Floor

Objects

Hazards

Possible Controls

Floor surface

• Highly polished floors or smooth surfaces may be a slip hazard
  
• Patterns on floors can cause vertigo and alter depth perception
  
• Plush carpet catches feet

• Choose a non-slip floor material or one with a textured surface
  
• Use a non-slip floor polish or cleaner
  
• If terrazzo or similar surface, have walk areas abraded (roughened) to remove shine
  
• Choose plain patterns without swirls or 3D images 

Housekeeping

• Tripping hazards left on floor (e.g. cartons and boxes)
  
• Slipping hazards (e.g. spills)
  
• Disease from pests, vermin attracted to the area by food debris left in rubbish bins, on floor and underneath storage cupboards 

• Ensure there is adequate 'off-the-floor' storage for kitchen supplies
• Ensure that floor is kept clean, free of litter and any spillages are immediately cleaned up
  
• Ensure kitchen floors are free from obstruction so they can be wet-mopped and polished
  
• Provide a bin for disposal of waste materials adjacent to the dishwasher, consider separate bins for other rubbish as per local collection services
  (separate paper, glass, cans, plastic bottles etc)
  
• Conduct regular housekeeping inspections

Change in floor level or surface

• Changes in floor level (e.g. step or ramp)
  
• Interface between different floor materials
  (e.g. from tiled floor to a carpeted one)

• Where possible ensure that joins are flush with adjoining floor levels and are not raised at any point
  
• Use rounded facing for joins not at same level
  
• Display appropriate signage to identify the hazard to people using the area
  
• Consider extra lighting and floor markings to identify the hazard to people using the area
  
• Avoid having changes in surface where these occur at unexpected points in the walk area

Damaged flooring

• Damaged flooring (e.g. cracked or broken tiles, holes in carpet, projecting edging strips)

• Ensure any damaged flooring is repaired as soon as possible
  
• Place appropriate warning signs over damaged area, or remove access to the area until repaired

Floor furnishings

• Having mats and other floor furnishings may introduce trip or slip hazards

• Ensure rugs and other floor furnishings are easily visible and have a low profile to reduce chance of tripping
  
• Ensure mats are rubber backed to prevent shifting