Okay, how many New Year’s resolutions have already fallen by the wayside?

 At least three, right? (Four? Five?)

Breaking a New Year’s resolution is usually no big deal. But breaking a bone (or sustaining some other injury) in a slip-and-fall accident at a business can have serious consequences. The victim suffers from pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. The business often suffers from lost productivity (if an employee is hurt) or a tarnished reputation (if a customer is hurt). And the business bank account may suffer from workers’ compensation expenses, increased insurance premiums, or even a costly lawsuit.

If you’re a business owner, why not make some New Year’s resolutions to keep your workplace floors safer and cleaner in order to minimize the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents? Here are some suggestions:

1. Resolve to straighten up. Cover or coil up those hoses, cables, and cords in the office. Clear aisles of boxes, containers, or other unnecessary clutter. Keep all closet doors, cabinets, and file drawers closed when not in use.
2. Resolve to brighten everyone’s day. Make sure that all customer and employee areas are well lit, especially at night. If a bulb burns out, replace it immediately instead of putting it off. Illuminate dark storage areas if needed.
3. Resolve to become acquainted with the stairs. If your business has steps or stairs, install or repair any handrails or guardrails next to them. Consider putting non-stick and/or reflective strips on the steps and landings to make them more visible.
4. Resolve to address issues that need to be “smoothed over.” Repair solid flooring that has folds, cracks, or other problems that are a quarter inch high or greater. In carpeted areas, fix carpet that is loose, frayed, or torn as quickly as possible. And fill in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and other outdoor paved areas.

 Why aren’t you writing these down?

5. Resolve to clean up your life. Clearly label closets or cabinets where the cleaning materials are stored. Address any spills immediately by closing off the area or placing a Wet Floor sign there. Clean up spills promptly and completely, and don’t reopen the area until the floor is completely dry.
6. Resolve to help others. Educate your employees about the proper procedures for cleaning up spills. Train them on how to work safely on ladders, carry heavy supplies, and navigate icy surfaces. Encourage them to wear shoes with non-slip soles.
7. Resolve to reduce stress and fatigue. For employees who stand for long periods of time, obtain an anti-fatigue mat to help them stay fresh and alert. Don’t discourage tired or fatigue employees from taking a break.
8. Resolve to make sure that everything which is important to you is covered. Place floor mats at entrances and in areas prone to high traffic and/or moisture. Use additional floor mats on days when the weather is bad. Clean your floor mats regularly.

If you need a little assistance with some of these resolutions, turn to Ultimate Mats. They have a wide selection of floor mats, entry mats, and anti-fatigue mats for all applications. These durable, long-lasting floor protection products will help keep your business safe from slip-and-fall accidents.

So as part of your New Year’s resolutions to protect everyone in your business, check out the Ultimate Mats website today. Don’t wait for a slip-and-fall accident to occur before taking action.

 Make 2015 your best year ever!

Written by Chris Martin