Slip Trip Fall Prevention: Tribometry
Zurich Certified XL Tribometrist performs slip resistance testing at your property to help determine safety of your floors and more.
Overview
No matter what industry you are in, slips, trips and falls (STF) account for one of the greatest workers’ compensation and general liability exposures. This can have a significant financial impact on your business. In the U.S., over 8.7 million people are injured by slips, trips and falls every year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
The slip resistance of a surface can play a significant role in slip and fall injuries. The greater the slip resistance, the less likely a pedestrian’s footwear will slip. For dry surfaces, the surface composition is measured as the COF (coefficient of friction). When a foreign substance is present, the measurement is called Slip Resistance Index of the surface.
A surface’s slip resistance can be measured by using a tribometer. The testing is carried out by a Certified XL Tribometrist using an English XL tribometer. The results can be used in a number of ways:
- To determine if current floor surfaces meet the acceptable minimal safety thresholds (wet and dry)
- To determine if floor treatments can enhance a surface’s slip resistance
- To evaluate new flooring samples prior to installation
- To measure floor cleaning effectiveness
The tribometry process starts with a phone consultation to understand your needs. Onsite floor testing will have minimal disruption to business operations, but we may recommend certain days and times. The initial conversations will also allow the Tribometrist to determine the service in detail, including the equipment needed and the number of areas to be tested.
Floor testing takes place at determined locations using a calibrated tribometer. A Certified Tribometrist will record dry and wet samples following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test results will be reviewed and determined as ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ according to the recommended safety margins. We will provide a detailed report that includes the testing results, the methodology of the testing, and the risk reduction solutions to achieve a greater slip resistance, if applicable.
This solution is available in the United States but may not be available in other jurisdictions. For solution needs outside the United States, contact Zurich to be connected with a Zurich Resilience Solutions representative where available.
*Pricing subject to change.
Highlights
Is your floor slippery? There is only one way to answer this question: measure it.
A certified XL Tribometrist will operate calibrated meters.
They follow the recognized standard practices for validation and calibration of walkways.
The process has successfully helped customers select flooring known to provide greater slip resistance .
Tribometry can help you measure the effectiveness of floor treatment and cleaning procedures.
How It Works
Solution Provider
Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS) has been created to address a rapidly changing risk landscape, with a new, truly holistic approach to supporting your risk management and helping you to build your resilience. Combining our close relationship and in-depth knowledge of your operations with our industry expertise, ZRS is a key exponent of our promise to build a brighter future together, with existing and new customers.
Zurich’s risk engineers and consultants design and deliver risk services for customers across a range of industries and global locations to help organizations identify and manage risk exposures. Tailored to your organization and working with you, we build a package of services to help you best manage your risks. In addition, we partner with specialist third parties to ensure you are working with the most in-depth expertise.