Benefits of Using Commercial Non-Slip Flooring

Commercial non-slip flooring has been a controversial topic within the facilities management world. While most commercial property owners want their floors to look great, facility managers have other concerns. Most importantly, preventing accidents from slips and falls. One of the biggest causes of customer and employee falls is because of a floor that is too slippery.

There are two main reasons why facility managers should consider adding non-slip flooring. In addition to improving safety, anti-slip flooring can help prevent expensive litigation. Let’s take a deeper look at commercial non-slip flooring.

What Is Commercial Non-Slip Flooring?

A floor’s slipperiness is rated by its coefficient of friction, which measures the force needed to keep your foot from slipping. Floors with a coefficient below 0.5 are considered slippery, while those from 0.5 and higher are considered non-slip.

Carpet, for instance, usually has a coefficient above 1, making it very non-slip. Commercial floors are hard, usually tile or stone. These materials can be much more slippery, especially when they’re polished.

When evaluating a hard flooring surface, it’s important to look for material that will provide enough friction. These commercial non-slip flooring materials come in many styles and colors, ensuring you’ll get the look you want with the safety you need.

What Are the Different Types of Slip-Resistant Floors?

When it comes to commercial non-slip flooring, you have a few options. While wax was the traditional solution because of its low cost, there are better options that require less attention and upkeep.

One solution is to add a non-slip coating over your existing floor, often with a gritting agent added. While this can provide excellent traction, it’s not very attractive, and over time it tends to need frequent repairs.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are increasingly popular options. Coming in a range of patterns and colors, you can create a striking visual statement. In addition to choosing a pattern meant to enhance friction, tiles also encourage water drainage. This critical factor will help you keep your flooring non-slip. 

The newest option is luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which manufacturers can treat to look like wood or stone. LVT is actually made of durable rubber material. More cost-effective than natural materials, you can use this option to create a long-lasting, beautiful floor that’s also non-slip.

The Safety Benefits of Commercial Non-Slip Flooring for Employees and Customers

The safety of your employees, customers and other visitors should be one of your biggest concerns. Any time you have an opportunity to make your property safer, you should do it. This has a number of benefits for you and everyone on your commercial property.

Commercial non-slip flooring helps keep your employees safe, limiting downtime due to slips and falls. You can also increase productivity when employees feel comfortable moving about the workspace.

Best of all, non-slip flooring helps ensure your building’s reputation. No one wants to work or shop in a building where they need to worry about falling with every step. Instead, put your customers at ease by installing commercial non-slip flooring.

The Insurance Benefits of Slip-Free Commercial Floors

Another significant reason to consider non-slip flooring is insurance. When someone slips on your floors, you can potentially be held liable for that accident. For insurers, that liability extends to them and can make them less likely to want to do business with you.

Installing commercial non-slip flooring may lower your potential liability for these accidents. Insurance companies will be less likely to raise your rates and may even give you a discount for enhancing workplace safety. Any way you look at it, non-slip flooring is a win for everybody.