SLP/Specific/TBT-SLP-009

Uneven Ground and Rutted Areas

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Uneven Ground and Rutted Areas

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-SLP-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Uneven ground and deep ruts across construction sites cause twisted ankles, knee injuries, and falls.
  • Plant traffic creates ruts in soft ground that harden into trip hazards when the ground dries out.
  • Walking across rutted ground while carrying tools or materials significantly increases the risk of falling.
  • Ankle injuries from stepping into hidden ruts are one of the most frequently reported site injuries.
  • Poor lighting makes uneven ground more dangerous during early morning, evening, and winter shifts.
  • Standing water in ruts conceals their depth, and workers step into deeper holes than expected.
  • Maintaining haul roads and pedestrian routes in good condition prevents the worst rutting problems.
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require traffic routes to be suitable and maintained.
  • Regular grading, filling, and maintenance of walking surfaces reduces the trip and fall risk.
  • Ankle-support safety boots provide better protection on rough terrain than low-cut safety shoes.

Why?

Ankle and knee injuriesStepping into ruts and holes causes twisted ankles, torn ligaments, and knee damage resulting in weeks off work.
Fall injuriesTripping on uneven ground while carrying loads causes falls that break wrists, arms, and collarbones.
Legal dutyThe Workplace Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain walking surfaces in a condition that is safe for use.
Do Don't
  • Fill and grade rutted areas on pedestrian routes and haul roads regularly.
  • Wear ankle-support safety boots when walking on rough or uneven ground.
  • Watch where you step and choose the safest route across uneven areas.
  • Report badly rutted areas and deep holes to the site management for repair.
  • Provide adequate lighting on pedestrian routes during dark or overcast conditions.
  • Use designated pedestrian walkways rather than cutting across rough ground.
  • Carry tools and materials in a way that keeps your hands free for balance.
  • Drain standing water from ruts to reveal the true ground surface profile.
  • Inspect pedestrian routes daily and after heavy rain for new hazards.
  • Mark deep ruts and holes with hazard tape until they can be filled.
  • DON'T walk across deeply rutted ground when a maintained route is available.
  • DON'T ignore ruts and holes on pedestrian routes; report them for repair.
  • DON'T carry loads that prevent you seeing the ground surface ahead of you.
  • DON'T step into standing water in ruts without knowing the depth below.
  • DON'T run across uneven ground, even when under time pressure.
  • DON'T allow haul roads and walkways to deteriorate without regular maintenance.
  • DON'T use low-cut shoes on rough terrain; wear ankle-support safety boots.
  • DON'T walk across the site in darkness without a torch on unlit routes.
  • DON'T assume dried ruts are stable; they may crumble under your weight.
  • DON'T skip route inspections after heavy rain; new ruts form quickly.

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