Slip, Trip, and Fall Investigations: Preserving the Evidence That Matters
From a small elevation change to a changing coefficient of friction, fall investigations require disciplined documentation before the scene is altered.
A slip, trip, or fall investigation is most useful when it captures the condition as experienced—not merely as it appears after repairs, cleaning, weather, or routine use. Early documentation can preserve dimensions, surface transitions, debris, and visibility conditions that may otherwise be lost.
Measure the path of travel
Investigators commonly document vertical and horizontal changes, nosing and edge conditions, surface texture, slope, drainage, illumination, and the relationship between the defect and surrounding features. A scale drawing and calibrated photographs make those observations easier to test and explain.
Use testing thoughtfully
Surface-friction or slip-resistance testing is meaningful only when the instrument, calibration, footwear or test media, moisture, cleaning state, and test locations are recorded. The report should explain what the results can and cannot establish rather than treating one number as a complete reconstruction.