How to Prevent Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents With Nonslip Metal Flooring

Falls, slips and trips made up 39.2% of all construction fatalities in 2023. In addition to endangering employees, slip and fall incidents create financial burdens for companies.

Within the United States, the medical compensation associated with falls is an estimated $70 billion annually. Injured workers also require time off to heal, pausing productivity. 

Depending on your industry, fall protection could be essential for supporting employee safety and may be required by law. In addition to providing sufficient personal protective equipment, installing slip-resistant industrial flooring can make a major difference in preventing slips and falls.

Understanding Slip and Fall Hazards

The National Safety Council states that falls are 100% preventable. Understanding what types of hazards cause these injuries can help you take a proactive approach to workplace slip and fall prevention.

While most falls are from higher levels, not all injuries result from being up on a ladder or working at height. Many slip and fall injuries occur without elevation. These types of injuries are commonly caused by a variety of hazards on the ground.

Some common causes for falls include:

• Hallway clutter and tripping hazards: Boxes, equipment and other obstructions can create unexpected obstacles.
• Uncovered and loose cables: Electrical cords and data cables that aren't properly secured pose a significant tripping risk.
• Uneven and irregular flooring: Cracks, potholes and transitions between different flooring types can lead to falls.
• Water, grease, oil and other liquid spills: These substances create slippery surfaces that can easily cause a loss of traction.
• Ice, rainwater and other weather hazards: Wet or icy conditions can make outdoor surfaces extremely hazardous.
• Incorrectly installed carpets or rugs: Loose or improperly secured floor coverings can bunch up and create tripping hazards.

Specific industries have an increased risk for workplace injuries, including:

• Construction
• Transportation and warehousing
• Professional and business services
• Agriculture, fishing and horticulture
• Manufacturing
• Retail trade
• Leisure and hospitality
• Educational and health services
• Wholesale trade

Slip-Resistant Metal Floor Safety Solutions

Beyond minimizing clutter and addressing tripping hazards, integrating slip-resistant industrial flooring, particularly in high-traffic zones, is a proactive step toward preventing falls. Flooring solutions designed with enhanced traction offer an essential layer of safety, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls.

With a variety of flooring options available, slip-resistant metal flooring stands out as a preferable option. While concrete is durable, it's incredibly slippery when wet, making it a fall hazard that would require additional elements to ensure OSHA compliance. Options like anti-slip tiles can be difficult to clean due to grooves in the design, and can be a less durable, long-term solution.

In contrast to other types of flooring, slip-resistant metal grate flooring offers several benefits:

• Drainage: The open design of metal grating allows for efficient liquid and spill drainage, which is ideal for reducing slip hazards and maintaining optimal traction.
• Pollutant mitigation: This flooring allows light and air to pass through, minimizing chemical and dirt pollution.
• Easy installation: Metal flooring systems are designed for straightforward installation, often allowing for seamless retrofitting onto existing structures.
• Regulation compliance: Engineered with anti-slip surfaces and appropriately sized grates, these flooring options are designed to meet both ADA and OSHA requirements.
• Corrosion-resistant: With resistance to corrosion and harsh environments, metal flooring is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Environmental benefit: Metal flooring is often more environmentally responsible compared to other materials, with the potential for recyclability.

With long-lasting durability, slip-resistant metal flooring can be a cost-effective way to mitigate workplace injuries. 

Best Uses for Metal Flooring

Slip-resistant metal flooring can be an effective solution in a variety of locations:

• High-traffic areas
• Factory floors
• Warehouses
• Outdoor environments

Care and Maintenance for Anti-Slip Metal Flooring

Proper maintenance will keep anti-slip metal flooring in the best condition possible.

1. Don't damage the anti-slip finish protection: If the flooring has an anti-slip finish, keep abrasive materials and products, such as floor buffers, away from it. These items can damage the coating and make it ineffective.
2. Conduct periodic cleaning: Use a vacuum and brush to remove debris caught between the grates.
3. Implement thorough cleaning: For a deeper clean, remove the grates and use a vacuum or power washer to clear away debris. You can also use specialty cleaning products to spot-clean the flooring.

Regulations and Guidelines for Workplace Safety Flooring

When it comes to workplace accident prevention, OSHA and the ADA both outline legal regulations to prevent trips and falls. Finding flooring solutions that meet these standards is crucial when designing or updating workspaces.

OSHA-compliant flooring is:

• Clean, dry and free of hazards
• Regularly cleaned and maintained
• Free from loose floorboards

ADA-compliant flooring is: 

• Stable and firm
• Slip-resistant
• Easy to navigate

The ADA also emphasizes that any floor with openings should be able to accommodate mobility devices, such as wheelchairs. The surface must be uniformly slip-resistant, meaning the level of slip resistance should be consistent across the entire flooring area. Changes in level should be minimized and, when necessary, clearly marked and gradually sloped for safe transitions.

Hendrick Architectural Products With SLIPNOT

Hendrick's metal entrance grilles and grating are designed for workplace safety and material longevity. By partnering with SLIPNOT, our metal flooring options exceed ADA compliance for providing the maximum amount of friction. Whether you're looking to insert this flooring into a lobby or other interior space, we work with architectural designers to create sleek designs that fit your aesthetic needs while promoting safety. 

Some unique benefits for our entrance grilles include:

• Full customization to meet your specific needs
• Profile bar or wedge wire construction
• Environmentally responsible materials
• Options for additional slip-resistance
• Straight or curved options
• Multiple hold-down methods
• Options for carpet inserts

Our inventory of SLIPNOT architectural products provides a variety of different options to prevent slip and falls:

• Entrance grilles
• Stair components
• Tree grating
• Trench grating
• Drain covers
• Fountain grating
• Ventilation grilles

Discover Hendrick Architectural's Metal Flooring Options

Hendrick Architectural has been producing high-quality metal flooring for over 145 years. Our high-quality fabrication capabilities ensure a durable, quality product each time. We also offer customization capabilities to provide you with the exact solution for your needs. By partnering with our experienced team, you can improve your workplace's safety and accessibility.

Request a quote today and take the first step toward a safer workplace.