One way to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace is to pay close attention to what’s on the floor. Strategically placed floor mats and other flooring products can provide numerous safety benefits. Here are six ways that floor mats and other flooring solutions can make your workplace safer.
Slip and trip accidents are one of the most common types of injuries in the United States, costing businesses $2.35 billion each year, yet companies often employ ineffective strategies to prevent them. As safety management author F. David Pierce wrote in EHS Today this year, four common patterns prevent companies from reducing slips and trips:
One way to prevent slips and trips is to use safety mats to keep workers upright and safe. Wet and dry mats can have beveled edges and special patterns to provide secure footing. This extra grip reduces the risk of slips and trips in high-traffic areas where accidents are likely. Individual floor mats can provide a safe, non-slip space for all family members to work, while running mats can provide extra traction on sidewalks, walkways, and other long spaces.
Leaking pipes or accidental spills can create a dangerous work environment. Wet or slippery surfaces are one of the top three contributing factors to slip, trip, and fall injuries, while unexpected water pooling or spills can turn a once-safe space into a hazardous area. If spills are common in your workplace, you may want to consider purchasing wet area mats that feature drainage features.
These mats can be made from chemical and grease resistant rubber, allowing water, oil and other slippery substances to penetrate the ground. This means workers can walk on the surface without worrying about clearing the area.
Standing is a lot harder than you think. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found ample evidence that standing for long periods at work can lead to the following health problems:
Supportive anti-fatigue mats can provide workers with additional support and minimize the effects of prolonged standing. These mats provide a cushioning layer that reduces the pressure on the body when standing, thereby reducing overall wear and tear and preventing injuries, from minor to serious, that lead to long absences from work.
Poorly lit walkways and stairwells can cause workers to slip and fall on slippery surfaces. If lighting is poor, high-visibility floor mats and anti-slip tape can help workers find a safe place to move.
According to the U.S. Accessibility Council, the most visually recognizable color surface is safety yellow. Strategically placed signal mats allow people to easily identify where safe places to stand and work are.
When it comes to stairs, it only takes one misstep to cause a dangerous fall. Bright anti-slip tape clearly marks the edge of each step. Not only does this make each step more visible, but it also provides extra traction for those going up and down the stairs.
Another benefit of safety mats is that they can be used to mark safe and unsafe areas. In an emergency, workers need to know where to turn. Safety mats can be used to mark safe spaces or important safety zones, such as placing a highly visible, shock-absorbing mat under an eyewash station. Safety mats can also be customized to display messages, such as “Caution,” to alert workers to the need for extra caution.
Static electricity can cause more than just mild discomfort. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that “static electricity can also cause electric shock or more serious consequences, such as the buildup of static electricity in certain areas of a facility due to friction,” which can put workers in dangerous situations.
Static discharge can cause a variety of hazards, from painful electric shocks to electrical fires, but anti-static mats can help protect your work area from these hazards. The mat is made of an insulating material that prevents static electricity and potential electrical charges from building up. Special grounding wires can also be added to direct the current away from workers and sensitive equipment.
By using the right floor mats and other mat solutions, you can prevent everyday slips, trips, and falls that can ultimately lead to injuries to your employees.
Phil Lortscher is a marketing manager for Durable Corp., a manufacturer of specialized safety products including anti-fatigue mats, anti-slip tape and other solutions designed to improve safety and keep workers on their feet in a variety of conditions.