The Dangers of Wet Floors

Wet floors happen from time to time. Mopping, rain and melting snow are common reasons for wet floors. Serious concern should be granted to floors that remain wet on a continuous basis due to a water leak, leaking valve or condensation. Remember that wet floors, no matter what the reason, can be extremely dangerous. Wet floors are a major contributor to slips & falls where serious injuries are the result. Review these wet floor safety tips with all employees.

Hazards of wet floors

  1. Slips with rearward falls, rearward falls produce injuries to the head, back & pelvis.
  2. An employee could fall into a machine or onto a sharp object, creating a serious injury.
  3. Falls from a standing position can be fatal.

Making safety a priority:

  1. Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents.
  2. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.
  3. Keep floors clean and dry.
  4. Continually wet floors promote the growth of mold, fungi and bacteria that can cause infections.
  5. Place warning signs in wet areas.
  6. Do not walk through a freshly mopped area.
  7. Block off areas with wet floors.
  8. Maintain good drainage.
  9. Bridge over wet areas with false floors, platforms or mats, or other dry standing places.
  10. Clean up spills immediately.
  11. When your work requires activity in wet areas, purchase footwear that limits slips on wet floor surfaces.
  12. When mopping a hallway or entrance way, mop only one side at a time so employees won’t be forced to walk through the mopped area.
  13. Place fans to help dry the floor surface quickly.
  14. Do not run.
  15. Provide adequate lighting.