Floor Safety Tips for Facility Managers

May is National Building Safety Month, a time to spotlight the importance of floor safety for facility managers. At SOLID Surface Care, we understand that well-maintained, compliant, and low-risk floors are essential for preventing slips, trips, and falls. Whether you’re overseeing an office building, hospital, or commercial space, the foundation of your safety strategy begins with the surfaces that people walk on every day.

This year’s theme from the International Code Council (ICC) — “Game On!” — challenges building professionals to take their safety efforts to the next level by implementing proactive measures that create safer, healthier spaces for everyone.

Slips, trips, and falls are still among the leading causes of workplace injuries, but with the right floor safety strategies in place, these incidents are highly preventable. Facility managers who prioritize surface care can reduce risks, extend the life of their floors, and enhance the overall experience for everyone who walks through their doors.

Here are six practical floor safety tips to help you stay ahead of risks and reinforce your commitment to building a safer environment.

1. Know Your Surfaces – And Their Risks

Every flooring material has its strengths — and its safety challenges. Understanding how each one performs under foot traffic, moisture, and wear is the first step to preventing slip and fall incidents.

Here’s a breakdown of common surfaces and what to watch for:

• Concrete:
  Durable but porous, concrete can become slick when polished or sealed improperly — or when dust, oil, or moisture build up. Look for signs of cracking, surface scaling, or dusting, especially in warehouses and loading zones.

• Stone (Marble, Granite, Terrazzo):
  These hard surfaces are visually striking but can be extremely slippery when wet or when finish layers break down. Watch for worn polish, etching, or uneven gloss levels in lobbies, corridors, or restrooms.

• LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile):
  Popular for its cleanability and durability, LVT can lose traction if over-treated with finish or if residue builds up from improper cleaning products. Check for surface dullness, discoloration, or peeling at the seams.

• VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile):
  Often used in institutional settings, VCT requires routine stripping and refinishing. Without proper maintenance, it becomes dull, brittle, and slippery — especially near sinks, water fountains, and entrances.

• Tile & Grout:
  Ceramic and porcelain tile often become hazardous due to worn glaze or greasy buildup. Grout lines can trap moisture and bacteria. Uneven or crumbling grout may also signal tripping hazards or water damage beneath the surface.

• Carpet:
  Though generally lower risk for slips, carpet poses tripping hazards when it buckles, ripples, or loses stretch. Fraying edges or transitions from carpet to hard surfaces are common problem spots in office settings and hotel corridors.

High-risk areas to focus on include:

• Building entrances (especially during rain)

• Stairwells and landings

• Food prep and dining areas

• Restrooms and locker rooms

• Transition zones between flooring types

• Back-of-house spaces like maintenance corridors and mechanical rooms

2. Invest in Quality Walk-Off Matting Systems

Walk-off mats are a simple but powerful way to reduce tracked-in moisture, dirt, and debris. Properly installed and maintained matting systems can capture up to 80% of soil and moisture before it ever hits your hard surfaces — decreasing both wear and slip risk.

Make sure your mats are:

• Sized properly for the entrance (ideally 15+ feet in length)

• Cleaned and rotated regularly

• Flat, secure, and without curled edges

3. Apply High-Performance Safety Coatings

Anti-slip coatings improve traction in moisture-prone or high-traffic areas and protect floors from wear. These coatings can be customized to different flooring materials and traffic levels, offering both safety and durability.

SOLID’s surface experts can help you evaluate whether your floors would benefit from a traction-enhancing coating solution.

4. Implement a Proactive Maintenance Program

Reactive cleaning often means hazards go unnoticed — or surface damage is already done. A preventative floor maintenance plan ensures regular deep cleaning, inspection, and protective care to help reduce accidents and preserve the long-term value of your floors.

With SOLID’s Care Plans, facility managers get peace of mind through customized service schedules and measurable results.

5. Prioritize Immediate Spill Response

Even the cleanest buildings experience spills. What matters most is how quickly and effectively your team responds. Equip all high-risk areas with:

• Clearly labeled spill kits

• Slip hazard signage

• Fast-response protocols for staff

Quick action prevents accidents and reinforces a culture of safety.

6. Audit, Educate, and Repeat

Safety isn’t one and done — it’s an ongoing process. Conduct regular floor safety audits and educate your internal teams on how to recognize, report, and correct surface hazards. Partnering with a professional floor care provider ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Let SOLID Surface Care Help You Level Up

This Building Safety Month, take action that protects your people and your property — and keeps you in compliance with industry standards. From anti-slip coatings and walk-off matting solutions to customized care plans, SOLID Surface Care helps facility managers build a smarter, safer floor care strategy.

 It’s “Game On!” for building safety. Are you ready?