Accidents caused by slipping can be extremely distressing and remain alarmingly high in terms of statistics.  For some unfortunate individuals, it can lead to a lifetime of disability and in worst cases, even death. While workplace slips and trips cause the most common kind of major injury, accounting for 38% of all such incidents, slips can happen virtually anywhere – even in the home.

In many cases, the risks can be minimised through good housekeeping.  This is where the humble door mat comes into its own – amazing to think that a simple doormat could potentially save a life.

A doormat can be as much about safety as it is about floor protection.  A well fitted door mat or entrance mat with effective moisture wiping properties can significantly reduce the risk of slipping on wet floor surfaces.  The cleaner the doormat is kept, then the more likely it is to perform well so washable door mats are very often convenient for this purpose. 

They don’t necessarily have to be expensive.  Many cheap door mats are functional but may need replacing more often.  To buy doormats online, including coir door mats and dirt trapper mats,  it is worth considering a look at www.doormatsdelivered.com – a website that has something to offer most budgets.

Pauline Cole, who supports the HSE’s Shattered Lives campaign, said floor surfaces should be suitable for the work being done on them and they should be maintained and kept in a good condition. Obvious warning signs should also be visible when there is a change in flooring, like slopes and steps, while employees who notice workplace hazards should report them as soon as possible.

Some flooring surfaces are easier to maintain that others however. Studded Rubber floor tiles for example are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for large floor areas.

Rubber Flooring Tiles are durable and easy to maintain