Slip Potential for Commonly Used Inclined Grated Metal Walkways

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Materials Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Lack of specific Mine Safety and Health Administration guidelines for inclined grated metal walkways.
• Potential for slip and fall injuries due to inadequate walkway friction in mining operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate significant differences in required friction for various grated metal walkways.
• To evaluate walkway performance under diverse conditions, including inclination and contamination.

Main Methods:

• Measured normalized coefficients of friction for 12 participants on inclined walkways (0-20°).
• Assessed walkway performance with and without glycerol contamination.
• Recorded self-reported slips and calculated required coefficients of friction.
• Measured available coefficients of friction using a tribometer with boot heel and Neolite testers.

Main Results:

• Increased slip frequency observed at inclination angles of 10° and above.
• Diamond weave grating demonstrated the best performance across all inclines and conditions.
• Perforated and serrated bar gratings showed high slip rates at 20° when contaminated.

Conclusions:

• Diamond weave grating provides significantly better friction than serrated bar and perforated gratings.
• Recommendations for improved walkway safety in mining, particularly for inclines exceeding 10°.