Floor Safety Education

Did you Know?

Why Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur?

Technically speaking, a slip occurs when the coefficient of friction between the shoe material and the walking surface (or a foot and bath tub, etc.) does not provide sufficient resistance to counteract the forward, resultant forces at the point of contact.

Slips and falls are often a result of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when contaminants such as water and/or grease are present on the floor and the traction of the floor is greatly reduced. Without traction, a shoe or foot slides easily across the surface, making it difficult to maintain balance. Of course, hydroplaning is more common in environments where water is regularly present (i.e. bathtubs, shower rooms, pools, lobbies, kitchens and other food service areas).

A simple and important point to remember is that people don't usually slip and fall on clean, dry floors. Processes and products that help ensure safety on wet floors will often easily meet the need on dry floors.