Imagine trying to work quickly in an environment where thick slippery oil, fat or grease covers the floor and surrounds you. Envision trying to work efficiently on intricate pieces of machinery while trying to keep your balance. Many professionals can imagine this because these are the conditions they encounter on a daily basis. Whether in industrial settings, food processing facilities, or other industries, workers are often expected to work meticulously and expedite services by working as quickly as possible. Crossovers, conveyors, mezzanines, and stairs are used as a means of transportation to get goods from one location in a factory to another. Transporting goods can be difficult when fats, oils and greases line stairways or narrow catwalks.

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An article titled “British Study Finds Slip Resistance Data Fall Short” from Occupational Health and Safety Magazine provides data discovered on a study conducted on slip resistant footwear and flooring.  Britain’s OSHA agency issued a report stating that after examining supplier’s literature and online materials, the agency found no indication of slip resistance for 47 percent of the 1,304 footwear styles.  The report also offered proof that many types of flooring that claim to be slip resistant fell short as well.  In addition, very few flooring and footwear companies offered advice on their products suitability for various environments.

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