If you’ve ever fallen on a wet floor, you know how dangerous it can be. But you may not know what causes slippery floors. There are a few things you can try, like keeping a few things in mind when cleaning and maintaining a floor. These tips can help you avoid an accident.
Wet floors
Many slip and fall accidents occur due to wet floors and other surfaces. Even a simple puddle of water on a floor can cause a person to fall and sustain injuries. These accidents are often the most common reason for premises liability and workers’ compensation claims. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall accidents account for 15 percent of all work-related deaths.
Fall accidents cause over 8 million visits to the ER each year. While wet floors are a huge part of this problem, they are not the only one. Uneven surfaces and obstructions are also common reasons for accidents. To reduce the likelihood of a slip and fall accident, floors should be at least 20 microns rough. Olive oil, milk, and other substances can make floors even slicker. The use of floor treatments can also make floors slippery. Even shoe soles are not 100% effective in preventing slips and falls.
A wet floor can be the result of rain outside, or it can be caused by the behavior of customers and employees. For example, shoppers may accidentally step on a smashed or fallen piece of produce, making the floor wet. Failure to clean up spills is another common cause for a wet floor in a store. Leaky equipment, such as a malfunctioning refrigerator or freezer, can also create a puddle on a floor. Water from a toilet or faucet can also cause a floor to become slippery. In addition, a roof leak can also lead to pooling water.
Uneven surfaces
A slip and fall accident can occur for a variety of reasons, including an uneven floor surface or carpet or rug that doesn’t stay in place. Other causes for a slippery floor are cracks in the flooring or unfastened wires or cords. When working in an environment with uneven floor surfaces, employers may want to consider installing safety apparatuses to reduce the risk of injury and to protect the health of their employees.
When an individual slips and falls on an uneven floor, he or she can suffer serious injuries. These injuries can involve thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Sometimes, these injuries are fatal. In the worst cases, a slip and fall accident can lead to wrongful death. In such a case, the property owner may be liable for a victim’s damages.
While there are several ways to reduce the risk of slipping on an uneven floor, the best way to prevent a slip and fall injury is to keep the area clean and free of obstructions. For example, removing cracks and other debris from walkways will keep the floor from being a slip hazard.
Unglazed tiles
Unglazed tiles are ceramic tiles that have no finish on them after firing. They are more earthy in appearance than glazed tiles. They require more care and maintenance. Unglazed tiles also absorb liquid and discolor easily. They should be sealed with a protective sealant. Unglazed tiles are not rated for heavy traffic, but they are suitable for general residential areas, light commercial spaces, and light institutional areas.
If you have unglazed tiles, you should avoid mopping them with abrasive brushes or using a solution of vinegar and water. This will damage the finish on the tile. It is also important to dry the floor thoroughly after mopping it. Otherwise, standing water will cause watermarks on the floor. You should also use a microfiber cloth or towel to dry the floor.
The reason for a slippery floor is not purely due to the type of tile, but also the surface contaminants present. Some of these contaminants include soap and water, chemicals, and other products used for cleaning. If you have polished porcelain tile, it is more likely to be slippery because it has a high-pH level.
Floor finishes
Wet floors can be very slippery, and this is particularly the case if they are polished or have a glossy finish. Every year, more than one million people are injured due to significant slips and falls. These accidents are among the most common reasons for emergency room visits. As a result, they can be very expensive to treat. On average, they cost over $28,000 in medical bills, medicine, and physical therapy.
Floor finishes are the main culprit when it comes to causing a slippery floor. A smooth, dry floor poses a low slip risk, whereas a slippery floor surface has dry contaminants that act like ball bearings. However, most floors are glossy and smooth and these surfaces are also easy to clean. In addition, the average rubber shoe can move around safely on these floors.
ESD finishes create an oily film that is related to the anti-static active ingredients in the paint. When multiple coats of ESD finishes are applied without sufficient time for them to cure, an unbonded anti-static ingredient floats to the top and forms a greasy layer.
