The Hidden Dangers of Slippery Floors – And How Anti-Slip Mats Can Help

Slippery floors remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries across the UK, often underestimated until a serious incident occurs. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that slips, trips and falls account for over a third of all major workplace injuries—a statistic that spans across industries, from hospitality and retail to construction, manufacturing, and logistics. These incidents do not simply result in short-term inconvenience; they can cause long-term injuries, costly compensation claims, regulatory investigations, and preventable business disruption.

Slippery surfaces pose a threat in virtually every environment: moisture tracked into entrances on rainy days, spilled liquids in commercial kitchens, cleaning residue in offices, or oil and grease on industrial floors. Because slips can occur anywhere, employers must take proactive measures to mitigate these hazards.

Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective preventative solutions is the strategic use of anti-slip mats. At mindustrialsafety.co.uk, we specialise in a complete range of professional-grade anti-slip solutions designed for UK workplaces, commercial environments, and domestic settings. This guide explores the real risks of slippery floors, why slip prevention is essential for compliance, and how to choose the right anti-slip mats for your specific environment.

Understanding Where Slip Hazards Come From

Slip hazards often emerge silently. Even the cleanest and most well-managed workplace can experience unexpected conditions that compromise floor safety. Identifying these risks is essential to understanding how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Slippery Floors

• Spillages such as water, oils, chemicals, and food liquids

• Weather moisture, including rainwater and snow entering through doorways

• Cleaning activities, where wet floors or polish overspray reduce traction

• Worn flooring, where friction naturally degrades over time

• Grease & industrial residue, particularly in factories and mechanical environments

• High foot traffic, which can distribute moisture and debris across floors

Each risk requires specific control measures—and anti-slip mats are often the first line of defence.

Stopping Slips at Entrances: The First Line of Defence

Entrance areas account for a large percentage of workplace slip accidents. When employees or customers walk in from outdoors, they carry water, snow, debris, and mud with them. A high-quality entrance mat is crucial for trapping moisture and improving traction instantly.

Heavy Duty Anti-Slip Dirt Trapper Washable Rug (Indoor & Outdoor)

This multi-purpose mat is engineered for both domestic and commercial entrances. Made from 100% polypropylene with a durable rubber backing, it effectively traps dirt, absorbs moisture, and prevents mat movement.

Key Features

• Anti-slip surface for increased safety

• Machine washable

• Water-resistant & durable

• Cushioned underfoot for comfort

• Suitable for high-traffic indoor/outdoor environments

• Helps reduce wet-floor incidents at entry points

Anti-Slip Industrial Door Mats / Water Absorbent Mats

Ideal for offices, hospitality venues, public buildings, and retail units, Dayton anti-slip mats are cost-effective, high-performance entrance solutions.

Benefits

• Anti-slip PVC backing to keep the mat in place

• 100% polypropylene pile absorbs moisture effectively

• Soiling & stain resistance (Level 1)

• Water absorbency (Level 2)

• Crush-resistant fibres

• Tested to BS 4790 for flammability and labelled to BS 5287

These mats provide a dependable first barrier against slip hazards at entry points.

Handling Heavy Traffic & Dirt: Rubber Entrance Matting

High-traffic, dirt-heavy areas such as warehouses, factories, commercial workshops, and construction zones need robust rubber matting systems.

Stand Alone Honeycomb Rubber Entrance Mat

Designed for demanding settings, this mat features:

• Freestanding structure

• Tapered edges for improved accessibility

• Honeycomb holes for scraping debris from footwear

• Durable rubber construction

• Dimensions: 1500mm x 914mm x 12.5mm

This mat significantly reduces slip hazards caused by mud, grit, and industrial debris.

Preventing Slips Indoors with Soft, Absorbent Mats

Slip hazards don’t only occur in industrial settings; many happen in homes, offices, hallways, kitchens, and washrooms.

Dirt Trapper Super Absorbent Washable Non-Slip Door Mat

This soft, super-absorbent indoor mat features microfibre piles capable of absorbing moisture like a sponge. With its TPR non-slip backing, the mat stays firmly in place.

Ideal For

• Front & back doors

• Kitchens

• Bedrooms

• Bathrooms

• Reception areas

• Living rooms

This mat enhances safety, comfort, and cleanliness in domestic and commercial indoor spaces.

Managing Wet, Greasy, or High-Risk Environments

Wet rooms, catering zones, industrial production lines, and chemical-handling areas require specialised mats that can withstand moisture, oils, and chemicals.

Interflex Multi-Use Slip-Resistant Rubber Matting

A premium solution for wet environments, Interflex is designed for:

• Swimming pools

• Changing rooms

• Commercial kitchens

• Industrial walkways

• Workshops exposed to chemicals

Features

• Self-draining two-layer structure

• Channelled underbars for maximum drainage

• Anti-microbial & anti-fungal properties

• Resistant to oils, grease, chemicals, and alkaline

• UV resistant

• Embossed grip surface for safety

• 100% recyclable flexible PVC

PVC Coil “Spaghetti” Site Safety Mat

Perfect for outdoor construction zones and industrial work sites.

Specifications

• Heavy-duty looped PVC

• High-visibility colours (red & yellow)

• UV resistant

• Self-draining

• Reversible

• Printable with custom logos or warnings

• Suitable for wet and dry environments

• 12mm overall height

These mats maintain safe ground conditions under high foot traffic and weather exposure.

Industrial Zones: Heavy-Duty Protection Against Dirt & Moisture

Industrial workplaces such as manufacturing plants, garages, factories, and warehouses generate substantial moisture and debris.

Beige/Black Heavy Duty Non Slip Rubber Barrier Mats

These mats are engineered for maximum dirt retention and moisture absorption.

Performance Highlights

• Absorbs 10 litres of dirt + 6 litres of moisture

• UV-resistant for colour retention

• Machine washable up to 30°C

• Suitable for indoor & outdoor industrial settings

• Non-slip rubber backing

• Hard-wearing & long-lasting

This mat provides an essential barrier for industrial entrances and high-traffic internal walkways.

Ergonomic & Anti-Fatigue Solutions for Industrial Workers

Standing for long periods increases the risk of both slips and musculoskeletal injury. Anti-fatigue mats enhance comfort and safety simultaneously.

Interlocking Modular Mat with Solid Top

Ideal for dry industrial areas requiring ergonomic benefits alongside anti-slip protection.

Advantages

• Modular interlocking system

• Textured anti-slip top

• 25% nitrile for heat & chemical resistance

• Excellent anti-fatigue performance

• Compatible with Cushion Link Open Top mats

• Heavy-duty natural & recycled rubber construction

• Overall height: 19mm

This mat supports workers during long hours on production lines and packing areas.

Comparison Table: Choosing the Right Anti-Slip Mat

A quick guide to help you select the ideal mat for your workplace:

Explore All Anti-Slip Mats Here

To browse the full range of anti-slip mats shown in this guide, visit:

Why Anti-Slip Mats Are Essential for UK Workplace Compliance

Using appropriate anti-slip matting systems helps ensure compliance with legal obligations under:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

• HSE Slips and Trips Guidance (INDG225)

Mats demonstrate proactive risk mitigation—crucial during inspections and incident investigations.

Additional Safety Measures to Pair with Mats

Anti-slip mats are highly effective, but pairing them with other controls maximises protection:

• Apply slip-resistant coatings to high-risk floors

• Use wet floor signage during cleaning

• Improve lighting in dim walkways

• Implement regular maintenance schedules

• Train employees on hazard recognition and reporting

A layered approach strengthens overall workplace safety.

Conclusion

Slippery floors pose significant risks—but with the right anti-slip mats, these hazards become highly manageable. From entranceways and kitchens to warehouses and construction sites, every environment benefits from professionally engineered matting solutions. At M Industrial Safety, we provide high-performance anti-slip mats that meet the demands of UK workplaces—helping protect staff, customers, and business operations.

Take the first step toward a safer environment. Explore the full safety range now on our homepage: