Buildings, parking and storage lots, and equipment can present a host of challenges that must be consistently and proactively addressed in order to keep business premises safe for customers, employees, and contractors.
A dedicated, ongoing self-inspection and maintenance program is the best way to ensure that any hazards or repairs are identified and promptly corrected. A strong system will reduce hazards while improving working conditions. Housekeeping may also be improved.
Avoid Slips and Falls on Floors and Walking Surfaces
Slips and falls cause thousands of accidents and serious injuries every year. A tragic number of the cases end in permanent disabilities or fatalities. The cost is tremendous to both customers and business owners.
No business or industry is free from the danger of slips and falls. The hazards exist everywhere – stores and factories, sidewalks and stairs, homes and playgrounds – everywhere!
A little extra care, a few dollars for correction or materials, and prompt attention to slippery walking surfaces will easily and quickly prevent most falls.
The typical causes of slips and falls are:
- Oil or water on floors and surfaces
- Inferior lighting conditions
- Improperly constructed stairs or platforms
- Worn, broken, or uneven steps
- Unguarded floor and wall openings
- Poor floor conditions, including: cracks or holes, protruding nails, and improper floor finishes
Loss of traction causes the largest number of accidents. Water and other liquids on indoor stairs are usually the cause. Snow and ice are the major hazards on outdoor stairs.
What to do if the slippery condition is due to:
Water
Divert the water, ditch and drain it or otherwise prevent the water from getting onto the walking surface in the first place. If impractical to dry the floor, use duck boards or similar devices to keep feet from contact with the wet surface; or cover the area with abrasive (nonskid) coating. Doormats and/or nonskid runners in stores and offices help prevent rain water, snow, and ice from getting on floors and forming slipping hazards.
Oil or grease
Stop the oil or grease from getting on the floor at its origin. Where this is not always possible (such as from vehicles or machinery) or where accidental spills occur, wipe up all excess oil or grease. Use nonflammable absorbents to clean up the residue, oil soak “pillows”, or dike trays to contain spills. Dispose of oily rags and absorbents promptly and safely.
Ice or snow
Stop at the source if possible by use of canopies, eave troughs, location of down spouts, etc. Use grille flooring so snow falls through. Shovel snow promptly before it packs. Use salt or safe commercial compounds to melt ice so it can be cleared. Use calcium chloride or other chemically treated coarse sand to give an abrasive surface for ice that can’t be cleared.
Objects on the floor
Prevent the development of tripping and slipping hazards from such things as scrap, tools, parts, etc., on the floor. Provide and use scrap boxes, tool holders, and tote boxes to keep walking paths clear. Train employees to pick up items whenever they see them. Establish regular housekeeping procedures and inspections.
Smooth surfaces
How to safeguard smooth surfaces will depend on the circumstances involved. The basic objective is to make any area nonslip where a person walks, steps, or stands. To illustrate, smooth terrazzo steps should have at least “roughened” stair nosings. These are 3½ inches to 4 inches carborundum type or other nonskid strips set flush with the rest of the tread. Running boards, catwalks, machine steps, truck beds, ramps, platforms, washrooms – any and every place where a person steps or stands should be made of nonslip material or should have a nonslip coating. Antislip materials include grilles, knurled, corrugated, or other roughened metal plates, etc. Antislip coatings include special paints or other surfaces which contain abrasives. Also, steel gratings filled with concrete can be installed at the door sills of elevators. Abrasive-coated tape or fabric strips can reduce slipperiness in high-hazard locations.
Workers should use footwear with nonskid soles and heels. Under certain conditions, footwear should have special soles and heels including imbedded abrasives, hob nails, cleats, or other similar materials.
Polishing waxes
Floors in stores, halls, and offices are of many types – hardwood, ceramic tile, linoleum, cork, etc. Each presents special problems of maintenance for cleaning and preservation without damage to the surface. What is ideal for one may be harmful to others. There are antislip waxes or other antislip floor treatment materials for all common types of flooring. Be sure to contact the manufacturer or distributor for the appropriate product which will provide optimum antislip treatment for your floors. Nonskid mats, runners, or carpet strips are effective ways to prevent slips and falls in many areas without harm to the flooring and without detracting from its beauty.
Article provided by Sentry Insurance, MTI’s Official Business Insurance provider. If you would like a free analysis of your business insurance program, contact MTI’s key representative, Eric Stiles at eric.stiles@sentry.com.