ATTAR says its slip resistance study of floors in workplaces indicate there is substantial scope for employers to reduce slip accidents.
ATTAR looked at what employers know of their obligations and preventative measures available to reduce the risk of slip accidents in the workplace.
According to ATTAR, statistics on accidents show injuries from slips, trips and falls place more of a burden on the health system than road accidents.
In industries where employees and visitors are subject to high traffic areas or the work exposes people to changing surface conditions, a slip resistance test should be a regular part of the floor management plan.
If there is an inherent problem in the floor’s slip resistance, companies can change the floor surface, modify their cleaning methods, or develop quick spill response procedures.
With knowledge of the condition of floor surfaces in the workplace, the financial costs and personal trauma associated with slip injuries can be reduced through planning, positive management and good housekeeping.
However, the ATTAR found a high level of ambivalence among employers regarding slip resistant tests on their floors. Early indications reveal that the level of interest in adopting slip resistance tests is dependent on the industry and the business size.
Those industries that are at a high risk of incidence of slip accidents, or larger businesses, generally have higher awareness of the issue.
According to the ATTAR, slip resistance tests not only highlight the potential for slip accidents, but can be seen as a demonstration of active compliance and social responsibility, especially if the results form part of a responsive OH&S management plan.