Wet weather, ice, grease and oil are all well known causes of slips and falls. Slips can be very costly. The cost of slip, trip and fall accidents to UK businesses is estimated at £1bn per annum (Source: Health & Safety Executive). Costs are accrued through injury, compensation claims and absenteeism. Taking a proactive approach to controlling slips will not only make you a responsible employer, it will also save you money.
Areas which are typically susceptible to causing slip hazards are covered below. Non Slip Safety Mats are very often a fast and simple solution to these problems. We explain the types of Non Slip Safety Mats you should use under each area we have identified.
- Entrance areas
If the area outside of your building is wet, then this will be brought inside on the footwear of your visitors, as well as by wheelchairs, push chairs and trolleys. If this water accumulates on your hard floors, it will create a slip hazard. You need good quality entrance matting which will wipe footwear and remove any moisture as people walk over it.
Ensure you have the right size matting down. You need people to take enough steps on the matting in order for it to be effective. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends a minimum of 12-15 feet of matting.
- Kitchens
Grease accumulation and spillages of liquids and foods are a common occurrence in kitchens. The fast paced nature of a kitchen heightens the risk of slips. Combine this with sharp objects, hot appliances, foods and liquids and you have an environment susceptible to major accidents.
Steps you can put in place to control slips in kitchens include making sure pots and pans have lids fitted and counters have lips to contain any spillages. You should have a regular cleaning programme in place to keep the floor clean of liquids, grease and other debris.
Placing non slip safety mats in cooking, preparation and washing areas will also be a great way to stop slips. Use mats which are grease proof, otherwise the grease can break down a standard rubber mat very quickly. Some Non Slip Safety Mats designed for kitchens are anti microbial treated. This prevents bacteria forming on the mats, which is of obvious importance in the food industry.
See our Non Slip Safety Mats for Kitchens here
- Outdoor Ramps
Particularly hazardous when the weather is wet or icy, outdoor ramps can be treacherous. A non slip runner mat which runs the entire length of the ramp will provide the traction people need. You need a mat which will cope whatever the weather, so go for an all rubber mat. In icy conditions you may still need to use salt and grit to melt any ice forming on the mat surface. Salt can be corrosive, so choose a mat made from nitrile rubber which will not be damaged by salt over time. You may also need to consider purchasing a rail which will help elderly and disabled people to stabilise themselves.
See our blog on how to prevent slippery ramps and slopes on your premises here
- Wet areas
Changing rooms, swimming pools and washrooms often have water spillages which can cause a slip hazard. Due to the amount of water found in these areas, it may not be practical to use Non Slip Safety Mats which contain spillages. Instead, use Non Slip Safety Mats with drainage holes which allow the water to drain away from the surface of the mat and provide a non-slip surface to safely walk on.
See our section on mats for wet areas here
- Factories / Industrial locations
Chemicals, debris and oil are commonplace in industry and factory settings, which may be spilled onto the floor creating a hazard. You will most likely need Non Slip Safety Mats designed to contain spillages and provide traction. You can also use Non Slip Runners to cover large runs such as production lines, or modular tiled mats for larger areas or for areas around obstacles. Depending on the type of chemicals and oils used, you may need a mat which is resistant to these. Nitrile rubber mats tend to perform well in nearly all industrial situations.
Our mats for commercial and industrial locations can be found here
You may be aware of more areas where slips can occur in your business. Every business is unique and they come with their own set of problems to solve. If we haven't come up with a solution for a slip problem you have, then let us know. Non Slip Safety Mats are often a quick and easy solution. The initial outlay you spend on the mats is very little when compared to the potential cost of compensation claims and the loss of your staff though injury.
If you would like any further advice on the right mats for you, we'd be more than happy to help. You can call us on 0121 313 6748 or use the Live Chat button during standard UK office hours. Alternatively use the contact us link and send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
