We’ve outlined tips for preventing slips, trips, and falls; they may not be the only solutions available for your company, but are a great place to start.
Surface Design
Always select the proper flooring for the application.
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on cleaning and floor maintenance.
When flooring stairs, always select non-slip flooring, but also be aware of over padded carpet.
Ensure proper lighting in all walkways. Shadows and dark spots should be avoided.
Install proper handrails on all stairways.
Surface Conditions
Liquids on floor/ground
Identify the source of any liquids on the floor and repair the issue.
Repair any leaky drains, pipes, or fixtures.
Direct downspouts to keep water run-off away from the walkway.
Use grating where necessary to catch water or snow.
Adjust fountains and other sources of spray.
Use grating where necessary to catch water or snow.
Have cleaning supplies handy where spills are likely to occur.
Use walk-off mats at entryways. Ensure they are the proper material and length for the number of people who may use them. Check out page 9 of our Guide to Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls for more information on proper mat set up.
When mopping hallways, keep one side dry at all times.
When mopping a room, always work toward the door, to reduce walking on the wet surface.
Use warning devices where necessary.
Upgrade to a mopping system from the bucket and mop.
Use air filtration systems in environments with grease or oil that may become airborne.
Treat slick concrete floors with a non-slick coating if in environments that are wet, or in areas where wet shoes are possible.
Treat slick floors with a non-slip surface.
Replace or repair any broken, torn, or worn flooring.
Ensure “traction devices” installed in your walkway are appropriate and only as large as necessary.
Ensure water doesn’t accumulate on walkways.
Plow snow so that it does not melt back to the walkway or parking areas.
Place anti-slip matting or grating in areas where water is expected, such as in dish washing areas.
Repair any leaky equipment, including hydraulic equipment, ice machines, powered industrial equipment, etc.
Maintain freezers and coolers so they operate at peak performance. Air leaks cause condensation, which then freezes on the floor causing slick spots.
Other materials on floor / ground
Don’t run cords or air hoses across walkways. Use overhead systems where available.
Keep leaves swept up and off walkways.
Use snow removal methods to remove snow and ice on walkways and driveways before employees arrive.
Eliminate sources of dust.
Evaluate processes to ensure dust and debris is captured rather than end up on the floor.
Surface and Level Changes
Ensure stairs are constructed with the same rise/run ratio.
Grind raises in walkway surfaces to ensure level surfaces.
Fill gaps larger than 1 inch.
Repair broken concrete or asphalt.
Repair potholes in parking areas.
Minimize flooring changes. Use thresholds where flooring changes are necessary.
Install proper handrails on all stairs.
Paint or mark the edges of stairs and other level changes.
Ensure all flooring in walkways is even.
Ensure mats are appropriate and not rolled.
Obstructions
Keep landscaping off walkways and from protruding into walkways.
Keep file drawers out of walkways.
Arrange cabinets so open drawers don’t protrude into the walkway.
Design sidewalks and walkways to reduce bends, turns, and obstacles. Don’t place trees or planters into walkways.
Keep extension cords and hoses off walkways. Install overhead systems where possible.
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Ensure parking bumpers don’t stick out into the walkways.
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Paint parking bumpers and speed bumps with bright colors.
Set bike racks so bikes do not impede walkway.
Use grating where necessary to catch water or snow.
Human Factors
Require that slip resistant, appropriate footwear is worn by all employees.
Require that employees who see a spill, regardless of who made it, to clean it.
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Teach employees about three point contact.
Train employees on how to walk across slick surfaces.
Educate employees on the proper floor care procedures. See page 10 of our Guide to Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls for more details on floor cleaners.
This library resource is located in the following industry type(s): Accident Prevention/Investigation