Wet Floors - A Slip Hazard!

25 July 2019

A wet floor could be the result of a spill, a breakage, a machine or tap malfunction or simply scheduled cleaning.

The most common slips, trips and floor hazards associated with the office, warehousing, retail and hospitality industries are wet floors or wet rooms.

A wet floor could be the result of a spill, a breakage, a machine or tap malfunction or simply scheduled cleaning.

Surfaces such as tiles, floor boards and concrete can become significantly more dangerous when a fluid has not been adequately cleaned up. Additionally tight spaces, low light, stairs or escalators can significantly contribute to the risk hazard

Here are our top 5 tips to help manage wet floors or wet rooms within your workplace.

1) Clearly identify and block off wet floors. In the event of a spillage, your first step should be to mark or preferably block off the slippery area. This can be done with a wet floor stand, safety cone, portable expanding barricade or other temporary device such as a retractable barrier. Marking the wet floor informs employees, workers and visitors of the danger to prevent a slip, and prevent fines.

2) Have the appropriate cleaning equipment accessible. Once the area has been blocked off it's important to have an appropriate mop, bucket or spill kit easily accessible. Inform your staff and place signs where this equipment is kept which reduces the chance of spills being neglected or not cleaned up by staff.

3) Use industrial matting where possible. In constant wet areas such as public swimming pools or wet kitchens, a drainage or industrial anti slip mat may be the best form of slip prevention possible. If matting is not possible for whatever reason anti-slip tape or anti slip floor coating could be a suitable alternative.

4) Use signage - The best way to prevent a fall is to inform employees and visitors. Warn all visitors and staff of constantly slippery areas such as outdoor balconies and slippery surfaces by clearly signposting these areas.

5) If possible schedule your cleaning before or after your business hours. Although in some industries this may not always be possible allowing as much time as possible for floors to dry reduces the chance of a wet floor accident.

Wet Floors - A Slip Hazard!

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