Wet and slippery surfaces safety talk
Walking surfaces are a major contributor when it comes to injuries from slips, trips and falls. Some of the common surfaces impacted by being wet or slippery include.
- Wet or icy parking lots
- Food preparation areas
- Freshly mopped flooring
- Bathroom areas
- Showering stalls
- Water fountain areas
- Housekeeping or janitorial areas
When looking at outdoor hazards, it boils down to the changes that occur when rain, snow or icy weather hit. This in turn has an affect on indoor surfaces as well when water and ice is tracked in from shoes.
- Sidewalks and parking lots should always be monitored for deterioration and be kept in good repair.
- Sloped sidewalks or parking lot areas can become hazardous when wet or icy. Having alternative steps or areas with skid resistant surface and handrails can greatly reduce this hazard.
- When snow or ice hits, walking areas should be cleared for safe travel and treated.
Indoor areas should be monitored and corrected as needed on a regular basis as well.
- There should be plan in place for mopping during slow times or after hours. Wet floor signs should always be placed afterward. Employees should know that they are to report any wet floor surface and a wet floor should be placed until area is cleaned and dried.
- Absorbent non-slip mats should be used at all entries to eliminate as much moisture being transferred to the floor as possible.
- Employees should be aware of appropriate footwear to be worn which is at a minimum flat, closed toed shoes with good grip.
- Non slip matting that drains well should be placed in any food preparation or other high liquid-producing areas.
- Procedures should be in place for regular housekeeping of commonly wet areas including mopping, absorbing, squeegeeing the liquid.
