Workplace safety starts from the ground up—literally. Slip-resistant flooring is critical in warehouses, factories, commercial kitchens, and healthcare facilities, where the risk of slips and falls can lead to serious injuries and costly downtime. But what actually makes a floor safe?
At Wolffes, we specialise in high-performance slip-resistant flooring designed to enhance workplace safety, meet compliance requirements, and reduce accident risks. In this guide, we break down the science behind slip resistance, including how it works, how to measure it, and how businesses can ensure their flooring is safe and compliant.
Why Slip Resistance Matters in the Workplace
Slippery floors are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. In Australia, businesses must comply with workplace health and safety laws (WHS) and Australian Standards (AS 4586:2013), which set clear slip resistance requirements for different environments.
A slip-resistant floor:
✔️ Prevents workplace injuries and reduces workers’ compensation claims.
✔️ Improves productivity by providing a stable walking surface.
✔️ Complies with Australian safety standards, avoiding legal and insurance issues.
✔️ Reduces downtime and cleaning costs caused by accidents and spills.
What Affects a Floor’s Slip Resistance?
Several factors determine whether a floor is safe to walk on or a slip hazard.
1. Coefficient of Friction (COF) – The Science Behind Grip
Slip resistance is measured using the Coefficient of Friction (COF)—a number that indicates how much grip a surface provides.
- Low COF (<0.40): High risk of slipping (smooth, untreated floors).
- Moderate COF (0.40–0.60): Acceptable slip resistance in dry conditions.
- High COF (>0.60): Excellent slip resistance, even when wet.
At Wolffes, we use high-traction coatings and surface textures to increase COF, ensuring floors remain safe under wet, greasy, or high-traffic conditions.
2. Surface Texture & Materials
The roughness of a floor surface directly affects slip resistance. Common anti-slip textures include:
✔️ Aggregates (Quartz, Aluminium Oxide, Glass Beads): Mixed into coatings for added grip.
✔️ Troweled Finishes: Creates a textured, non-slip surface in factories and warehouses.
✔️ Raised Profiles: Patterns like checker plates or ridges provide extra traction.
Smooth floors (e.g., polished concrete or glazed tiles) become dangerous when wet or oily, increasing slip risks. Wolffes applies custom anti-slip finishes that meet Australian Standard AS 4586 for slip resistance.
3. Contaminants – Water, Oil, and Dust Hazards
Slips often happen when a floor becomes wet or contaminated. Common workplace hazards include:
🚧 Water & Spills – A major issue in commercial kitchens, warehouses, and healthcare.
🚧 Oils & Chemicals – Found in automotive, manufacturing, and food production facilities.
🚧 Dust & Powders – Can create a “ball-bearing” effect, reducing traction.
Solution: Slip-resistant flooring should include moisture-repelling coatings or deep-textured surfaces to disperse liquids and prevent pooling.
4. Flooring Material & Slip-Resistant Coatings
Certain flooring materials naturally offer better slip resistance than others.
- Epoxy Coatings: Durable, chemical-resistant, and slip-resistant with custom aggregate blends.
- Polyurethane Cement Flooring: Excellent for wet and high-impact environments like food processing plants.
- Textured Concrete & Troweled Finishes: Great for factories, warehouses, and outdoor areas.
At Wolffes, we install specialised slip-resistant coatings that enhance safety without compromising durability or ease of cleaning.
How Slip Resistance is Measured in Australia
In Australia, slip resistance is tested according to AS 4586:2013, which uses two main test methods:
1️⃣ Wet Pendulum Test – Simulates how a foot interacts with a wet surface. Results are rated P0 (very slippery) to P5 (high slip resistance).
2️⃣ Oil Wet Inclining Ramp Test – Determines slip resistance in greasy or oily environments, rated R9 (low resistance) to R13 (best slip resistance).
✔️ Public spaces (shopping centres, commercial areas): Require a minimum P3 rating.
✔️ Wet areas (kitchens, pool decks, food processing): Must meet P4 or P5 slip resistance standards.
At Wolffes, we ensure all our slip-resistant floors meet or exceed Australian safety requirements.
Choosing the Right Slip-Resistant Flooring for Your Business
Different industries require different levels of slip resistance.
🏭 Factories & Warehouses – High-durability epoxy or concrete with textured finishes.
🏥 Hospitals & Aged Care – Smooth yet slip-resistant polyurethane coatings for hygiene and safety.
🍽️ Commercial Kitchens & Food Processing – High-slip-resistant P5-rated polyurethane cement.
🚘 Automotive & Manufacturing – Oil-resistant, heavy-duty epoxy flooring with anti-slip aggregates.
At Wolffes, we customise slip-resistant flooring solutions to match your industry’s specific needs.
Maintaining Slip-Resistant Floors for Long-Term Safety
Even the best slip-resistant floors require regular maintenance to keep them safe.
🛠️ Routine Cleaning – Dirt and grease can reduce traction over time.
🛠️ Regular Inspections – Identify wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas.
🛠️ Recoating When Needed – Slip-resistant coatings can wear down over time, reducing their effectiveness.
Our Wolffes maintenance plans help businesses keep their floors compliant, clean, and slip-resistant year-round.
Conclusion: Invest in Workplace Safety with Slip-Resistant Flooring
Slip-resistant flooring is essential for any business that is serious about safety, compliance, and reducing accident risks. Whether you need high-friction coatings, moisture-resistant surfaces, or heavy-duty textured flooring, Wolffes has the expertise to design and install the perfect solution.
🏆 Want to upgrade your flooring for safety and compliance? Contact Wolffes today!