Why Slip Hazards Are a Concern

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 43% of injury hospitalisations result from fall injuries, and a significant portion of patients slip on level surfaces. 

A slip hazard isn't always about visible wetness or greasy agents on your floors. Other factors can make a smooth surface slippery with severe consequences, including injury, liability risks, and emotional distress.  

As a parent, caregiver, or host, you have a duty of care to take reasonable steps towards preventing slips in your home. So, where do you look for hazards, and how can you make them safe? 

Key Takeaways 

• For seniors, slip and fall incidents are most likely to occur at home or in a residential institution.  
  
• High foot traffic, harsh cleaners, and biofilms can reduce traction on initially safe flooring. 
  
• P3-P4 slip ratings are ideal for flooring in high-risk areas at home. 
  
• Anti-slip coatings are the smarter, long-term fix for home slip prevention. 

High-Risk Areas for Slip and Fall Accidents 

Due to their conditions or usage, some areas in the home present a higher risk of slips than others. 

They include: 

1. Bathrooms 

According to SafeWork Australia, polished and wet surfaces are a leading cause of falls and fall-related injuries. Several factors combine to create hazardous conditions in your bathroom, including wet tiles, inadequate ventilation, and water accumulation in showers or tubs. 

Source

Some bathrooms have glazed porcelain or enamel tiles, which are really shiny and smooth. 

However, they lose traction quickly when wet, and even freshly cleaned floors can remain slippery. 

2. Kitchens 

Except your kitchen is more aesthetic than functional, it will see its fair share of oil, water, and food spills. Pair this with polished tiles and steady foot traffic, and you'll have a significant slip hazard on your hands.  

Polished tiles are popular in kitchens because of their modern, luxurious appearance. However, they have low traction and offer very little slip resistance in greasy or wet conditions.  

Just when you think a good clean will fix things, cleaning agents may contribute to the problem. 

Household cleaners, especially alkaline products, can leave behind a slippery residue that accumulates over time due to overuse. 

Source 

3. Outdoor Spaces 

Balconies, patios, and other outdoor areas often become slip hazards in rainy weather, regardless of whether the flooring is smooth concrete or glazed tiles. 

Research also shows that shaded areas can foster the growth of microalgal organisms, which produce slippery biofilms. The biofilms accumulate and make wet or poorly drained patios and balconies especially prone to becoming slippery. 

Pressure washing can help remove biofilm, but it also has its drawbacks. High-pressure cleaning (using narrow nozzles at high kPa—3,500-14,000) can gradually strip away anti-slip finishes and reduce traction on ceramic tiles.  

4. Stairs and Hallways 

Many floor types are designed with hard particles or grit to add traction, but under constant pressure, these can wear down and become ineffective. A study on the slip resistance of floor tiles found that heavy foot traffic significantly reduced the original surface roughness of the tiles.

In other words, common areas like stairs and hallways are at a higher risk of becoming overly smooth and slippery over time. Add poor lighting or clutter, and these spaces quickly become hotspots for slips and falls. 

5. Living Spaces 

Outside of ceramic tiles and wet floors, other high-risk areas may be hidden away in your home.  

For example, polished timber floors and unsecured rugs can also constitute slip hazards in living areas. High-gloss or lacquered finishes on wooden floors reduce friction, making the floor more slippery, while curled or loose rug edges can cause trips. 

Who Needs Slip Prevention the Most? 

Even if you're as sure-footed as Legolas, preventing slips at home is essential to the safety of others in your household. Here are the homeowners most vulnerable to slip accidents: 

1. Parents of Toddlers  

Children aged 0-4 have the highest rate of injury hospitalisations in Australia. At the early stages of walking, they are prone to injuries from slips and falls, especially in wet or cluttered areas. 

Hence, parents of toddlers or those expecting a newborn should be proactive about preventing slips at home. 

2. Seniors and Their Caregivers  

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of accidental injury for Australians aged 65 and over? 

Seniors are more vulnerable to falls due to factors such as chronic health conditions, muscle weakness, and the use of mobility aids. They're especially at risk in bathrooms, on stairs, and in hallways with poor lighting and slippery floors. 

3. Airbnb Hosts and Guests 

Airbnb guests are especially vulnerable to slips due to the high foot traffic and frequent use of strong cleaning products that can reduce tile traction. 

Hosts have a responsibility to ensure their properties are safe. Slip and fall accidents can result in liability claims if there's proof of negligence. 

Impact of Slip and Fall Accidents  

Slip and fall incidents can significantly impact a business's liability, reputation, and guest reviews. 

Depending on the severity of the injuries, a slip and fall can result in potential loss of independence and expensive hospital stays. Research from the University of Queensland revealed that the average cost of a fall resulting in injury was approximately $2,500 for seniors aged 65 and over residing in aged care facilities. 

Slip and fall injuries not only cause physical harm but also psychological effects such as fear of falling again, anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which reduce quality of life. 

As a homeowner, it is wise to assess the slip ratings of flooring in high-risk areas to determine if they pose a slip hazard or meet relevant safety guidelines or standards. 

What are Slip Ratings? 

Slip ratings are a standard measurement system that classifies floor surfaces according to their degree of slip-resistance. In Australia, the slip resistance standards for pedestrian surfaces are governed by the Australian Standards AS 4586 and AS 4663.  

Using the wet pendulum test, AS 4586 categorises the slip resistance of new floors into P-ratings 1-5, where P1 is the lowest slip resistance and P5 is the highest.  

 
These slip ratings help you identify flooring that is suitable for various environments. For areas inside and outside your home with constant foot traffic and exposure to moisture, aim for a slip rating of P3 or P4. 

Let's say you're wondering about the safety of your bathroom tiles. They may have had a P4 rating when you bought them, but tiles wear down over time and may not offer the same protection years later. 

You can do a simple Barefoot Friction Test to determine how safe your tiles are. Walk slowly across the wet tiles with bare feet. If they feel slick or your feet slide easily with no grip, they pose a slip hazard. 

Best Strategies For Home Slip Prevention 

If you find that your floors have a very low slip rating in high-risk areas, there are several low-disruption options to explore for modifying them and making them safer for residents.  

1. Simple Interventions 

These are quick and affordable measures that can improve safety right away: 

• Secure loose rugs with non-slip backing to prevent them from curling or sliding underfoot. 
  
• Place anti-slip adhesive tapes in entryways, on stairs, or at floor transitions. 
  
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs for extra support (especially for seniors or mobility-impaired residents). 
  
• Use anti-slip stair nosing coating to make edges safer  
  
• Clean spills immediately to remove hazards 

2. Design Upgrades 

These are interior design tips that reduce the risk of slips and falls while preserving aesthetics: 

• Use textured or matte-finish tiles instead of smooth, polished ones.
• Improve lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways to increase visibility. 
  
• Declutter common areas to minimise tripping 

3. Long-Lasting Solutions 

These are treatments that add lasting slip resistance without the need for major renovations: 

Anti-slip Coatings  

Apply these transparent coatings on slippery tiles, concrete, or natural stone floors in your home.

They contain microscopic particles, such as crushed quartz, which increase surface grip. They're quick to apply—some DIY kits take about 30 minutes—and blend seamlessly with existing floors. 

Acid Etching 

Use a chemical solution to 'treat' smooth ceramic tiles. The solution eats into their smooth surface and creates microscopic grooves that improve traction. While effective, this option is best left to professionals. 

Why Anti-Slip Coatings Are a Smarter Alternative 

When applied to a smooth surface, anti-slip coating forms a layer of microscopic ridges that improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping. 

Anti-slip coatings come in different formulations and qualities. Some cheaper products can be harsh and difficult to apply, while premium options are designed to be safer, eco-friendly, and more comfortable to walk on. 

 
Here's how premium anti-slip coatings stand out among others: 

• Versatility: They adhere well to a wide range of flooring types, including ceramic tile, concrete, wood, vinyl, marble, acrylics, and laminate. 
  
• CSIRO Certification: They are CSIRO certified to meet Australian Standard AS 4586 slip resistance classifications. You can ascertain the slip rating of your finish. 
  
• Ease of Use: Anti-slip coatings are easy to apply and maintain. Homeowners can opt for a professional application or a DIY kit, depending on the target area and flooring material.  
  
• Aesthetics: Unlike acid etching, anti-slip coatings do not damage or dull the original appearance of your floors. 
  
• Flexibility: If you tire of them, you can remove them with a coating stripper. 
  
• Durability: Premium anti-slip coatings are resistant to abrasion and harsh weather, making it a cost-effective alternative to replacing floors. 

Coatings come in various formulations, with their texture, durability, and appearance varying across brands. Some are better suited for different types of flooring, so it's best to consult experts before making a purchase. 

For example, the Stellmann Non-Slip Clear Pro coating comes in P3 and P5 slip ratings. The P3 coating offers a barefoot-friendly grip, making it suitable for non-slip bathrooms. Meanwhile, the P5 version provides maximum slip resistance for various surfaces but features a textured finish that may not be comfortable for bare feet. 

FAQs 

Q: What is Anti-slip Flooring? 

Answer: 

Anti-slip flooring is a surface solution designed to increase traction and help prevent slips in wet areas. It can be found in textured flooring materials or as coatings enhanced with fine particles (e.g., quartz or aluminium oxide) to improve grip. Anti-slip flooring is commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. 

Q: How Do I Know if a Tile is Slip-Resistant? 

Answer: 

If you've found tiles that you like but want to ensure that they are safe for your home, here's how to confirm slip resistance ratings for tiles: 

• Look for a P and/or R value on the product packaging 
  
• Check the tile's finish; a textured, matte finish is more slip-resistant than a glossy, polished surface 
  
• Ask the retailer for information on their products' slip resistance standards 
  
• Check the manufacturer's website and product specifications for slip resistance ratings 

Q: What are the Benefits of Slip-Resistant Flooring? 

Answer: 

Slip-resistant flooring for homes and commercial spaces offers long-term benefits to different groups. Seniors and toddlers are safer, Airbnb hosts protect their business reputation, and owners can avoid the financial liability of medical or legal claims 

Conclusion 

Preventing slips at home doesn't have to mean taking out all your floor tiles. From quick fixes like adhesive strips to more lasting, DIY anti-slip coatings, there are non-invasive ways to implement slip-resistant flooring in homes.  

By selecting the right home slip prevention solutions, you can safeguard your loved ones and mitigate business risks. Learn more about Stellmann's CSIRO-certified coatings here.