Slips, trips and falls seem like a standard part of life during a Minnesota winter. However, they can come with serious consequences. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for more than 20 percent of all emergency room visits – more than 8 million each year! This is why it’s important for office buildings and workplaces to keep floors dry all winter long.
What Causes Slips, Trips and Falls?
There are many causes of slips and falls in the workplace, some less obvious than others. Here are a few examples:
- Wet floors due to rain, snow, ice or spills
- Floor mats that are unsecured or have raised edges
- Changes in elevation and flooring type
- Cords, cables and wires that are uncovered or unsecured
- Poor lighting or excessive shine on floors
- Improperly sized step risers or lack of handrails
- Cluttered floors or open bottom drawers
The Easiest Way to Prevent Slips and Falls: Keep Floors Dry
Building managers should be proactive about minimizing the risk of slips, trips and falls. Keeping floors dry, clean and safe is the best and easiest way to do this.
First, make sure your building has proper floor mats. Place mats at entrances and transition areas to absorb water, dirt and debris. This will keep floors dry – and employees safe. Make sure to frequently clean and replace mats.
Read more: Stop Dirt at the Door with Entrance Mats
Second, follow a regular floor care routine using a high-quality cleaning solution with a neutral pH. A reliable Twin Cities commercial cleaning service can help you keep floors dry year-round. Contact ROC Cleaning for a free quote!
Third, evaluate the finish on your building’s flooring. If a floor is badly worn or damaged, there is a greater opportunity for slips and falls. In addition, poorly applied finish can make a floor more slippery. Consider adding slip-resistant strips or finishes.
If you have questions about cleaning your floors to prevent employee accidents, give ROC Cleaning a call!
ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitor services for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, industrial buildings, and more. We also provide floor stripping and waxing, construction cleanup, and office disinfection services. ROC Commercial Cleaning is an experienced and reputable Minnesota corporate cleaning service provider – no job is too big or too small!
Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.
Source: Cleaning & Maintenance Management, “Q&A: Slips, Trips and Falls”
