SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS ASSOCIATED WITH FLOOR MATS AND RUNNERS

Floor mats and runners are commonly used to protect floor surfaces, prevent exposure to slippery floor surfaces, remove dirt, grit and moisture from footwear and provide ergonomic relief to workers. Floor mats are often installed to prevent slip, trip and fall incidents. However, it has been estimated that annually about 38,000 adults over the age of 65 years old are treated in U.S. emergency departments for slip, trip and fall injuries associated with carpets and rugs. [1] Furthermore, it is estimated that 85% of worker injuries resulting in workers' compensation claims are attributed to slipping on slick floors. [2] Incidence of falls reportedly increases with each decade of life. [3] In 2012, an industry standard, "Standard Guide for Commercial Entrance Matting in Reducing Slips, Trips and Falls" was introduced to provide "Criteria for the selection, installation, inspection, care and maintenance of entrance mats and runners in commercial facilities to reduce slips, trips and falls. [4] This paper will focus on identifying the hazards associated with floor coverings, reviewing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2002 to 2022 injury data for all age groups to better understand the trends, quantifying risks associated with floor coverings, and exploring safety controls available to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, the number of incidents related to slips, trips and falls due to floor mats and runners before and after the introduction of the industry standard will be studied.