Slipping on pedestrian surfaces: methods for measuring and evaluating the slip resistance

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Materials Science
• Risk Management

Background:

• Tripping, slipping, and falling accidents represent a significant public health concern with high incidence rates.
• Establishing consistent safety standards is crucial for mitigating these prevalent workplace and environmental hazards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the requirements for slip resistance in various environments.
• To present the current state of slip resistance measurement standards in the European Community (EC) and the United States (USA).
• To describe methodologies for conducting field-based risk assessments related to slip hazards.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and standards pertaining to slip resistance.
• Comparative analysis of measurement techniques and regulatory requirements in the EC and USA.
• Description of practical approaches for on-site risk evaluation.

Main Results:

• Identification of key requirements for slip-resistant surfaces across different sectors.
• Overview of the harmonization and divergence in slip resistance testing standards between the EC and USA.
• Framework for implementing effective slip risk assessments in real-world settings.

Conclusions:

• Standardized slip resistance testing and clear requirements are essential for reducing fall accidents.
• Understanding the nuances between international standards is critical for global safety practices.
• Field risk assessment provides a practical tool for enhancing safety and preventing slips, trips, and falls.