What safety measure is most effective for reducing slips and falls in firefighting?

Wearing slip-resistant footwear is the most effective safety measure for reducing slips and falls in firefighting. This type of footwear is specifically designed to provide better traction on various surfaces, which is crucial in environments that may be wet, oily, or uneven. In firefighting scenarios, where conditions can change rapidly and hazards can be present, having footwear that grips the ground effectively can significantly enhance a firefighter's stability and mobility, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

While other measures like wearing standard boots, using caution signs, and maintaining clear walkways also contribute to safety, they do not offer the same level of immediate protection in terms of foot traction and stability. Standard boots may lack the specialized grip needed for certain situations, caution signs are passive warnings that do not directly prevent slips, and clear walkways help to minimize tripping hazards but do not address the slipping that can occur on surfaces themselves. Therefore, wearing slip-resistant footwear directly addresses the risk of slips and falls, making it the most effective measure in a firefighting context.