Poorly Positioned Mats Cause Falls
Slip and fall injuries are very common and can lead to very bad personal injuries. Something as minor as a mat in public areas can result in severe injuries. Proper positioning of mats in public places prevents you from the hassle and outlay of injuries sustained after tripping and falling because of a poorly positioned mat.
Floor mats are one of the primary ways to avoid slip and fall accidents. Placing doormats at the entry points of public places is an easy initial measure towards safety. These mats assume a critical role in preserving the floors. However, if they are not positioned correctly, they can cause fatal slips and falls.
Dangers of Poor Mat Positioning
The possible dangers of poorly positioned mats are obvious, sense dictates that using the right type of mats and placing them properly in public places reduces the number of accidents caused by slip and falls.
Mats should not be used for any other purpose other than serving their intended goal. Rippled, curled and torn edged mats should be replaced with mats that are flat.
What’s The Correct Way To Position Mats?
Mats should be placed on clean, dry floors and should not overlap each other. In case the mat does not lie flat, it should be properly fixed to the floor in order to lie flat or otherwise replace it. Areas susceptible to a lot of friction, where mat movement might take place, should be monitored and corrected.
If a doorway mat is placed correctly, everybody who comes or exits the building should step directly onto the mat and walk across it for a few paces prior to stepping onto the entry floor.
During severe weather, extra mats should be used to complement the regular weather matting. Some anti-slip mats have a bonding agent which allows them to be fixed firmly on the flooring. This makes them easy to be installed on uneven surfaces where slips frequently occur in public buildings.
What Makes A Good Mat?
It is recommended to use slip resistant mats that are made from rubber or cocoa fiber. These substances aid in removing dirt and water from the shoe soles. Industry qualified mats are designed to trap mud and dirt and fluids from public area floors, hence minimizing cases of slips and falls.
The color of the mat may also help in avoiding slip and fall mishaps. Experts advise that the mat’s color should contrast with the color of the floor. Thick mats should be made with leveled and bright colored edges to reduce tripping and boost visibility. In addition, the edges should face the floor downwards, and the mats should not be more than half an inch in height.
When positioning mats on the outside of an organization, a scraper or a lower-level mat is highly recommended. Proper safety measures should be observed when positioning mats to protect people from trip fall hazards. Every institution deserves to look its best but also it should be as safe as possible for its employees and visitors.