Boost Cold-Weather Floor Safety with Higher Slip Coefficient

Recent updates to a Kansas City office building included a higher slip coefficient for the flame-cut granite floors near the entrance. 

That’s important for a Class A facility whose tenants include a number of federal agencies and private-sector businesses. 

Over half of all slip, trip and fall accidents are caused by problems with the walking surface, and slip and falls cause 85% of all workers’ compensation claims.

That’s enough to give almost any property manager nightmares, especially during cold weather season. 

To address this issue, refinishers from Mid America Specialty Services treated the client’s stone floors with Simix, which has the highest slip coefficient in the industry. It is also resistant to salt and snow, according to Stone Division Account Manager Vic LaRico. 

Besides building entrances, other high-risk areas for slip-and-fall mishaps include lobbies, breakrooms, restrooms and cafeterias. Routine inspections, along with proper cleaning and maintenance, help to keep stone floors both beautiful and safe. 

A comprehensive floor safety plan should include treatment with a high-traction finish. Facilities must maintain a coefficient of friction of 0.60 or higher, which indicates the amount of horizontal force required to move an object across the floor.

On top of that, managers can implement a number of good floor safety habits that facilitate ease of movement throughout the building:

• Clean up spills promptly.
• Keep walkways free of clutter, and cabinets and drawers shut.
• Keep cables and cords out of walkways or cover them securely.
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs for high visibility in walkways.
• Use abrasive floor mats that won’t slip — especially when wet.
• Repair or replace worn-out flooring.
• Encourage employees to wear comfortable, properly-fitting footwear.

If you’re wondering how to keep your stone floors safe throughout the winter and all year long, contact us at Mid America Specialty Services today.

Our stone floor experts will give you the high-traction finish you need and a stunning appearance that impresses tenants and visitors alike.