Reasons why you should concern your self about the slippery floor

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Marvin Agency Newsletter
February 1, 2008 Volume 2, Number 2

In This Issue
·1 Workers Compensation Costs –Slip and Fall Injuries
·2 The Slip and Fall Hazard – A Solution
·3 About the Author

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Workers Compensation Cost – Slip and Fall Injuries

Workers Compensation insurance premiums are directly impacted by claims. Claims costs are the major factor in determining rates that are charged to businesses. For those individual policies that qualify for “experience modification” their individual company claims can have a significant positive or negative effect as well. Generally these “modifiers” are talked about in percentage factors so when a company generates a modifier above 1.00 they are at a competitive disadvantage with others in their industry.
Slip and fall injuries have a major impact on claims and should be treated with care. One study covering a one year period showed that over one million people in the United States suffered from a slip and fall injury with over 17,000 deaths. In the workforce we see about four million injuries a year with about 15% in the slip, trip, and fall category. Generally about 12 to 15% of all Workers Compensation costs are generated in the category with a significant amount of deaths. This varies by industry. For example, the food service industry sees about half of its injuries come from slip, trips, and falls.
With medical costs increasing we can predict that slips and falls will continue to contribute to the increase in workers’ compensation costs and the pain that more and more businesses feel. These costs continue to threaten the existence of some businesses, especially in some states.

The Slip and Fall Hazard – A Solution

The primary cause of slips is slippery surfaces compounded by wearing the wrong shoes. Traction is the force that allows you to walk on a surface without slipping. Experience shows that icy, wet, or freshly waxed surfaces have low traction while surfaces like dry rough concrete have good traction. Another way to look at traction is by measuring the “coefficient of friction”. Its measurement depends on the quality of both the surface we are walking on and the footwear we are using. To help prevent slips and falls, a high coefficient of friction (COF) is desired. On icy, wet, or oily surfaces we can see COF as low as .10 with footwear that is not slip resistant. With a dry brushed concrete surface and a rubber heel we generally expect a COF of greater than 1.0. Providing the proper surface and encouraging proper footwear is the answer to reducing many slip and falls.

In work areas which are likely to be slippery, non-skid floor coatings / surfaces should be used. Working to make sure that the surface is smooth with no “trip” hazards. Rises in a surface area as little as 3/8 inch can cause a person to trip. Slippery stairs are an obvious issue, especially if not designed with standardized steps, rails, and landings.

While employers can influence the footwear that their employees wear the real safety control for slip and falls is squarely on the treatment of the floor surface. Increasing the COF will reduce the risk of slip and falls. By installing the proper abrasive coating / floor you can reduce the risk. There are coatings that are formulated to resist grease, oil, water, and a wide range of chemicals. It is important to purchase the correct product for your particular issue and have it properly installed. Talking to an expert in the field (like the folks at www.globalsafeusa.com) is important in picking the right application for your needs.

About the Author

The Author, Marvin Lessmann, is a national known insurance and risk management expert.
Key Facts:
Marvin Lessmann, II, JD, CPCU, ASLI
Past President—
Los Angeles, CA — CPCU Society
Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles Insurance Managers
Houston, TX - Houston Insurance Association

Marvin Lessmann Insurance Agency has been staffed with insurance professionals experienced in helping insure clients of all types and sizes. Marvin has handled insurance programs for a significant number of major national businesses, movie/entertainment industry accounts, associations, groups, and individuals. He is one of the most experienced insurance professionals in the United States having attained the coveted Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. Marvin has also completed many other insurance education and advanced degree programs. He has worked with numerous insurance industry organizations as an officer, and has helped to develop several nationally recognized insurance products. Marvin is using his expertise, and has developed staff, to help his clients.