Slip-resistant Shoes Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claims

spills cause slip hazards

If your workplace has wet, greasy or slippery floors, slip-resistant shoes could be the best gift you could give your workers – and your bottom line. Recently published research shows that use of slip-resistant shoes led to a large reduction in workers’ compensation claims for slip injuries in food service operations. The multi-year study of some 17,000 food service workers showed facilities providing slip-resistant shoes reduced slip injuries by more than two-thirds.

For the investigation, researchers studied whether a no–cost-to-workers slip-resistant shoe program decreased the risk of slip injuries among food services workers. The shoes provided were 5-star rated for slip-resistance as determined in independent laboratory tests. From August 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013, approximately 17,000 food service workers from 226 school districts participated in the study. Investigators analyzed workers’ compensation injury claims caused by slipping on wet or greasy surfaces, the type of incident these shoes are designed to prevent. School districts using slip-resistant shoes filed 67% fewer claims for slip injuries, compared to no reduction in claims for districts that did not receive the shoes. Investigators concluded that highly rated slip-resistant shoes can help reduce claims for slip injuries.

A $13 Billion Problem

Slips, trips, and falls are the third-leading cause of U.S. non-fatal work-related injuries involving days away from work across all industries. Almost 80% of these injuries are on the same level, and these injuries are estimated to cost nearly $13 billion in direct workers’ compensation-related costs annually.

OSHA requirements for the prevention of slips, trips, and falls are contained in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, Walking-working surfaces. OSHA requires employers to ensure that all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition. Floors are to be maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, dry condition. When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms and mats must be provided.

What Causes Slips and Trips?

Both slips and trips result from an unintended or unexpected change in contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. NIOSH lists these top 10 workplace slip hazards:

  1. Contaminants on the Floor
  2. Poor Drainage: Pipes and Drains
  3. Indoor Walking Surface Irregularities
  4. Outdoor Walking Surface Irregularities
  5. Weather Conditions: Ice and Snow
  6. Inadequate Lighting
  7. Stairs and Handrails
  8. Stepstools and Ladders
  9. Tripping Hazards: Clutter, Loose Cords, Hoses, Wires and Medical Tubing
  10. Improper Use of Floor Mats and Runners

How to Identify Slip & Trip Hazards

On Indoor Walking and Working Surfaces:

  • Do tiles, linoleum, or other flooring have holes, cracks, or bumps?
  • Is carpeting buckled, loose, or frayed?
  • Are carpet edges curled up?
  • Does floor feel greasy or slippery?
  • Are liquid contaminants present (water, grease, oil, cleaning solutions, coffee, body fluids)?
  • Are dry contaminants present (powder, sawdust, dirt, flour, food, wax chips)?
  • Are there sudden changes in indoor floor elevation (more than 1/4 inch?
  • Are there metal grates or mesh flooring in the walkway?
  • Are water absorbent walk-off mats used in entrances?
  • Are slip-resistant mats used in wet areas?

On Outdoor Walking and Working Surfaces:

  • Are there gaps, cracks, or holes in the outdoor walkway of more than 1/2 inch?
  • Are there metal grates or mesh flooring in the walkway?
  • Is the walkway uneven, with abrupt changes in level?
  • Is there debris (pebbles, rocks, leaves, grass clippings) on the walkway?
  • Are there any slippery conditions present (water, grease, ice, snow)?
  • Are concrete wheel stops in the parking areas highlighted with paint?

When Using Floor Mats:

  • Do mats have abrupt squared-off edges, lacking a bevel?
  • Are mat edges curled up or flipped over?
  • Do mats slide around on the floor?

How to Prevent Slips and Trips

  • Clean up spilled liquids promptly
  • Provide non-slip surfaces on floors that will be wet
  • Use slip-resistant footwear
  • Keep hallways, stairs and walkways clear of clutter
  • Ensure aisles are wide enough for the intended use
  • Make sure stairs have proper handrails, that treads and risers are maintained, and that treads have a slip-resistant surface
  • Include guardrails, toeboards and a permanent means of access for elevated storage and work surfaces
  • Cover floor drains with grates
  • Bundle cords using a cord organizer
  • Cover cords on the floor with a beveled protective cover or tape
  • Mount cords under desks or on equipment

Slip and fall hazards can occur in almost any workplace. Use this information to help reduce hazards and train workers to avoid slips and falls.

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