined in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D. Part 1926 covers the construction industry specifically. Understanding the correct standard ensures compliance and proper application of controls.
A walking surface with a coefficient of friction below which value is generally considered to have a high risk of slipping?
0.4
0.2
0.6
0.8
A static coefficient of friction under 0.4 is often cited as a threshold for increased slip risk. Surfaces below this level provide insufficient resistance to foot movement. Proper testing and maintenance can help maintain safe levels above this benchmark.
What is the maximum allowed riser height for a staircase in most U.S. building codes to reduce trip hazards?
5 inches
7.75 inches
6 inches
9.5 inches
Building codes such as the International Residential Code limit stair risers to 7 3/4 inches to ensure consistent and safe steps. Taller risers can increase trip and fall risk. Regular inspections help ensure compliance.
If a shoe sole shows wear concentrated at the heel, what does this most likely indicate about a person's gait?
They are striking the ground first with the heel
They are rolling onto the toes prematurely
They are walking on the balls of their feet
They are applying lateral force
Wear at the heel often shows that the heel strikes the ground first during walking. This is a normal gait phase but can indicate excessive impact if wear is pronounced. Analyzing wear patterns helps in selecting proper footwear.
Approximately what percentage of workplace falls occur at the same level?
60%
40%
80%
20%
Studies commonly show that about 80% of falls in the workplace happen on the same level rather than from heights. Trip hazards, wet floors, and uneven surfaces are major contributors. This statistic highlights the importance of addressing floor-level hazards.
What is the minimum height requirement for guardrails to prevent falls from elevated surfaces?
30 inches
48 inches
36 inches
42 inches
OSHA requires guardrails on elevated surfaces to be at least 42 inches above the walking surface to prevent over-balance. This height helps to stop accidental falls over the edge of platforms and mezzanines. Compliance reduces fall-from-height incidents.
Guardrails are required to withstand a force of at least how many pounds applied within two inches of the top rail?
100 pounds
150 pounds
250 pounds
200 pounds
Guardrails must resist a downward or outward force of 200 pounds applied within two inches of the top rail. This ensures the guardrail remains intact if someone falls against it. Regular inspections verify structural integrity.
According to the British Pendulum Test (ASTM E303), a high slip resistance rating is indicated by a pendulum test value above which number?
35
25
45
55
The British Pendulum Tester yields a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Values above 55 BPN indicate a surface with excellent slip resistance. Lower values usually require attention or additional measures.
What is the frictional force (in newtons) if a person exerting a normal force of 500 N is walking on a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.3?
150 N
50 N
100 N
250 N
Frictional force is calculated by multiplying the normal force (500 N) by the coefficient of friction (0.3), yielding 150 N. This force must be overcome for slipping to occur. Understanding this helps in evaluating surface safety.
Per ADA and CPSC guidelines, what is the maximum slope ratio recommended for wheelchair-accessible ramps to minimize fall risk?
1:20
1:8
1:4
1:12
The ADA and CPSC recommend a maximum ramp slope of 1:12 (approximately 8.33%). Steeper slopes increase the risk of losing control and falling. Proper ramp design is critical for accessibility and safety.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Hazards -

    Recognize frequent slip, trip, and fall risks in both workplace and home settings to spot dangers before they cause accidents.

  2. Understand Environmental Factors -

    Comprehend how conditions like icy walkways, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces contribute to falls and learn when to take extra precautions.

  3. Apply Prevention Techniques -

    Use proper load handling, housekeeping, and walkway maintenance methods to minimize slip and trip incidents effectively.

  4. Evaluate Safety Practices -

    Critically assess existing safety measures and determine where improvements can be made to strengthen fall prevention protocols.

  5. Analyze Personal Awareness -

    Reflect on your own behaviors and routines to reinforce safety habits and maintain heightened vigilance against falls.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hazard Assessment & Recognition -

    Recognize potential slip, trip, and fall hazards before they cause incidents by performing regular safety scans. Use the SHARP mnemonic - Survey, Head-up, Assess, Remove, Prepare - to ensure every area is evaluated. According to OSHA, proactive hazard scanning can reduce workplace falls by up to 30%.

  2. Footwear & Traction Control -

    Slip-resistant shoes can cut accident risk in half; choose soles tested to ASTM F2913 standards for optimal grip. Check tread depth routinely and replace worn footwear to maintain traction on wet or oily surfaces.

  3. Housekeeping & Pathway Management -

    Regularly clear debris, cables, and spills from walkways - and use the "2-second scan" rule to quickly spot hazards before taking each step. Studies from the National Safety Council show that consistent housekeeping can reduce trip incidents by 25%.

  4. Proper Load Handling & Body Mechanics -

    Follow NIOSH lifting equation guidelines: keep loads close to your body, bend at the knees, and avoid twisting your spine. A handy mnemonic - "Hold Close, Bend Knees, Pivot Feet" - reinforces safer manual handling habits, while team lifts for heavy items align with OSHA's load recommendations.

  5. Environmental Controls & Signage -

    Ensure adequate lighting (at least 300 lux) in high-traffic zones and install anti-slip mats at building entrances. According to CDC research, clear, well-placed warning signs for wet floors can cut falls by 20%.

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