A slip or trip at work can have a huge impact on the rest of your life. A simple accident could mean living in pain for years. It could mean that you can no longer run for the bus, walk the dog or play football at weekends. It could even mean the loss of your job.

Slips and trips are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries to employees. In the UK in 2013/14 there were 77,593 non-fatal injuries reported and of these, 28% (21,726) of accidents were caused by slips and trips alone. According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS) this is also the cause of 986,000 working days lost every year. Both these figures highlight that slips and trips remain major safety issues in the workplace and could potentially rob workers of the ability to live their lives to the full.

Arco has developed a dedicated catalogue designed to provide specific advice on floor level safety and matting. Whether it is to reduce the risk of slipping on potentially treacherous surfaces or to provide fatigue-relief for standing operatives, Arco can recommend a range of products designed to meet each individuals needs:

Slip-resistant matting

Slip resistant matting can help prevent slip injuries by providing more underfoot grip on floor areas that are contaminated by water, liquids and oil. 

Entrance matting

70% of dirt that enters a building is brought in on the soles of people’s shoes; therefore an entrance mat is crucial in helping to keep buildings clean and tidy. An entrance mat can also help prevent dirt and water being tracked on to floors, minimising potential slip hazards.

Anti-fatigue matting

Standing for long periods of time on hard floor surfaces is uncomfortable and can cause physical fatigue which reduces concentration and therefore productivity. As tiredness creeps in, joints such as the ankles and knees can tense up and become locked, heightening the risk of musculoskeletal damage.   

Creating a comfortable and safe working environment is therefore imperative; not least for those on the shop floor whose jobs necessitate lengthy periods of standing. Anti-fatigue matting is a simple method that employers can introduce to help to decrease foot weariness and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The in built cushioning helps to promote regular subtle foot movement reducing stress on the soles of the feet and distributing the pressure over a greater surface. The cushioning underlay also insulates the feet from the hard surface, cold floors, vibrations, moisture and sound.

Through the implementation of this simple safety measure, employees will be given the best possible chance of avoiding slips and trips during their working day.