Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries and can happen almost anywhere. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 95% of major slips result in broken bones.
That same article also says that slips and trips are responsible for on average:
- Over a third of major injuries
- 2 fatalities per year
- 50% of all reported accidents to members of the public
- £133 million cost to the NHS per year
The solutions to these common accidents are often simple and cost effective. According to the HSE effective matting systems and prevention of contamination, among other things, can reduce the likelihood of a slipping accident.
Stopping dirt and contamination at the entrance is often the most efficient and cost effective method of reducing slip and trip accidents. By removing dirt and moisture before it enters the building you will reduce the need for cleaners mopping and sweeping throughout the day.
BS 7953 states that an entrance flooring system should scrape, wipe and retain, making contact with both feet of people entering the building and, in the case of wheeled traffic, with the circumference of the wheels. So taking that into consideration, and using a standard 26″ wheelchair wheel, an entrance mat should be a minimum 2.1m long to be compliant and offer maximum effectiveness. Although many experts (including CS) agree that 6 metres is the optimum walk off length for an entrance matting system. Whilst this may sound challenging, it can often be economically achieved by combining entrance matting systems both inside and outside the store/centre.
Our Pedisystems range offers a variety of entrance matting systems, both internal and external, catering for all requirements and budgets.
What next?
- Download our entrance matting brochure
- Give the experts a call on 01296 652800 or email enquiries@c-sgroup.co.uk to find out what we can do for your shopping centre
Tags: pedisystems, entrance matting, maintenance, retail, entrance flooring,safety, Compliance
