When the weather turns wet, your floors can turn dangerous fast. Slippery entryways and puddles from soaked shoes and umbrellas are some of the biggest culprits behind slips, trips, and falls—and one of the most common (and costly) workplace injuries.
The good news? A few simple steps can go a long way to keeping your business safe and injury-free.
Slippery floors, serious consequences
A quick slip can lead to more than just a bruised ego. Injuries, time away from work, and rising claim costs are all on the table. The more you can do to prevent slips, trips, and falls, the safer and more productive your workplace will be.
Tips that help
Roll out the mats
Place weather mats or runners at every entrance—outside and inside. They help absorb moisture, keep dirt off your floors, and give people traction where it matters most. Just make sure they lay flat and have beveled edges to avoid creating trip hazards.
Stay on top of spills
Assign someone to monitor high-traffic areas and mop up puddles quickly. Wet floor signs are helpful, but they’re no substitute for a dry surface.
Give umbrellas a home
Dripping umbrellas and raincoats are troublemakers. Install umbrella stands or provide plastic umbrella bags to stop the trail of water before it starts.
Let there be light
Good lighting helps people spot wet floors or obstacles before it’s too late. Check bulbs near entries, hallways, and stairs—especially on gloomy days.
Step up your shoe game
Encourage employees to wear slip-resistant footwear on rainy days. If you provide uniforms or safety gear, consider including non-slip options as part of your dress code.
How to help prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace
While the rainy season makes things riskier, slip, trip, and fall prevention should be a year-round habit. Walk your space regularly, fix uneven surfaces, train employees on what to look for, and review your safety procedures and coverage.
Bonus points for partnering with your insurance provider to explore loss control support or risk assessments tailored to your operations. And if you’re concerned about large claims, umbrella insurance can help extend your coverage beyond what’s included in your primary policies.
A little prevention goes a long way
No one wants to deal with a fall—especially one that could’ve been avoided with a mat, a mop, or a little more light. With just a few changes, you can help prevent slips, trips, and falls and keep your workplace running smoothly, no matter the weather.
Want more workplace safety tips? EMC has tools and resources to help you create safer environments—for every season.