• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Ensure parking bumpers don’t stick out into the walkways.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.