Slips, Trips and Falls: The Silent Majority of Workplace Injuries
The Ministry of Manpower’s latest Workplace Safety and Health Report (Jan–Jun 2025) offers a mixed bag of insights. While Singapore has made good progress, with Type A (higher fatality risk) incidents down by 3.3% and Type B (lower fatality risk) incidents down by 7.9%, one hazard continues to quietly dominate the injury landscape: Slips, Trips and Falls (STF).
STF incidents accounted for a significant portion of both major and minor injuries in the first half of 2025:
Top cause of major injuries across all sectors
One of the top three causes of minor injuries, alongside machinery incidents and struck by moving objects
51% of minor injuries (5,149 out of 10,112) stemmed from these three causes
Industries like healthcare, hospitality, and social services reported the highest STF rates. However, this may reflect better reporting rather than actual occurrence. In sectors like construction or manufacturing, under-reporting could mask the true scale of the issue.
STF incidents are often dismissed as clumsy moments — a misstep, a slippery floor, a loose cable. In low-risk environments, the consequences may be minor. But in high-risk settings, the same lapse can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.
The real challenge? Safety cultural awareness and under-reporting. Many workers don’t see STF as a serious hazard unless it results in injury. Near-misses go unreported, and opportunities to improve safety are lost.
So, what’s the plan?
Raise awareness: Make STF a visible part of safety conversations, not just a footnote.
Encourage near-miss reporting: Every slip or trip — even without injury — is a learning opportunity.
Improve housekeeping: Especially in high-risk environments, small changes can prevent big accidents.
Shift the mindset: Safety isn’t just about avoiding fatalities. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels responsible for each other’s well-being.
