SLP/Specific/TBT-SLP-006

Oil and Grease on Walking Surfaces

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Oil and Grease on Walking Surfaces

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-SLP-006  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Oil and grease contamination on walking surfaces is a major cause of slip injuries on construction sites.
  • Sources include hydraulic fluid leaks, diesel spills, lubricant drips, and food grease from welfare areas.
  • Even small amounts of oil create near-zero friction on concrete, steel, and scaffold board surfaces.
  • The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 require walking surfaces to be kept clean and safe.
  • Plant and machinery are the most common source of hydraulic oil leaks on construction sites.
  • Drip trays must be placed under parked plant and equipment that has known or suspected fluid leaks.
  • Absorbent granules, spill pads, and proprietary cleaners are used to treat oil contamination on surfaces.
  • Slip-resistant footwear with SRC-rated soles provides better grip on contaminated surfaces.
  • Oil on scaffold boards, stairways, and ramps is particularly dangerous due to the height element.
  • Immediate clean-up of any oil or grease spill is the responsibility of the person who caused it.

Why?

Slip injuriesOil on walking surfaces causes falls that break bones and cause head injuries.
Height riskOil on scaffolds, stairs, and ramps adds fall from height danger to the slip risk.
Legal dutyWorkplace regulations require floors and surfaces to be maintained free from slippery substances.
Widespread sourceConstruction plant leaks hydraulic oil constantly — proactive management is essential.
Do Don't
  • Clean up any oil or grease spill immediately using absorbent granules or spill pads.
  • Place drip trays under plant and equipment with known or suspected fluid leaks.
  • Report hydraulic oil leaks on plant to the supervisor for immediate repair.
  • Wear SRC-rated slip-resistant footwear for the best grip on contaminated surfaces.
  • Barricade and sign any area contaminated with oil until it is fully cleaned.
  • Inspect walking surfaces, scaffolds, and ramps for oil contamination daily.
  • Keep spill kits accessible near plant parking areas and refuelling points.
  • Clean scaffold boards and stairways if oil contamination is found during inspection.
  • Include oil and grease management in the site housekeeping standards.
  • Dispose of used absorbent materials as contaminated waste, not general waste.
  • DON'T walk through oil spills — go around them or clean them up first.
  • DON'T leave oil or grease spills for someone else to deal with.
  • DON'T park leaking plant over walkways, scaffold bases, or access routes.
  • DON'T use water alone to clean oil spills — it spreads the contamination.
  • DON'T ignore drip marks or shiny patches on walking surfaces — investigate.
  • DON'T store oils and lubricants where they can be knocked over onto walkways.
  • DON'T climb ladders or scaffolds with oil on your boot soles.
  • DON'T allow food grease from welfare areas to contaminate adjacent walkways.
  • DON'T dispose of used absorbent granules in general waste skips.
  • DON'T treat oil contamination as a minor issue — it causes serious injuries.

See also: Slips, Trips and Falls Awareness | Good Housekeeping Standards
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