Safety Mats Stop Slips: A Simple Yet Effective Solution
Slips and falls are among the most common workplace and public space accidents, often leading to serious injuries, compensation claims, and financial burdens for businesses. Wet weather, ice, grease, and oil are well-known causes of slip hazards, making proactive safety measures essential. According to the Health & Safety Executive, the cost of slip, trip, and fall accidents to UK businesses is estimated at £1bn per annum. These costs arise from medical expenses, legal claims, lost productivity, and absenteeism. Taking a proactive approach to controlling slips will not only make you a responsible employer but will also save you money in the long run.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of slips is by using non-slip safety mats. These mats provide an immediate and practical solution for high-risk areas by enhancing traction and absorbing moisture. In this guide, we will explore different areas susceptible to slips and the best types of non-slip safety mats to use in each setting.
Entrance Areas: The First Line of Defence
The entrance to a building is one of the most crucial areas to address when preventing slips and falls. When it is wet outside, water is inevitably brought indoors on footwear, wheelchairs, pushchairs, and trolleys. Without the right matting in place, this moisture accumulates on hard floors, creating hazardous conditions.
To effectively mitigate this risk, high-quality entrance matting is essential. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends using a minimum of 12-15 feet of entrance matting to ensure sufficient moisture absorption. A combination of scraper mats outside the entrance and absorbent mats inside will help remove dirt and water before it spreads across the floor.
Recommended Safety Mats:
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Heavy-duty entrance mats that absorb moisture and trap dirt
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Rubber-backed mats to prevent shifting
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Modular matting systems for large entryways
Kitchens: Reducing Slip Risks in Fast-Paced Environments
Commercial and industrial kitchens are highly prone to slip hazards due to frequent spillages of liquids, oils, and grease. The fast-paced nature of kitchens further increases the risk, as workers are often moving quickly and carrying hot or heavy items.
Implementing a structured cleaning programme is key to maintaining a safe kitchen environment. Additionally, the use of non-slip safety mats in cooking, preparation, and washing areas is a highly effective measure. It is important to choose grease-proof mats, as standard rubber mats can degrade quickly when exposed to oils and fats. Some safety mats also come with antimicrobial treatments to prevent bacteria growth, which is crucial in food preparation areas.
Recommended Safety Mats:
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Grease-resistant mats with drainage holes
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Antimicrobial-treated mats for hygiene
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Heavy-duty rubber kitchen mats for durability
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See our Non Slip Safety Mats for Kitchens here
Outdoor Ramps: Ensuring Stability in All Weather Conditions
Outdoor ramps pose a significant slip hazard, especially during wet or icy conditions. Without proper traction, these ramps can become treacherous for pedestrians, particularly for elderly individuals and those with mobility impairments.
Installing a non-slip runner mat along the entire length of the ramp will provide essential traction. It is crucial to choose a mat that is durable and weather-resistant. Nitrile rubber mats are particularly effective, as they withstand exposure to salt and grit, which are commonly used for de-icing.
Recommended Safety Mats:
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Rubber runner mats for traction
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Weather-resistant mats that endure extreme conditions
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Textured mats for added grip
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See our blog on how to prevent slippery ramps and slopes on your premises here
Wet Areas: Keeping Changing Rooms and Pools Safe
Changing rooms, swimming pools, and washrooms are environments that frequently experience water spillages, making slip hazards unavoidable. Unlike entrance areas, where moisture-absorbing mats are effective, wet areas require mats that facilitate drainage to keep walking surfaces dry and safe.
Non-slip safety mats designed for wet areas typically have drainage holes that allow water to flow through, preventing puddles from forming on the surface. These mats provide a slip-resistant surface, making them ideal for areas where people walk barefoot.
Recommended Safety Mats:
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Drainage mats with perforations to allow water to pass through
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Slip-resistant mats for high-moisture areas
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Interlocking modular mats for customisable coverage
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See our section on mats for wet areas here
Factories and Industrial Locations: Managing Chemical and Oil Spills
Factories, warehouses, and industrial sites often encounter hazardous spills, including chemicals, oil, and debris. Such substances create highly dangerous slip risks if not managed properly. Safety mats designed for industrial settings help contain spillages while offering a stable, high-traction surface for workers.
For large areas, non-slip runner mats or modular tiled mats are ideal solutions. It is also essential to choose mats that are resistant to chemicals and oils to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Nitrile rubber mats are highly recommended due to their durability and resistance to various industrial substances.
Recommended Safety Mats:
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Oil-resistant nitrile rubber mats for industrial settings
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Non-slip runner mats for production lines
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Interlocking mat systems for flexible coverage
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Our mats for commercial and industrial locations can be found here
Other Areas Prone to Slips
While the areas mentioned above are some of the most common slip-prone locations, every business has unique risks. From office corridors to public restrooms, there are many places where safety mats can play a vital role in preventing accidents. Conducting a thorough risk assessment of your premises can help identify additional areas that may benefit from non-slip matting solutions.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Safety Mats to Stop Slips
Slips and falls are not just minor inconveniences; they can lead to serious injuries, costly legal claims, and significant financial losses for businesses. By investing in non-slip safety mats, you can protect employees, visitors, and customers while creating a safer environment.
Whether you need entrance matting to absorb moisture, grease-resistant kitchen mats, outdoor ramp runners, or industrial-grade safety mats, Mats4U offers a wide range of high-quality solutions. Explore our collection of Non-Slip Mats to find the right mat for your needs.
For further advice, our team is always here to help. Contact us on 0121 313 6748 during UK office hours, use our Live Chat feature, or send us a message via our website. Let’s work together to make your premises safer and prevent unnecessary slips and falls!
