A trip hazard can be many things and there is no specific example that I know of that can be referenced as a definitive answer A flat surface can be a trip hazard in certain circumstances whereas a large tree root is not a trip hazard in other circumstances get some clarity

As can be gathered by the above responses people have differing perception of risk and especially so where trip hazards are concerned. I advise you speak to the client and ask what exactly is his perception. At the end of the project before you leave the premises ask again to ensure you have followed the client's instructions according to his perception.

My mum used to have saying along the lines of tripping over a straw and a hen kicking you. I think it was a reference to accident prone people

Just like to endorse the point about slip-resistant surfaces. At one of my former employers' care homes we had a very slip-resistant finish applied to all the common corridors, and I nearly came to grief on a number of occasions. What was especially difficult was that the floor wasn't entirely level, so gauging the point at which my feet would come into contact with the floor was quite hard. Whatever HSE guidance says tripping hazards don't need to be 10, or in fact any number of mm, John

A tripping hazard can be in two phases, a permanant hazard and a temporary hazard. A temp hazard such as a trailing cable should also be controlled and prevented (that is not 10mm high either) so it is a case of not how high something must be before it can become a tripping hazard but what is the potential for someone to trip over it. That is why the HSE has only made suggestions not set out a specific hight.

DP just got his comment before me....! From the perspective of civil liability claims the exact height of the trip hazard is often not the key issue. The proof revolves around negiligence not the height of the trip hazard. So, considering some plausible scenarios: a) A small i.e. low trip hazard that has been present in a much travelled location which has not been subject to regular and routine inspection could amount to negiligence. b) On a rarely used pathway that is part of a regular inspection programme (which can be proven to have been taking place) even a trip hazard of some size could well be regarded a situation that is not evidence of negiligence on the part of duty holder e.g. landowner, property owner. c) In a workplace scenario a trip hazard that has been reported and/or which occurs routinely e.g. during a particular work activity (and is not addressed) will almost certianly be regarded as evidence of negiligence. Hope this helps. Phil

Jon Local authorities have varying intervention levels for street repairs. Typically 25 or 40mm.