Did you know slips and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and commercial property accidents, often resulting in serious consequences for both individuals and businesses. Identifying and mitigating slip hazards is therefore paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone within your premises.
- Surface Condition: Regularly assess the condition of floor surfaces throughout the building – this includes checking for cracks, unevenness, or damage that could pose a tripping hazard. Even minor imperfections can escalate into serious safety concerns if left unaddressed.
- Slippery Surfaces: Floors that have the potential to become wet, or have a coating pose a significant slip risk, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Managers should be vigilant in monitoring these areas and implementing measures to prevent slips, such as regular audits of the pedestrian flooring, using slip-resistant mats, applying anti-slip coatings, improved safety signage or improving drainage systems.
- Transition Areas from HB 198-2014: Those areas that are intended to be kept dry by the provision of design features (awnings, drains, mats, air locks etc..) appropriate to the physical location, climate and general exposure to water, as maintained in a dry and clean condition by the facility manager.
- Staircases: Staircases present unique challenges when it comes to safety, as they involve both tripping and slipping hazards. Managers should regularly inspect stair treads, stair nosings, stair landings and handrails for wear and tear, ensuring that they are secure and in good condition.
- Wet Areas: Wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, car parks and external walkways and entries, are particularly prone to slip hazards due to the presence of water and other liquids. Managers should pay special attention to these areas and implement targeted measures to minimise slip risks.
- Proper Cleaning Procedures: Implementing appropriate cleaning procedures is essential for reducing slip risks and maintaining a safe environment. Select cleaning agents specifically formulated to maintain or enhance slip resistance on floors, establish a regular and consistent cleaning schedule and engage with quality and experienced cleaning providers that are familiar with the type of building you manage.
- Regular Inspections: Need help to reduce slip risk at your site? Book a consultation with Zerofal. We have NATA certification for testing and are the experts in slip resistance testing of floors via both a wet test method and dry test method, either on site or in our laboratory. We specialise in Shopping Centres, Commercial buildings, Distribution Centres, Tenancy fit outs and high value public infrastructure assets.