When you operate a cleaning business of any kind, odds are you will be tasked with mopping floors. And with that comes the slipping hazard associated with wet floor surfaces.
When I was running my business I was fanatical about using wet floor signs. This was primarily because I was friends with an insurance agent and he was always telling me a story about someone who got in trouble for cutting corners in some way.
On top of that, many years before I worked in a hospital and one of my co-workers drilled into me the habit of placing wet floor signs everywhere as a safety precaution. These two factors planted a seed in my brain to play it safe!.
Why you need to use wet floor signs
The fact is wet floors are a slipping hazard and a legal liability for businesses. And using wet floor signs is a way to minimize that risk. With that said, you don’t guarantee no risk by the use of them because they still need to be used properly. As I understand it (keep in mind I AM NOT A LAWYER), the use of wet floor signs is “evidence” that actions were taken to reduce the risk of someone falling.
But the fact remains someone can still get hurt, and there will always be some risk associated. No way around it. But play it smart and REDUCE THE RISK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Data indicates that slip and falls are the second most common cause of workplace injuries. Having someone get hurt on your watch is not good business, so you’ll want to focus on safety all the time.
Surfaces and areas prone to wet floor concerns
All wet floors are dangerous, but keep in mind that some surfaces can really be problematic. Tile, marble, linoleum floors and terrazzo can become especially hazardous when wet. So pay special attention when working on these type floors. Having one too many wet floor signs warning that the floor is wet is much better than having one too few. Play it smart!
In my experience wet floors are very common problem in break-rooms, restrooms and showers facilities, all entryways, locker rooms and cafeteria settings. Place wet floor signs around the perimeter to isolate the area. Placing them at each entry point is a must (hallways leading to the area of concern as well as any doorways someone would pass through to gain access to the area in question). If there is a “blind turn” (ie: around a corner) place signs up there as well to warn of a HAZARD AHEAD.
Types of Wet Floor Signage
The A Frame style wet floor sign is probably the most recognizable type of wet floor sign in use today. These are what I used in my business. I had tons of them, some I left at the jobs sites and others I had in my trucks at all times just in case I needed them. The links below are paid links.
Safety cones are another type of wet floor sign you will see in the workplace today. These are very similar to the A frame style but they don’t store as easily as the others. If you had a janitors closet where you could keep them these are a nice option. Links below are paid links.
Wet floor signs may not be the most interesting topic to chat about, but this is one detail that you don’t want to mess around with. I even used them when NOBODY WAS IN THE BUILDING. You know why? Because you never know when someone will walk in. I’ve had this situation happen several times over the years! You just never know when a worker, or even the owner will pop in. I leave you with these words…It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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