Safe Walking Practices (Scanning Ahead, Avoiding Distractions)
Slips, trips and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace accidents in the UK, with HSE data showing they account for over 30% of all reported injuries. For security officers, who spend most of their shift walking and patrolling, the risk is greater.
UK guidance from the HSE, expectations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and professional standards from the SIA, BSI and NSI all expect officers to act responsibly and take care of themselves and others. Walking safely is not just common sense — it is part of compliance, professionalism, and accident prevention.
Scanning Ahead
Scanning ahead means looking 2–3 steps in front of you rather than just watching your feet. This proactive awareness allows you to spot hazards before you step into them.
What to look for:
Wet floors, loose mats, trailing cables, or uneven ground.
Poor lighting or glare that may hide hazards.
Obstructions such as boxes, bags, or deliveries left in walkways.
Tip: Train yourself to sweep the area with your eyes as you walk, much like a driver scans the road.
Example: Officer Priya scans ahead while patrolling a warehouse. She notices a damaged floor tile just before entering a busy walkway. She quickly diverts staff around it and reports it for repair — preventing a possible accident.
Avoiding Distractions
Distractions reduce your ability to notice hazards. Phones, radios, or even casual conversations can make you miss what’s under your feet.
Common distractions to avoid:
Reading or replying to texts while walking.
Carrying bulky items that block your view.
Engaging in long chats while patrolling.
Wearing headphones (unprofessional and unsafe).
Example: Officer Tom checks his messages while walking across the lobby. He doesn’t see the cleaning team mopping near the entrance and slips, spraining his ankle. Had he avoided the distraction, the incident could have been prevented.
Tip: Make it a habit — if you need to check a message or answer a call, stop, step aside, and stand still before using your device.
Adjusting to Your Environment
Safe walking also means adapting your pace and attention to where you are.
Busy areas: Slow down, scan wider, expect unexpected obstacles.
Stairs and ramps: Use handrails and keep one hand free.
Outdoor patrols: Be alert for wet leaves, ice, or uneven surfaces.
Low light conditions: Carry a torch if needed; never assume the path is clear.
Tip: Think of each environment as having its own “rules of the road.” Adjust your behaviour to match the risk level.
What Happens If You Don’t Walk Safely?
For you: A simple slip or trip could mean sprains, fractures, or weeks off work. If it’s shown you ignored basic safety, you could also face disciplinary action or even risk your SIA licence.
For the business: One careless step can lead to compensation claims, legal costs, fines, and damage to reputation. Visitors and staff quickly lose confidence if security staff are seen injured or careless.
For compliance: Failing to follow safe walking practices may count as not meeting your duty under UK workplace health and safety law, putting both you and your employer under scrutiny.
Bottom line: Poor walking habits don’t just trip you up — they can cost your career, your employer’s reputation, and the safety of those around you.
Spot the Difference
| Situation | Poor Practice | Good Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Entering a busy corridor | Looking down at phone, nearly collides with a visitor | Phone away, scanning ahead, makes eye contact and walks safely past |
| Approaching a wet floor | Walks straight across, ignoring warning signs | Notices cone, takes alternate safe route, radios cleaning team if signage missing |
| Patrolling stairs | Carrying coffee in both hands, rushing down | One hand on rail, steady pace, focused on steps |
Scenario for Practice
It’s Saturday afternoon — the shopping centre is packed, noise levels are high, and you’re midway through your patrol. Suddenly, a group of teenagers sprint across your path, weaving between shoppers. Just a few steps ahead, a cleaner is mopping the floor but has forgotten to put out any warning cones.
You now have two hazards at once: unpredictable movement from the teenagers, and a slippery surface that no one else has been warned about.
Put yourself in this situation:
Staying safe: What immediate steps would you take to avoid being caught out by either hazard?
Protecting others: How could you quickly reduce the risk to visitors who may not notice the wet floor or the running group?
Taking action: Once the situation is under control, how would you report the cleaner’s mistake and record the incident so it’s not repeated?
Think: This isn’t just about avoiding a fall yourself — it’s about showing leadership, protecting the public, and keeping the site compliant.
Walk Smart, Stay Safe
Safe walking isn’t just common sense — it’s part of your professional toolkit. Every shift, every patrol, every step is an opportunity to show awareness and responsibility. By scanning ahead and cutting out distractions, you’re not only protecting yourself but also keeping the public safe and maintaining your employer’s reputation.
Think of it this way: one safe step prevents one big accident.
Stay alert. Stay focused. Walk with purpose.
Because your steady, confident steps are what keep the workplace safe and secure.
