Accidents happen anywhere, and offices are not an exception. In fact, recent studies suggest that trips and falls are prevalent in the workplace. Along with those accidents are the extensive impacts to employers, employees and building owners.

1. Impacts of Faulty Floors
to Workplaces

2. Accidents happen anywhere, and offices are not an exception. In fact, recent studies
suggest that trips and falls are prevalent in the workplace. Along with those accidents
are the extensive impacts to employers, employees and building owners.
A look into workplace accidents
A study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) revealed that
there are more than 500 fatal falls and 110,000 hospital admissions from falls in
buildings in Australia each year. The costs of such accidents reach around $1.3 billion per
annum.

3. Floors – the leading culprits
Flooring problems are among the leading causes of workplace accidents. Researchers noted that
design and construction of floorings in buildings might be partly responsible for the occurrence of
such occurrences. Most buildings have slippery floors at building entries, thus increasing the risk
of slips and falls.
Safe Work Australia had the same observations. The organization cited several causes of workplace
accidents and found faulty floors as among the most common. Flooring problems include loose or
bumpy flooring, broken tiles, floor level changes, worn floor coverings and ridges in floors or
carpets.
Dealing with Flooring Problems
Researchers cite some ways to reduce, if not eliminate, the impacts of poor flooring to the
workplace. They suggested non-slip floors for commercial areas. They also recommended
uniformity in the slip resistance measurements and definitions to help employers incorporate such
floors in their buildings.
Safe Work Australia also suggests minimal changes in floor levels. Otherwise, they recommend the
use of ramps instead of steps to reduce trips. Maximum ramp slopes should not exceed 1:12 for
safety purposes. Sudden transitions in floor surfaces should be limited, or at least offset with good
lighting and visual cues to warn employees.
The Australian Building Codes Board also came up with slip resistance requirements, such as the
implementation of slip resistance testing for floors. The National Association of Testing Authorities
should accredit the laboratory that will conduct the slip test. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 4586
and Standards Australia Handbook HB 197 outlines the guidelines on slip-resistant surfaces to
comply with the Building Code requirements.
These findings merely imply how faulty floors can lead to costly consequences. As such, it is
important to consider non-slip floors and other measures that contribute to workplace safety.

4. Resources:
http://www.aicoatings.com.au/home/floor-coatings-new/
http://www.fmmagazine.com.au/blog/building-management/push-for-
sustainable-slip-resistant-flooring/#.Vef8kiWqqkp
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/Docume
nts/659/Slips%20and%20Trips%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf