Where do Slip and Falls Happen?

Slip and fall accidents cost companies and municipalities millions of dollars a year and are very common. According to the National Safety Council slip and falls are the second most costly type of worker's compensation claim, averaging $20,228. Slip and fall accidents can also be fatal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 700 people a year die from falling. Finding the areas that most commonly lead to these accidents is the first step in preventing them.

Stair ways:

Many accidents occur when stairways are covered with water, oil, grime or other slippery substances. Worn wood, diamond plate, plastic or metal stairs are opportunities for disaster.

Slip resistant metal stair treads can easily be installed over existing stair ways to prevent slip and fall accidents. They are long lasting and durable. Many stair treads can be welded into place, or can be attached with countersunk screws.

Replacing the nosing on the stair may be another viable option. Non slip metal stair nosings are an attractive solution to any slippery stair way. Metal nosings can be attached to existing treads by bolting or welding them on. They can also be placed into new cement with J-hooks.

Ladders:

Falls that happen from ladders can be very serious. Whether the ladder has a slippery substance on it, or the worker is trying to carry too much up at once, the result can be fatal.

Establishing safety rules for ladders is the best place to start when preventing accidents.

Making the ladder rungs slip resistant will prevent feet or hands from slipping off the rungs. Slip resistant metal ladder rung covers that fit directly over the existing ladder rungs are a cost effective solution to making ladders safer. Metal rung covers can be welded onto slippery rungs easily renewing safety.

If a new ladder is being built, slip resistant metal rungs can be welded into the new construction. Non-slip metal rungs and rung covers can be purchased in stock lengths, or cut to specific sizes.

Catwalks / Walkways / Platforms:

From the food processing industry to the automobile industry; worker platforms, walkways and catwalks can be come covered with water, oil, cleaning materials or other slippery substances, creating dangerous situations for workers.

Many industries have used diamond / checker plate as a "slip resistant" solution. Diamond / checker plate can become slippery when coated with any sort of wet substance. Products such as non slip metal plate or grating are much better options when it comes to preventing slip and fall accidents.

Slip resistant metal plate or metal grating can replace old flooring, or non slip plate, perforated plate and expanded metal can be retrofit over top of the existing floor.

Slip resistant metal products are available in a variety of metal including steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Steel products can be galvanized to facilitate use in outdoor areas.

Sidewalks:

Municipalities face a chance for a costly lawsuit when installing manhole covers or lids for utility vaults in pedestrian walkways. Pedestrians taking a leisurely stroll down the side walk can end up injured if they slip on a wet or oily plate.

Slip resistant metal products are a cost effective and long lasting solution.

Products can be fabricated to meet any DOT standards, and can be personalized with a city logo.

Summary:

It is important that companies and municipalities take the proper steps to avoid slip and fall accidents that lead to injury or even fatality. Proper examination of danger areas followed by investment in slip resistant materials is a necessary precaution.

By facing slippery situations head on, companies and municipalities can not only save millions of dollars in compensation but can also save lives.

For more information on slip resistant metal products please visit www.slipnot.com. SlipNOT Metal Safety Flooring manufactures products that exceed OSHA and ADA requirements for slip resistant standards. Contact them at: 313-923-0400, 800-754-7668 or via email at info@slipnot.com

July 28, 2008

Cleaning and Maintaining Important Surfaces

Filed under: Safety Tips, Workplace Safety — Tags: cleaning, plates, Safety Tips — sladmin @ 11:00 am

An important issue that should be focused on in any environment is the cleanliness of flooring surfaces. Keeping slip resistant plates clean is an essential aspect of a safe work place. Through the years, plates will accumulate a buildup of grime, particularly in the valleys. The peak to valley profile of your slip resistant plates should be monitored, so that the grime is kept to a minimum.

The most effective way of cleaning the plates is by power washing; this method removes accumulated grime and debris buildup. Another option would be to take a stiff bristle brush to the plates; this also is generally effective in removing debris.

Though messes, grime, and build up happen. It is essential for the safety of your workplace and the longevity of your surfaces to keep them clean. Simple, proper maintenance, such as the cleaning techniques described above will keep your surfaces in great shape for many years to come.

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July 21, 2008

Galvanizing Specs for Steel Plate and Grating

Filed under: Non Slip Applications, Product Q & A — Tags: grating, plates, safety, steel plates — sladmin @ 1:25 pm

We have many customers asking us for the galvanization specifications for Steel Plate and Grating. It has been established that ten minutes would be the maximum amount of time that steel plates should be submerged in acid during the pickling process. There are many reasons we’ve established this time frame.

Faster pickling reduces the amount of time the surface/plate interface is in contact with the acid. It cuts down on the possibility of “Hot Spots” developing. Hot Spots develop within pickling tanks as the plates react with the acid.  When this occurs, plates in the center of the rack experience a higher temperature than the plates on the outer sides.  We have seen instances where the outer plates will galvanize beautifully while the inner plates experience surface degradation.

It is essential that acid not be allowed to destroy the interfaces, and plates should be rinsed as soon as possible to remove any residual acid from the surface. Your plates should have the least amount of acid exposure as possible. Extended acid exposure can result in damage to your steel plates.

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July 15, 2008