Christian Harris explains why flooring businesses need to know (more) about slip resistance.

I’M Christian and I look forward to getting to know you over the months to come as I write a regular column in the magazine and engage in the CFJ LinkedIn group.

I’ve spent the past 12 years helping clients to improve safety and aesthetics on floors – to stop slip accidents and drive-up brand standards. My business, Slip Safety Services, supports leading brands such as Network Rail, CBRE, IHG and NHS Property Services, in addition to our work with insurers like AXA.

This month, in my first article, I’m going to briefly explain why all flooring companies should know (more) about slip resistance.

Why slip resistance is important…
When it comes to flooring, slip resistance might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s an essential factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. Why do floors exist, after all? To be walked on. And we want people to be able to walk safely.

Slip-resistance is therefore crucial in preventing accidents, which can not only lead to serious injuries and lawsuits but can also be extremely costly for your business in various other ways. Here are four reasons you should know about this topic:

Keep people safe
The most critical reason flooring companies need to prioritise slip resistance is to keep people safe. Floors that aren’t slip-resistant can be hazardous, especially in high-traffic areas such as shopping centres, hospitals and entrances to public buildings. It only takes a split second for someone to slip.
Slip-resistant flooring can help prevent slips accidents, which are among the leading causes of injuries in the workplace and public spaces: 300,000 A&E admissions per year and over £1.5bn of insurance claims.

Safeguard your reputation
Your reputation as a flooring company is essential to your success. Slip and fall accidents can damage your reputation, leading to negative reviews and a loss of business. By providing slip-resistant flooring, you can show your clients that you prioritise safety, which can help you build a positive reputation and earn repeat business.

I’ve been involved in several cases where the floor handed over has not met slip safety requirements (for all sorts of reasons, which I’ll delve into in future articles). This can have a serious effect on relationships and reputations.

Avoid costly mistakes
Slip and fall accidents can be costly for businesses. Not only can they result in expensive lawsuits, but they can also lead to lost productivity and increased insurance premiums. By providing slip-resistant flooring, you can protect your end clients’ business from financial losses.

In cases where floors are found to not be slip-resistant enough, damages can be vast. From treatments, to replacement, to litigation costs. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of this situation.

Protect yourself and your business
As a flooring company, you have a responsibility to provide safe flooring options for your clients. By providing slip-resistant flooring, you can protect yourself and your business from liability. If someone is injured due to a slip accident on your flooring, you could potentially be held liable for their injuries.
Slip-resistant flooring can help prevent accidents and protect you from legal and financial consequences.

Over the coming editions, I’ll be sharing more detail about my experiences of when things have gone wrong, and what you can do to ensure you don’t find yourself in any of the above situations.
In the meantime, do contact me.
www.slipsafety.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
Christian Harris is a slipologist at
Slip Safety