Using an anti-slip mat is a proven way to improve worker safety and reduce the incidence of slips and falls in industrial and commercial work areas. Slips and falls are a major cause of lost productivity and time due to injuries, as well as representing an expensive insurance liability.
An anti-slip mat provides a slip-resistant surface for standing and walking in work areas where the risk of slipping is real. In addition to providing superior traction and grip, a good anti-slip mat can improve moisture drainage and air circulation in wet work areas, further reducing the slip hazard.
Floor surfaces can present slip hazards in both wet and dry conditions. The presence of water, or other fluids, on most floor surfaces increases the risk of a slip occurring. Floor surfaces in kitchen environments can become slippery when food becomes deposited on the floor. In both cases, an anti-slip mat can reduce the risk of slips and falls occurring.
What should you look for when selecting an anti-slip mat? This blog presents five key factors that buyers should look for in any anti-slip mat they are considering purchasing.
1. Traction and grip
Good anti-slip mats have a wear-resistant surface which provides superior traction and grip for workers. These mats feature walking surfaces that are designed to provide slip resistance even when wet or coated with greasy or oily substances. Some mats, for example, feature raised or pebbled surfaces, and are made from materials with additives which provide high levels of grip and traction. Other mats may feature an open construction which allows any spilled fluids to drain through the mat (drainage mats), thus avoiding a slip hazard.
2. Application fit
Different applications may require specific types of anti-slip mats. For example, an application where greases and oils are present may require a different type of mat than an application where only water is present. Another example is deep-freeze environments where slip hazards can occur from moisture condensing onto the cold floor surface. Anti-slip matting for this type of environment needs to constructed from materials which can withstand the cold temperatures. In every case where anti-slip matting is being considered, the conditions that are causing the slip hazard should always be evaluated and the type of mat which best addresses those conditions should be chosen.
3. Special properties
Some work environments require anti-slip matting with special characteristics and properties. For example, healthcare settings may require matting which is anti-bacterial, while other environments require mats which are non-flammable. Buyers should assess the specific needs of their environment to determine which particular matting properties are required.
4. Quality and resistance to wear and chemicals
The very best anti-slip mats are constructed from high-quality materials which provide excellent durability and resistance to wear and chemicals. These mats will outlast cheaper mats made from poorer quality materials. In addition, the anti-slip surface will wear less and retain its anti-slip properties longer.
5. Customization
Anti-slip mats are available in standard sizes or can be custom-cut to precisely fit specific work areas. Custom-fitted mats provide superior coverage of floor areas and can further reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Canada Rubber Group Inc. (CRG) supplies quality anti-slip matting either as fully finished mats, as bulk matting in roll form, or as custom-cut sizes and shapes. Fully finished mats are available in standard sizes, while matting supplied in rolls may be used to cover larger floor areas. We can also custom cut matting to specific sizes and shapes upon request.
If you have a need for an anti-slip mat, CRG’s sales team will be pleased to review and discuss your needs. Please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.