Measures to prevent falls: mats, strips, podotactile tiles

Slippery, damp floors, oily substances, stairs... In the workplace, there are many factors that can lead to falls. According to one of Amélie'ssources , they are the second leading cause of death in the workplace, with major consequences for both the victim and the company. The solution to slip hazard prevention? Anti-slip mats. Discover our advice on choosing the right floor covering for your needs.

What floor matting solutions are there to prevent the risk of falls?

In France, a professional floor mat is considered as personal protective equipment (PPE). To limit the risk of slipping on your premises, here are three solutions proposed by NEOSOL, specialists in the sale of preventive floor coverings:

- An anti-slip floor mat at the entrance

Anti-slip mats are specially designed to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Thanks to its technology, it adheres firmly to the floor and withstands heavy foot traffic and bad weather. Easy to maintain, it can be placed in front of your entrances and doorsteps to absorb moisture, dust, mud and gravel brought in by outdoor footwear. For you, it means safer, drier, cleaner floors.

- Pedometer tiles near stairs

These pedometer strips feature raised spikes detectable by foot or white cane. They help visually impaired or blind visitors to negotiate obstacles and considerably reduce the risk of falling. They are generally placed at the top and bottom of each staircase, or before an obstacle or danger zone.

- Self-adhesive marking strips

They are easy to stick to the floor, and can also be used to warn of hazards (stairs, steps, obstacles, etc.) thanks to their bright, easily visible color. Self-adhesive strips adhere to any clean, sealed, uncoated surface, and are easy to cut by hand. Several colors and widths are available to suit every need.

Also read: Avoiding falls on stairs: rules to follow

Slip prevention: an employer's obligation

The risks of slips are often underestimated by companies. Yet in 2018, Amélie counted nearly 99,000 work stoppages linked to falls, representing around 9 million days' absence. A figure that could be considerably reduced by implementing preventive measures, such as anti-slip mats.

In this respect, prevention - which involves the study, analysis and assessment of risks - is an obligation for every company. It is enshrined in article L. 4121-1 ofthe French Labour Code , which stipulates that employers must take " the necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of workers ".

The first step before implementing preventive measures is the assessment of occupational risks (EvRP). This identifies the risks to which your employees are exposed. Once this stage has been completed, appropriate preventive measures can be put in place. To find out more about risk assessment, take a look at thebrochure from INRS, the leading organization in the field of occupational risk prevention.

Also read: How to prevent the risk of slipping with an anti-slip mat?

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