Liability costs on the increase?Protecting yourself from litigation
February 1st 2005

James Gervois reports on a new slip meter that will enable cleaning companies to reduce the occurance of slips, trips and falls (and possible litigation) as part of a good risk management programme

Slips, trips and falls, in terms of litigation, are on the increase.

Before those of a cynical nature smile, this is backed up by HSE statistics that indicate pedestrian slipping and tripping is on the increase and is the most common cause of injuries in UK workplaces.

Each year over 8500 major injuries, representing 37% of all occupational major injury accidents and involving 95% broken bones, are caused by slipping and tripping. This costs the UK economy an estimated £750 million each year.

The cleaning industry invests considerable resources in the maintenance and cleanliness of flooring. However, in general, it is the failure to understand the causes of slipping that is one of the main reasons behind the above statistics. If one walks across a smooth floor that is slightly damp with leather soled shoes, it quickly becomes apparent that there is virtually no grip. A complex set of dynamics lies behind the causes of slippage: inconsistent gait; shoe sole materials; floor materials; floor finishes; lighting and contrast conditions; cleaning methods and chemicals used; contaminants. In the cleaning industry,we can seek to improve our cleaning methods, the effective removal of contaminants and the choice of chemicals that are used. In addition, current research is aimed at identifying effective test methods, safer cleaning and drying methods, improving slip resistant flooring and shoe sole materials.

Good management practices can go a long way towards accident avoidance. It is obvious, even to the untrained, that a floor covered in oil, water or other liquids is likely to be dangerous. Facilities managers etc. are aware of the effect of contaminants and should ensure members of staff are trained to undertake preventative measures as soon as a contaminant is seen. Pedestrians should, whenever possible, be advised of the hazard and inhibited from walking across the contaminated area. Cleaning should immediately be undertaken to remove the contaminant and the area inspected before further access is permitted. Clearly written instructions covering both contaminants and routine maintenance combined with effective training procedures will enable staff to maintain a safe environment. The HSE maintains that such actions should be taken and that they can dramatically improve the current situation. The HSE provides useful guidelines – see www.hse.gov.uk/slips.

Risk management should identify and include potential slip and trip hazards as part of the standard H&S audit. However, not all slips can be ascribed to contaminated flooring and there are methodologies that can be employed to reduce the potential hazard and protect against spurious claims. The purchase and use of a slip meter or tribometer can greatly enhance the knowledge of flooring grip and an awareness of what conditions may affect the grip level. A slip meter measures the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) and is either of the ‘sledtype’ or ‘pendulum type’. The UK manufactured In-Tech Slip Meter X3, for example, is a low cost sled type and enables the user to meet the BS 5395 Part 1 Guide to Slip Resistance and Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulation 12: Condition of floor and traffic routes workplace regulations. The In-Tech meter readouts are designed to directly correlate with the number values of BS 5395 – between 0 and 1. Readings greater than 0.75 are regarded as suitable for high-risk areas; between 0.40 and 0.75 is allowable for normal use; below 0.40 and there is a potential safety problem. Such a device should be used in a methodical way, readings being taken at regular intervals and especially when contaminants may be present. This enables the user to record data and builds up an awareness of the flooring properties under everyday conditions, facilitating pro-active actions to be taken before an accident occurs.

Slip meters can be used to check new flooring, test different cleaning treatments and finishes and for investigating complaints and accidents. Slip meters are a useful diagnostic tool and can support risk management audits but are only a part of the overall requirements in maintaining a safe flooring environment.

The cleaning industry can, through carefully thought out practices and good management, bring about a reduction in and avoidance of slips and trips. This is good business practice and will support accident investigations, providing the necessary data to defend against spurious claims.. Simple, pro-active measures can be instituted to protect both individuals from harm and the ‘owner’ of the cause of the accident, from litigation.