Slip and Fall,
Paint Failure, Defect

Back to Pretreatment Surface Preparation

Q:  How can we improve our safety record by reducing slip and fall accidents?

A:  When I walk over a floor that is exposed to the outside elements, I’m always aware of the non-skid characteristics of the walking surface.  During my many years as a coating consultant, I’ve seen walking surfaces that are dangerously smooth, as well as ones that are so rough that I would not want to slip and fall on them.  Every year, many people slip and fall, especially in inclement weather, where rain, snow and ice are the major causes for personal injury.

If you have walking surfaces that need to be treated you can select from a number of coatings that will increase traction.  Some coatings already have abrasives incorporated in them, while with others, you sprinkle the abrasive onto the freshly coated surface.  Another very effective alternative is to paint the surface in a desired color and then apply strips of abrasive tape to the painted surface.

Beware:  When the painted floors start to look grubby, don’t apply new coats of paint without also attending to the traction.  I have seen surfaces that started out being non-skid, but after a few years of maintenance painting lost their traction and became dangerously slippery.

Slip and fall personal injury lawsuits are common.  Don’t find yourself being a defendant in such litigation.

CAT: 3c, 15 - Legal

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