HSE statistics suggest that slips and trips are a major cause of accidents to education employees, pupils / students and others. There are many effective and relatively easy steps to help reduce the risk – entrance matting and anti-slip catering mats – being just two simple preventative measures.
It appears that in the education sector that those statistically most at risk of more serious slip related accidents are women and more elderly people. One example given by HSE, is when a school meals employee slipped on spilt food on a smooth floor breaking her leg, and later dying of a blood clot. Extreme, but a harsh reality nevertheless. That is why safety flooring and good housekeeping is so essential. Entrance matting can be a huge benefit in wiping excess moisture from footwear.
Entrance matting does not have to be expensive either. There are many cost-effective options available that can withstand the wear and tear of busy schools, colleges and universities.
Take the Premier range of entrance matting for example. This interlocking PVC entrance mat tile system is hugely popular for many different commercial and public sector build locations. The tiles have a high quality carpet insert and are very straight forward when it comes to installation and cleaning. There is a choice of Premier Plus Tiles and Premier Track Tiles for indoor use along with Premier Grip 100% recycled PVC tiles, the external scraper mat option.
While wet or greasy floors are obviously a slip hazard, it shouldn’t be forgotten that dry dust and debris on smooth floors is also a potential danger for slipping. Dry dust is also very abrasive which can cause damage to smooth floors.
Education employers should consider a variety of factors when it comes to a policy of managing slips, trips and falls to protect staff, pupils and visitors to the premises. This includes effective anti-slip floor surfaces especially in kitchen areas and also effective entrance matting in busy doorways supported by a regular cleaning and maintenance plan.
For further information on COBA Europe’s full range of entrance matting, please visit www.cobaeurope.com or call the sales team on 0116 240 1055.
