Preventing Slips & Trips in Care Homes: Lessons from 'Sliptember'
What Is Sliptember?
Sliptember is a UK-wide awareness campaign dedicated to reducing slips, trips, and falls—one of the most common causes of injury in care settings. Launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and supported by care industry partners, it runs throughout September to highlight practical ways care providers can prevent accidents before winter hazards intensify.
The campaign’s goal is to help care homes recognise risks early, encourage regular inspections, and promote staff awareness. It reminds us that preventing slips and trips isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting people and maintaining the highest standards of care.
At Care Express, we share Sliptember’s mission: to keep residents and staff safe through proactive maintenance, awareness, and practical solutions.
Why Slip & Trip Prevention Matters
1. Seasonal hazards increase risk — Autumn brings wet weather, fallen leaves, and darker evenings—all of which can make walkways and indoor flooring more dangerous. For care home residents with mobility challenges, these hazards can quickly lead to serious injuries.
2. The financial and human cost — According to HSE data, slips and trips account for more than one-third of all workplace injuries in the UK. The estimated cost to employers exceeds £500 million annually, while the NHS spends over £800 million treating fall-related injuries every year.
3. Vulnerability in care environments — Care homes are high-movement spaces with frequent foot traffic and varied flooring. Proactive maintenance and risk awareness are essential to prevent harm and reassure residents’ families.
Best Practices from the Sliptember Campaign
Sliptember promotes the easy-to-remember CHIMES framework for preventing slips and trips in care homes:
C — Clear surfaces promptly: Keep floors free from wet spots, clutter, and debris.
H — Highlight changes in level: Mark steps or slopes using contrasting colours and warning signs.
I — Inspect regularly: Conduct daily safety checks to identify potential hazards early.
M — Maintain surfaces: Repair damaged flooring, loose carpets, or uneven tiles promptly.
E — Ensure good lighting: Use bright, well-placed lights in corridors, entrances, and outdoor paths.
S — Supply anti-slip materials: Prepare in advance with grit, mats, and non-slip coatings.
By implementing CHIMES, care homes can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and maintain a safer environment year-round.
The Care Express Perspective
At Care Express, we view campaigns like Sliptember as vital reminders that care is about more than comfort—it’s about safety and dignity.
Why we’re sharing this: We aim to help care providers stay informed about best practices that protect residents and staff. Raising awareness about seasonal safety challenges shows that Care Express is engaged, informed, and proactive in supporting the care community.
Our role in the solution:
- We help source non-slip flooring, safety signage, and matting tailored to care settings.
- We support seasonal risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
- We offer training resources to build a strong safety culture among care teams.
Our goal is to make it easier for care homes to turn awareness into lasting prevention.
Taking Action: Safer Care Homes All Year Round
1. Audit your environment: Review all indoor and outdoor walkways for potential risks.
2. Implement CHIMES consistently: Assign responsibility for regular inspections and follow-ups.
3. Engage your team: Encourage reporting of hazards and foster a proactive safety mindset.
4. Plan ahead for weather: Stock anti-slip products and prepare for seasonal changes early.
5. Partner with Care Express: Let us help you with practical safety solutions and tailored advice.
Conclusion
Slip and trip accidents are avoidable with the right awareness and preparation. The Sliptember campaign is a timely reminder that small steps—like inspections, good lighting, and staff training—make a big difference.
At Care Express, we’re proud to share this message and play our part in helping care homes across the UK maintain safer, more confident environments for residents and staff alike.
References
1. The Carer UK. (2025). Sliptember: How Slips and Trips in Care Homes Can Be Avoided. Retrieved from https://thecareruk.com/sliptember-how-slips-and-trips-in-care-homes-can-be-avoided/
2. Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (2024). Slips and Trips at Work: Costs, Causes, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/
3. NHS England. (2023). Falls Prevention and Management in Care Settings. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/falls/
