DON’T SLIP UP WHEN IT COMES TO SAFE INDUSTRIAL FLOORING
1) Ensure you have the correct type of flooring.
Different working environments require different levels of slip resistance. Indoor flooring, though less likely to get wet, should still provide a good level of slip resistance to ensure a safe surface. However, flooring within industrial plants and outdoor flooring, such as used on public walkways and therefore at the mercy of the weather, are prone to becoming wet and slippery. In such cases, a higher level of anti-slip flooring is likely to be required to provide the highest safety for users.
2) How safe are your stairs?
Make sure that you have sturdy and secure handrails. Also, good quality stair tread covers provide an inexpensive solution to the (Read More)
hazards associated with worn or slippery steps and can be installed onto existing concrete, timber or steel steps. Stair noses in bright or luminous colours ensure the leading edge, and most vulnerable area of the step, is clearly highlighted and visible to users.
3) Keep areas well lit.
Significantly, accidents often occur in darker environments. It may sound obvious but making sure all areas are well illuminated makes a real contribution to overall safety.
4) Keep it clean!
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Simple, but very often overlooked. Keeping your floors clear of tripping hazards and spillages is one of the best ways to prevent accidents.
5) Report problems.
If you notice that there is something amiss, make others aware of the hazard by telling them. More often than not, a hazard which has been noticed but unreported is the cause of an accident.
6) Use signs to alert others.
In the event of a hazard arising, make use of appropriate safety signage until it can be rectified.
7) Inspect your flooring, regularly.
Good quality anti-slip flooring should last for many years. However, cheaper alternatives may begin to lift and pucker as time progresses, meaning that the very thing meant to keep you safe actually becomes the hazard. With HSE standards and legislation changing frequently, it is a good idea to stay informed and check your flooring regularly. Failure to do so will not only increase the risk of accidents such as slips, trips and falls caused by bad flooring, but could also result in expensive injury claims.
8) A safe workplace is a productive one.
It stands to reason that if your employees are working in an environment in which they feel safe, they are likely to achieve greater output. The most effective workplace safety precautions (such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems) go unnoticed until such time as they may be needed. Anti-slip flooring should be no exception to this rule. With 20% of injuries caused through slips and trips resulting in over three days off work, effective safety flooring will continue to do its job, without becoming an obstruction or hindrance to those using it.
9) Ensure your anti-slip surfaces are fitted correctly.
Using the right adhesives and fixings will ensure that your efforts to make the working environment safe are not compromised by product failure. Taking short cuts will put your people, and your reputation, at risk.
10) Act now!
Despite Health and Safety awareness being at an all time high, slips and trips are still one of the biggest causes of accidents and injuries in the workplace. An astounding 95% of major slips result in broken bones. Injury claims have also risen sharply in value in the last few years - now in excess of £16,500 per claim. Can you really afford not to take action?
For More Information:
Dave Hale
General Manager
DeckSafe Solutions Limited
01206 322899
www.deck-safe.co.uk
