How Safe Are Your Walkways? A Guide to Access Route Risk Assessment

When we walk into our workplace every morning, most of us don’t really pay attention to the paths we use — the walkways, hallways, staircases, ramps, or access routes leading to different workstations. But here’s the thing: even the most ordinary walkway can become a serious hazard if not assessed properly. Slips, trips, and falls often happen due to overlooked risks in access routes. This is why access route risk assessment isn’t just a checklist; it’s an essential part of keeping your workplace safe and operational.

Understanding the Basics of Access Route Risk Assessment

Access route risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks associated with walkways or paths used regularly by workers, visitors, and even contractors. Whether it’s a factory floor, an office corridor, a warehouse aisle, or a construction ramp, these routes must remain safe and hazard-free.

Just think about it: if a delivery person slips on a wet floor because there was no signage or a staff member twists an ankle on a cracked surface, not only are they hurt — your business might face serious consequences, from compensation claims to lost productivity.

Read more: Learn how a NEBOSH course in Pakistan can help you build your expertise in workplace hazard management.

Why Walkways Deserve More Attention Than They Get

Many organizations assume that walkways are inherently safe. After all, they’re just floors, right? But that’s where problems start. The reality is that walkways can easily become high-risk zones if not maintained or managed well. In one workplace incident, an employee tripped over an uneven carpet tile while rushing to a meeting. It resulted in a broken wrist and three weeks off work — all because of a minor but overlooked hazard.

Let’s break down some of the reasons why walkways need special attention:

• High foot traffic increases wear and tear

• Temporary obstructions like tools or boxes can be left lying around

• Wet or oily surfaces become slippery hazards

• Poor lighting hides potential dangers

• Unclear signage causes confusion or misdirection

Step-by-Step Guide to Access Route Risk Assessment

Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow guide that will help you carry out an effective access route risk assessment in your workplace:

Step 1: Identify All Access Routes

Start by listing all paths used regularly by employees, clients, contractors, and suppliers. This includes internal walkways, emergency exits, stairs, loading docks, and external routes like parking lots.

Step 2: Observe Real-Time Usage

Walk through these routes during different times of the day. Notice how people use the space. Are they rushing? Is there crowding? Do people avoid certain areas?

Anecdote: A safety officer once noticed that employees were avoiding a ramp and taking a longer path. Upon closer inspection, the ramp was too steep and had poor grip. Something that looked fine on paper turned out to be dangerous in practice.

Step 3: Identify Hazards

Look for things like:

• Wet or oily surfaces

• Loose tiles or floor mats

• Poorly lit areas

• Unmarked steps or ramps

• Temporary items blocking the path

• Inadequate signage

Step 4: Evaluate the Risks

Not all hazards are equal. A tiny crack might be harmless now but dangerous when combined with spilled water. Consider:

• The likelihood of someone getting hurt

• The severity of potential injury

• Who might be affected (elderly, disabled, new workers)

Step 5: Implement Controls

Once hazards are identified and evaluated, it’s time to take action. This may include:

• Repairing flooring or lighting

• Placing warning signs

• Installing anti-slip mats

• Keeping walkways clear of clutter

• Introducing one-way walking systems in high-traffic areas

Step 6: Train and Inform Staff

Awareness is key. Train employees on the importance of keeping access routes clear and reporting hazards. A well-informed team is your best defense.

Step 7: Review Regularly

Workplaces evolve. Maybe a new machine was installed, changing the walking flow. Set regular review dates for your access route risk assessment and update safety measures as needed.

Types of Hazards Found on Walkways

Understanding the types of hazards helps you prevent them:

1. Physical Hazards

These include broken floors, exposed wires, loose mats, or objects left on the floor.

2. Environmental Hazards

These involve rainwater near entrances, snow, fog, or oily residues from nearby machinery.

3. Human Behavior Hazards

Running in hallways, using phones while walking, or ignoring signage are risky behaviors.

Common Mistakes in Access Route Safety

Even well-meaning organizations can make mistakes. Some of the most common include:

• Assuming all employees will report a hazard

• Ignoring outdoor access routes

• Not acting on complaints

• Failing to reassess after layout changes

• Relying only on annual checks

How Safe Are Your Walkways Really?

If you're unsure, conduct a quick inspection today. Better yet, assign a small safety team to walk the main routes and note down any concerns. It's not just about compliance — it's about creating a safer environment for everyone.

The Role of Safety Officers and Professional Training

A qualified safety officer plays a major role in identifying and addressing such hazards. And to get there, they often rely on strong, accredited education. One such trusted option is the NEBOSH course in Pakistan which gives professionals hands-on understanding and real-world strategies to manage such everyday risks effectively.

Thinking Long-Term: Prevention Over Cure

Investing in walkways safety might seem simple — maybe even unnecessary to some — until an accident happens. Preventing hazards is always cheaper than dealing with the aftermath. From legal costs to damaged reputation, workplace injuries cost much more than a risk assessment ever will.

Read more: Understand how the NEBOSH course fee in Pakistan can be a small price for long-term workplace safety.

Final Thoughts: Walk the Walk with Safety in Mind

Access route risk assessments aren’t just for safety audits — they are for real people who walk those paths every day. By following this guide, you can make sure your walkways are not only compliant but truly safe.

Whether you're a safety manager, a business owner, or an HR professional, don’t wait for an accident to take action. Start today, and lead by example. Safe walkways are not just the mark of a responsible workplace — they’re a sign of respect for the people who keep it running.