Most Common Types Of Slip-Resistant Flooring In Workplaces

Slip-resistant flooring is an essential addition to any workplace. The simple fact that in 2020 there were 194 fatalities in the workplace is enough to make any employer take notice. Add to this the 120,000 plus injuries that resulted in claims against the company, and you have all the incentive you need to use slip-resistant flooring.

If you don’t already have one of the following then you need to invest in some slip-resistant flooring.

Mats

Rubber-backed mats are easy to add to any floor surface and they immediately improve grip. Almost every business, regardless of their floor type, has these mats by their entrance doors. This allows people to safely wipe their feet and reduces the amount of water on the floor.

Mats are easy to fit but you’ll need to use lots of them in all the key areas to ensure employee safety. Alongside this, they need to be regularly cleaned which usually involves a cleaning contract. In short, it’s not the cheapest long-term solution.

Painting The Floor

You can get normal floor paint and add sand to create a gritty surface which improves grip. However, it is easily damaged and will absorb spills, creating stains across the floor. It’s also rough if you do slip.

Instead, invest in some quality polyurethane floor paints. These are specifically designed for workplaces. You can choose the type of paint you need, including some that are oil-resistant. It’s also possible to choose almost any colour for your floor.

Best of all, these floor products are non-slip, making the workplace much safer for your staff.

Naturally, they’ll need general maintenance. But, this can be confined to regular sweeping and mopping. Doing this regularly will help to ensure the floor lasts for years.

Concrete

Concrete flooring is a viable option in some work environments. It’s easy to lay and doesn’t need to be painted or treated. It’s also grippy enough to be non-slip. But, it’s only really an option in commercial buildings where the aesthetic appeal of the place is not important.

Concrete can also be easily damaged and absorbs liquids well, meaning your flooring can develop stains.

Ceramic Tiles

Tiles are generally considered to be a slippery surface. However, it is possible to install non-slip ceramic tiles. In this instance, aggregates are added to the top glass glaze of the tile. This creates small undulations in the surface that help to improve grip.

However, it is worth noting that thicker top coatings reduce the ability of the aggregate to protect against slips. You need a thin top coating for the ceramic tile to work.

Vinyl Flooring

This is a great option for offices and other commercial premises excluding where vehicles frequently travel across it. Vinyl is warm underfoot, has a slight bounce to it helping it to absorb shocks, and it provides excellent grip.

The key to choosing the right non-slip flooring is to consider what you use the space for and how much traffic it experiences.