Slip & Fall Prevention: Interior Spaces

Slip and fall accidents can be devastating in terms of injuries and liability. It's important to regularly review your interior walkways for potential hazards to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Floors

Carpet, ceramic tile, vinyl and hardwoods are all appropriate interior floor surfaces. Due to their design characteristics, one may be more appropriate than others for certain areas of your facility (i.e. areas prone to the presence of water should have high slip resistance characteristics).

Regularly clean and treat your flooring to maintain the desired slip resistance rating and to prevent tripping hazards:

Clean and wax hardwood, tile and vinyl according to manufacturer recommendations.
Do not treat dust mops with oil if the mops are used for cleaning.
Promptly repair holes, rips and seams in carpeting.
Ensure carpeting is adequately stretched to prevent bunching.
Keep flooring level and in good condition.
Repair all variances in level of more than ¼ inch.
Clean spills and leaks promptly.

Mats

Mats can be a helpful addition to keeping your floors clean and dry by removing dirt, dust and moisture from shoes. However, if mats are used incorrectly, they can create a greater hazard. Follow these guidelines when using mats in your building:

Use mats designed for removal of dust, dirt and moisture.
Do not use cheap mats, scatter rugs or carpet remnants.
Use mats with a beveled edge to provide a smooth transition from the floor to the mat.
Do not stacks mats in use.
For large areas, use a large mat rather than several smaller mats.
Select mats long enough to take two full steps (6 to 8 feet) before stepping onto other floor surfaces.
Ensure mats do not have openings large enough to trap a high-heeled shoe and cause a fall. Regularly inspect mats to ensure the edges are not curled or dog-earned.
Use mats at entrances and exits, especially during wet weather conditions.
Install mats under and around drinking fountains, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, freezers, coolers, food counters and food prep spaces.
Regularly and properly clean and maintain all mats to ensure integrity and longevity.

Baptistry

Consider the following guidelines regarding your baptistry to prevent slips and falls:

Install handrails that extend beyond the stairway.
Use a non-slip surface on steps leading into and out of baptistry.
Install carpet or another no-slip surface around the baptistry.
Limit the use of and access to the baptistry to authorized personnel when not in use.
Cover the baptistry when not in use.
Wipe up all water on the floor promptly.
Utilize mats as specified in the above section.
Ensure stairs that access that baptistry are free from hazards.

Stairways & Ramps

Stairways are a common location for slip and fall incidents. Review your stairways regularly to ensure they are free from hazards:

Stairways and landings must be kept clear and should not be used as a storage location.
If the steps have a smooth surface, install anti-slip material to the tread to provide traction.
If the stairs are carpeted, ensure that the edge is noticeable.
Install warnings and barriers at points where stairs or stairways exit into any area where vehicles will be operated.

Your stairs and stairways should also measure up according to the building’s code. See the below stairway guidelines:

Stairways should be at least 44 inches in width.
Stair landings should be at least as wide as the width of the stairway.
The height of each step (riser) should be between 7 and 7.5 inches.
The depth (tread) of each step should be between 9 and 10 inches.
Nosing on the stair should not protrude more than 1.5 inches and should be beveled to reduce trip potential.
Stairways of 4 or more steps should have handrails.
Handrails must be accessible within 44 inches of all portions of stair width.
Handrails should be between 34 and 38 in in height and have a diameter of 1.25 to 1.5 inches.
Handrails should be installed least 1.5 in from the wall and should extend beyond the stairway.
Handrails should be installed securely in place and should be free of damage.

Ramps can be helpful in areas of your church with a low rise from one level to another. Take the following precautions regarding your ramps:

Install handrails on ramps with a rise of 6 inches or more.
Keep the ramp clear and free from projections onto the ramp.
Ensure the slope of the ramp is no greater than 7 degrees (1 vertical by 8 horizontal).
If ramp used by those with disabilities, ensure the slope is no greater than 4.5 degrees (1 vertical by 12 horizontal).

Additional Considerations

Below you will find additional items to review in your building to prevent slips, trips and falls at all times of the year:

Take care when utilizing any stepstools or ladders to follow all safety precautions listed on the device and check that there is no damage to the device.
Ensure there is proper lighting throughout the building and especially in stairways.
Check that doors at entrances and exits sit flush when closed and that they open and close smoothly.
Regularly inspect entrances and exits for dirt and water deposits tracked in from outside.
Rout cords (electrical, phone, microphone) around walkways and doorways or tape them to the floor adequately.
Ensure all elevators sit even with the surface of the floor outside the elevator.
All balconies should have a guardrail at least 42 inches in height.

Employees and volunteers should be trained to identify wet conditions and clean up spills immediately. You need equipment and supplies to deal with wet conditions:

Adequate number and placement of mops and buckets.
Warning cones or signs to warn of wet surfaces, slippery or unsafe areas and tripping hazards.

When a slip or fall accident occurs, you will need to conduct a brief investigation. Your Safety and Security Team should create a protocol for slips and falls and complete these items in the event of an incident:

Designate a person from the team to do investigations.
Investigate who, what, when, were and why of the incident.
Complete an accident report form.
Provide prompt medical attention for injured parties.
Photograph the area after the individual has left the scene.
Do not admit liability and do not make any offer of payment when such incidents occur.
Reach out to your licensed insurance agent with any questions about your coverage and for information on submitting incident information to your insurance carrier.

Sources

Carpet and Rug Institute