Keeping students and faculty safe is always the focus for school administrators and facility managers. This is especially true during the cold winter months. With its snow, icy roads, and frigid temperatures safety conditions can quickly deteriorate if the right safety measures are not proactively taken.  With students and staff constantly coming in and out of the building, wet and dirty shoes can quickly create hazardous conditions. 

Slip and fall accidents are incidents that can be easily avoided by utilizing a simple 5-step mat strategy. Keep schools safe and floors dry, skid-free, and clean throughout the winter months by investing in quality floor mats from Health Mats. Schools can ensure the safety and well-being of their students and staff while also maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Let us take a closer look at this easy and effective strategy. 

How Health Mats Can Help 

Health Mats is a leading provider of commercial mats to the Mid-Atlantic region of the country, helping maintain cleanliness and safety in the workplace. If the 5-step strategy leaves you asking questions or simply wanting a second opinion on what you may need, requesting a free walkway consultation with one of our safety experts is an added layer you can take to ensure your students and faculty are safe. 

The Five-Step Plan

Now that we understand the importance of floor safety in schools during winter and the role that Health Mats play in enhancing safety, let us dive into a five-step plan to keep schools slip-free this winter. 

Step 1: Identify High Traffic Areas 

Assess the areas of high traffic in your school. Identify the entrance and exit points, as well as areas where students tend to gather or walk frequently. These are the areas that are most prone to wet and dirty shoes, and therefore, higher risks of slips and falls. Keeping these areas well-lit at night is also important! 

Step 2: Strategic Mat Placement 

Place Health Mats strategically in high-traffic areas. Make sure to choose mats that are designed to absorb moisture and dirt effectively. This will create a protective barrier for your floors and minimize the risk of accidents. Do not forget to consider the size and shape of the mats to ensure they cover the entire surface area and provide sufficient traction. 

Step 3: Inspect and Maintain 

Regularly inspect and maintain the mats. Clean and replace them as needed to ensure their effectiveness. Health Mats offers a cleaning service for rented mats that are soiled. Mats that are saturated or worn out will not be able to perform their function properly, so it is crucial to stay on top of their maintenance.  

Other visual indications a mat may need to be replaced are: 

• Fraying around the edges of the mat. 
• Mat that is curling.  
• Mat that is lifting and not flush to the ground.   

Step 4: Educate 

Educate students and staff about the importance of using mats. Reinforce the message that using mats is not just for keeping the floors clean but also for their safety. Encourage everyone to wipe their shoes thoroughly before stepping onto the mats to minimize the transfer of moisture and dirt. 

Step 5: Adjust as Needed 

Monitor and adjust your mat strategy as necessary. Throughout the winter season, constantly evaluate the effectiveness of your mat placement and make adjustments if needed. Take note of any areas that may require additional mats or different types of mats to ensure maximum safety.  

Keep it Clean 

By following this five-step plan, you can create a dry, skid-free, and clean environment in your school this winter. Remember, the safety and well-being of students and staff should always be a top priority. Invest (by purchasing or renting) in quality floor mats from Health Mats and implement this easy and effective strategy to keep your school slip-free and safe.