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
• Use short pile carpet to reduce the chance of tripping and allow delivery trolleys and carts ease of movement on the carpet

Wet floor

• Water carried inside onto floors during wet weather

• Use appropriate signage to warn of slip hazard when floors are wet
• Ensure that floors are regularly checked and maintained to be free from water
• Provide non-slip matting for people to wipe their feet before entry
• Ensure appropriate drainage at entry to workplace

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

Housekeeping

• Tripping hazards left on floor (e.g. deliveries)
• Rubbish left by visitors

• Ensure there is adequate 'off-the-floor' storage and designated areas for deliveries
• Process deliveries as soon as practicable
• Provide a clearly marked bin for disposal of waste materials
• Conduct regular housekeeping inspections

Floor furnishings

• Having rugs and other floor furnishings may introduce trip hazards
• Possible allergies   

• Ensure rugs and other floor furnishings are easily visible and have a low profile to reduce chance of tripping and that they are rubber backed to prevent slipping
• Use hypo-allergenic rugs and floor furnishings to reduce the risk of allergic reactions