Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Slips, Trips, Falls, Ladders and Steps in Optical Practice.

Optical standards and workplace safety

• GOC - Standards for Optical Businesses
  Professional standards for optical businesses, including safe care, suitable systems, staff training and supervision, governance and the practice environment.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-for-optical-businesses.html

• HSE - Slips and trips in retail
  Retail-focused guidance relevant to high-street optical practice, covering entrances, public areas, cleaning, staff routes and customer safety.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/retail/slips-and-trips.htm

• HSE - Slips and trips
  Main HSE page on slip and trip prevention, summarising common causes and control measures.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/

Workers, cleaning and premises routes

• HSE - What workers can do to prevent slips and trips
  Practical actions for staff to keep routes clear, report hazards and reduce risk while working in public and back-of-house areas.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/workers.htm

• HSE - Cleaning and slips
  Guidance on cleaning techniques and schedules that reduce slip risk, and how to manage temporary wet-floor hazards.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/cleaning.htm

• HSE - Reducing risks on stairs
  Advice on stair and step safety, including lighting and contrast. Useful where practices have customer or staff stairs even if examples come from health and social care.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/slips/reducing-risks-stairs.htm

Work at height, ladders and reporting

• HSE - Work at height
  Primary guidance on planning work at height and avoiding unnecessary tasks at height.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/

• HSE - Safe use of ladders and stepladders
  Guidance on when ladders or stepladders are appropriate and how to use them safely.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/

• HSE - RIDDOR
  Requirements for reporting specified work-related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Formal reporting is normally handled by managers or other responsible persons.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/

First aid and Northern Ireland signposting

• NHS - Falls
  General NHS information on falls and their effects, with particular relevance for older adults.
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/

• NHS - After an accident
  Public first-aid guidance on steps to take after an accident, including when urgent medical help is required.
  https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/first-aid/after-an-accident/

• NHS - When to call 999
  Clear criteria for emergency situations that require calling 999.
  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/

• HSENI - Slips and trips
  Northern Ireland guidance on preventing slips and trips in the workplace.
  https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/slips-and-trips

• HSENI - Portable ladders and stepladders
  Northern Ireland guidance on the safe selection and use of portable ladders and stepladders.
  https://www.hseni.gov.uk/publications/portable-ladders-and-stepladders

Use these sources to reinforce practical prevention, safe low-level access, worker reporting and manager follow-up. Review near misses and minor incidents to prevent more serious injuries.