Five Practical Ways to Keep Your Classroom Safe from Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of accidents in schools, yet they are often overlooked in the busy reality of classroom life. With limited space, high pupil movement and constant transitions, classrooms can quickly become environments where small hazards lead to avoidable injuries.

Whether you are a class teacher, supply teacher, student teacher or support staff member, ensuring classroom safety is part of your everyday responsibility. Below are five practical tips to help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls and protect the children in your care.

1. Start with the Floor Space

The simplest way to improve classroom safety is to keep the floor clear. Bags, coats, books and learning resources left on the floor are one of the most common causes of trips in classrooms. Encourage pupils to store belongings in designated areas and build regular tidy-up moments into your routine, particularly at the start and end of lessons.

Clear walkways are especially important near doors and emergency exits, where pupils may move quickly or without full awareness of their surroundings.

2. Manage Cables and Wires Carefully

Modern classrooms rely heavily on technology, but trailing cables present a serious trip hazard. Projectors, laptops and interactive whiteboards should have cables secured and routed away from walkways wherever possible. If a cable cannot be moved immediately, the risk should be reported so it can be addressed properly.

Never assume that a cable “has always been there” means it is safe.

3. Be Extra Alert During High-Risk Moments

Certain times of the school day are more likely to lead to accidents. Lesson changeovers, wet breaktimes, practical lessons and classroom rearrangements all increase the risk of slips and trips. During these moments, pupils may move quickly, become distracted or carry equipment.

A quick visual check of the room before pupils enter or return can prevent incidents before they happen.

4. Set Clear Expectations for Pupils

Classroom safety is not just about physical space; it is also about behaviour. Clear expectations around moving calmly, pushing chairs in and keeping belongings tidy help reduce risk. Younger pupils, in particular, may need regular reminders and modelling of safe behaviour.

Creating a calm, organised classroom supports both learning and safety.

5. Act and Report Early

If you spot a hazard, deal with it immediately if it is safe to do so. If you cannot fix it yourself, report it promptly. Near misses are just as important to report as accidents, as they highlight risks before someone is injured.

Taking action early protects both pupils and staff.

Learn More with Our Classroom Safety Course

While these tips provide a strong starting point, understanding slips, trips and falls in the classroom requires a practical, focused approach. Our Classroom Safety: Slips, Trips, and Falls eLearning course is designed specifically for school staff and explores real-world classroom risks, responsibilities and preventative strategies.

If you want to improve child safety, reduce accidents and feel confident managing classroom hazards, this course provides the knowledge and practical guidance to support you.