Slip Resistance in Public Buildings: Old Versus New

Slip and fall injuries are the number one cause of emergency room visits in the United States with a total of more than 10,500,000 visits in 2010. More than 46,000 people died at home or work due to falls in 2022. This study investigated slip resistance (SR) on 10 different flooring surfaces in older vs newer buildings on a university campus in Southwest Montana. The study also compared dry vs wet conditions and found that SR decreased significantly (p-value < 0.01) for both older and newer flooring. The mean scores declined from 0.59 to 0.46 in older buildings and from 0.58 to 0.38 in the newer buildings. Under dry conditions the SR values on all 10 floors were above the 0.50 level indicating high available traction and walkway safety. When wetted, the newer flooring had 13/20 SR values below 0.40 compared to 4/20 for the older flooring and one measurement < 0.30. This research has developed objective data on the SR in public spaces. Results underscore the need to remain diligent in selecting high-traction flooring and coatings as well as preventing contamination of flooring in public spaces. Every walkway safety program should include management practices such as maintenance methods consistent with manufacturer recommendations, frequent cleaning and rapid spill clean-up when contaminated.