{"id":664,"date":"2019-07-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/compliance-signs.local\/slip-resistant-shoes-reduce-workers-compensation-claims\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T14:04:45","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T18:04:45","slug":"slip-resistant-shoes-reduce-workers-compensation-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/slip-resistant-shoes-reduce-workers-compensation-claims\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Shows Slip-Resistant Shoes Reduce Injuries and Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your workplace has wet, greasy or slippery floors, slip-resistant shoes could be the best gift you could give your workers – and your bottom line. Recently published research shows that use of slip-resistant shoes led to a large reduction in workers\u2019 compensation claims for slip injuries in food service operations. The multi-year study of some 17,000 food service workers showed facilities providing slip-resistant shoes reduced slip injuries by more than two-thirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the investigation, researchers studied whether a no\u2013cost-to-workers slip-resistant shoe program decreased the risk of slip and fall injuries among food services workers. The shoes provided were 5-star rated for slip-resistance as determined in independent laboratory tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From August 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013, approximately 17,000 food service workers from 226 school districts participated in the study. Investigators analyzed workers\u2019 compensation injury claims caused by slipping on wet or greasy surfaces, the type of incident these shoes are designed to prevent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

School districts using slip-resistant shoes filed 67% fewer claims for slip injuries, compared to no reduction in claims for districts that did not receive the shoes. Investigators concluded that highly rated slip-resistant shoes can help reduce claims for slip injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A $13 Billion Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Slips, trips, and falls are the third-leading cause of U.S. non-fatal work-related injuries involving days away from work across all industries. Almost 80% of these injuries are on the same level, and these injuries are estimated to cost nearly $13 billion in direct workers\u2019 compensation-related costs annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSHA requirements for the prevention of slips, trips, and falls are contained in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, Walking-working surfaces. OSHA requires employers to ensure that all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition. Floors are to be maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, dry condition. When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms and mats must be provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Slips and Trips?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both slips and trips result from an unintended or unexpected change in contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. NIOSH lists these top 10 workplace slip hazards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Contaminants on the Floor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Poor Drainage: Pipes and Drains<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Indoor Walking Surface Irregularities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Outdoor Walking Surface Irregularities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Weather Conditions: Ice and Snow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Inadequate Lighting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Stairs and Handrails<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Stepstools and Ladders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Tripping Hazards: Clutter, Loose Cords, Hoses, Wires and Medical Tubing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Improper Use of Floor Mats and Runners<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to Identify Slip & Trip Hazards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    On Indoor Walking and Working Surfaces:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n