Slips and trips are a huge safety hazard. They’re one of the leading causes of accidental injury. A major contributor to these accidents is when floors are unclean or have liquid spills. Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents are costly in terms of medical bills and workers’ compensation claims and can also lead to lawsuits. That’s why having a clean, safe workplace is so important.
Some of these injuries can be very serious, even fatal.Slip injury accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that occur in the home. They can happen to anyone anytime and often result in serious injuries. Slip injury accidents are usually caused by a wet or oily substance on the floor that causes the victim to lose their footing and fall. Sometimes, slipped injury accidents can also be caused by loose rugs or mats that are not properly secured.
When we walk on any surface, our shoes transfer oil and dirt from the soles of our shoes to the surface we are walking on. This leaves a film of oil and dirt on the floor that can make it slippery. If you spill any liquid on a floor, it can also make the floor slick and dangerous.
What Is A Trip-And-Fall Accident?
An accident occurs when someone trips on an object in their path and falls. This type of accident can occur anywhere, but they are especially common in places with a lot of foot traffic, such as sidewalks, parking lots, and store aisles. Trip-and-fall accidents can be caused by various things, including cracked sidewalks, loose carpeting, clutter, and poor lighting. They can also be caused by someone else’s carelessness, such as spilled liquid or an object left in the middle of a walkway.
For example, if you are walking through a store with a spilled liquid on the floor that has not been cleaned up, and you slip and fall, the store may be liable for your injuries. A walkway should be free of obstacles and debris and should be well-lit so that people can see where they are going.
What Are Slip-And-Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall accident happens when someone falls to the ground because of an uneven or slippery surface. It can result in minor injuries like bruises and cuts or more serious injuries like broken bones and head injuries. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of emergency room visits for people over 65. They are also a major cause of worker’s compensation claims. One of the solutions is to perform a slip test
The risk of slipping is greater in an area with water or another liquid on the floor. The risk is also greater if the floor is made of a material that does not have good traction, such as tile or marble. Sometimes, a person may slip and fall because of an object left in the middle of a walkway.
For example, Soap, water, and other cleaning liquids can make the floor slippery. If you spill something on the floor, you should clean it immediately. Wet floors are not the only hazard that can cause slip and fall accidents. Ice, snow, and leaves can make the ground slippery and dangerous.
How Do You Determine Floor Safety?
Flooring is one of the most important components in any building. It needs to be safe, durable, and attractive. Many factors determine floor safety.
- One of the most important factors in floor safety is the installation process. If your flooring is not installed correctly, it can be very dangerous. Several things can go wrong during installation, and even a small mistake can have big consequences. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you hire a professional to install your floors. They will know exactly how to do it correctly, and they will also be able to spot any potential problems before they become a problem.
- Safety is a critical factor to consider when choosing a floor for your home or business. The type of flooring you select should be appropriate for the intended use of the space. For example, a kitchen floor must withstand spills and heavy foot traffic, while you might choose a living room floor for its comfort and visual appeal. Other factors that should be considered when selecting flooring include slip resistance, fire safety, sound absorption, and durability. By taking all of these factors into account, you can be sure to choose the best flooring for your needs.
- Flooring materials that are not properly maintained can also be a safety hazard. For instance, if a tile floor is not regularly cleaned, the build-up of dirt and grime can make it slippery and dangerous to walk on. Similarly, if a carpeted floor is not vacuumed regularly, the fibers can become matted down, and trip hazards can develop. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all types of flooring are properly maintained to maintain a safe environment.
- Owners and/or property managers should make clear and reasonable rules and regulations regarding the activities allowed in the environment. For example, “No Running” signs should be posted in areas where slippery floor conditions might cause someone to fall. You should also use wet floor signs in areas where the floor is likely to become wet (e.g., near showers, pools, etc.).
Prevent Slip-And-Fall Accidents
One of the best methods to test the pavers is through Pendulum Slip Testing. Pendulum tester helps identify and rectify slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of slip to an acceptable minimum. The HSE’s preferred in situ test method BS 7976 (the Pendulum).
the flooring of a workplace qualifies as being safe if it has a measure of a PTV that is 36 on normal and above 36 on higher surfaces.
Low: 36+
Moderate: 25-35
High: 0-24
