Summer floor maintenance is the standard in schools, but stripping and waxing floors can create ice-like conditions. Even a fall from a standing position can result in a life-altering injury.
A TNRMT member’s employee suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling while stripping and waxing the floor. The employee did not fall from a ladder or scissor lift; the fall occurred while walking. This incident is a powerful reminder that routine work can still carry significant risks.
Floor-stripping chemicals create a surface that is near impossible to walk on safely with ordinary footwear. Products like “Impact Grippers for Strippers”, specialized slip-resistant overshoes designed for floor-stripping operations, can provide employees with much-needed traction. This simple safeguard may prevent a devastating fall. Taking a moment to identify the hazards associated with any task allows us to address the risks. It may not always be easy, but it is always worth the time.
Before beginning a floor-stripping or waxing project:
- Require workers to wear footwear or overshoes specifically designed for wet floor-stripping operations.
- Inspect grippers before each use and replace them when worn or damaged.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all chemicals and equipment.
- Use warning signs, cones, or barricades to keep others out of the work area.
- Strip floors in manageable sections and maintain a safe path for entering and exiting.
- Never walk backward on a wet, freshly stripped floor.
- Keep hoses, cords, tools, and equipment out of walkways.
No task is worth a serious injury. Before the next stripping and waxing project begins, take a few minutes to review procedures, inspect protective equipment, and make sure every employee has the right traction for the job.