Which of the following is a common cause of slips?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Training gaps
• C. Good lighting
• D. Clear instructions

Answer: (A)

Slips happen when footing is lost due to a sudden misstep or reduced traction, and fatigue is the most direct and common driver of that failure. When someone is fatigued, alertness drops, reaction time slows, and balance and coordination suffer. This makes it harder to place feet accurately, respond quickly to a slippery patch, or correct an unstable stance, so even small hazards can lead to a slip. Fatigue also undermines judgment about whether to proceed or take a pause, increasing the likelihood of continuing into a risky moment.

Good lighting helps you see the ground and potential hazards, so it reduces slip risk rather than being a frequent cause by itself. Training gaps can contribute to slips by leaving people unaware of proper steps or precautions, but fatigue directly degrades the neuromotor control and attention that prevent slips across many situations.