Are you Misusing the Floor Mats in your Manufacturing Facility?

Slip and fall incidents are one of the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards.

It’s no secret that an ineffective slip prevention program could cost your company thousands.

In this article, you’ll learn about the most commonly misused floor mat in manufacturing.

We’ll also show you how a few simple modifications that can have a huge impact on your safety program.

In fact, an EHS Manager that recently made these modifications commented, “These suggestions on mats have helped keep our techs from tracking oil and grease through the building. Problem solved!”

Let’s get started.

We’ve all seen walk mat in a place of business.  They are typically found in a lobby or entrance. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they help protect floors from outside elements such as rain, snow, and dirt.

Here are some examples of walk mats being used properly.

In an Office

In a Lobby

The right floor mat in the right location can make a HUGE difference in preventing slips and falls.

While the walk mat can be very effective in a lobby or office (as shown above), they do not provide the best protection in a manufacturing environment.

Here’s why.

First, walk mats have a nylon pile which is not ideal for a heavy soil environment such as your production floor.

Second, walk mats have a rubber cleat base designed for use on carpeting. This can create a gap for fluid to seep under.

Third, walk mats were designed to collect snow, rain, and light dirt, not oil and other industrial process fluids.

A better alternative on your manufacturing floor

Unike walk mats, SlipBusters® provide better protection against slips and falls for the people on your production floor. Here’s why.

First, SlipBusters® have an absorbent cotton pile which is 2X more absorbent than nylon walk mats.

SlipBusters® have a thicker, oil-resistant rubber base with a flat surface. This helps prevent oil from seeping under the mat.

Third, SlipBusters® are industrial strength and designed for a manufacturing environment.

Finally, the yellow striping enhances visibility and safety.

Summary

Both walk mats and SlipBusters® can be highly effective when used in the right environment and can ultimately save you thousands in floor protection and workers’ compensation claims. For more on floor mat selection and placement, check out our Complete Guide to Commercial Floor Mat Selection.

ITU AbsorbTech offers a complimentary facility assessment, which includes a walk-through of your facility and recommendations for a floor mat system that will support your safety initiatives.  Please contact us to get started.