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Trip Hazards of Bad Flooring

Posted on: 26th January 2018Caution sign trip hazards

Uneven, damaged or slippery floors cause thousands of injuries each year, in fact nearly 20% of injuries were caused by slips, trips and falls in 2017. The importance of the right type of floor, correctly fitted for the location and use should never be overlooked when choosing a new floor for the home or a public place. 

At Home

Kitchens and bathrooms are the main culprits for slips and trips at home, but there are other areas to be wary of too. Stairs with loose or poorly fitted carpeting can be a major hazard, as can wooden steps too highly polished. Original floorboards should be regularly checked for uneven planks, loose nails and rough patches that need sanding. 

Slippery tiles in bathrooms and kitchens can be particularly troublesome, as the hard landing worsens the fall – we can advise on slip resistant vinyl floors that are much safer than tiles, and have many other benefits to boot! 

According to the NHS, 1 in 3 people aged over 65 slip or fall at home each year, this figure rises to 1 in 2 for those over 80. Help yourself, or a relative or friend, stay safe at home by checking that carpets and rugs aren’t loose, floor tiles are even and there are no obstructions such as cables trailing on the floor. Visit the Age UK website for more advice on keeping homes safe and accident free. 

Commercial and Public Buildings

We’re experienced floor fitters for commercial projects and have worked for a huge range of industries and locations, including theatres, the prison service, libraries, offices, schools, hotels and restaurants. We can advise you on the best flooring for you, factoring slip resistance, hygiene, aesthetics and costs. 

Many businesses have been sued by customers and employees who have suffered injuries as a result of poor flooring, as well as being issued fines for non-compliance by Environmental Health Officers. Serious harm can be caused by failing to ensure a safe workplace, we can assist you in complying with risk assessments and regulations. 

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require floors to be suitable for the type of work being carried out on it, in good condition and free from obstructions. In areas such as kitchens, hospitals, leisure centres and bathrooms where the floor is likely to frequently see splashes and spillages, people should still be able to move freely without the risk of slipping or falling. 

We’ve previously written about choosing flooring for high footfall areas and HSE flooring regulations, and can answer any more questions you have. Get in touch with our team or visit our showroom. 

For any queries or advice don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, call 01603 879359 or email sales@reformflooring.co.uk. Visit our showroom to see our ranges of flooring for both domestic and commercial settings and get expert advice on the right option for you. 

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