Public restrooms and bathrooms in Kansas businesses, parks, schools, and other facilities can be hazardous due to wet, slippery floors. Inadequate slip resistance in these public bathrooms is a major factor leading to serious falls and injuries.
How Falls Happen in Public Restrooms
There are several reasons why public restroom floors in Kansas are often slippery and dangerous:
- Constant wetness – Public restrooms have frequent traffic and constant water and urine on the floors from sinks, toilets, urinals, and occasional spills. This leaves surfaces dangerously wet.
- Hard flooring materials – Most public restrooms are built with tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring chosen for durability and ease of cleaning rather than slip resistance.
- Lack of mats – Public restrooms rarely have mats, rugs, or other materials that can improve traction.
- Rushing patrons – People rushing in and out of restrooms may not notice wet floors and walk quickly across slippery surfaces.
- Poor lighting – Restrooms in some older facilities may have dim lighting that doesn’t highlight hazards.
These factors lead to frequent slips and falls in public restroom facilities, especially for seniors and people with mobility issues.
Statistics on Public Restroom Falls
Studies indicate the prevalence of public restroom falls in Kansas. 20% of falls lead to a serious injury such as a bone fracture or head injury, with older adults more at risk of falling in a public restroom – or any bathroom for that matter. A study by the CDC found that 234,000 people aged 15+ were treated in an ER for injuries sustained in bathrooms.
This shows that Kansas public restrooms, whether in restaurants, grocery stores, offices, or other public places, can be dangerous, particularly for people who are not steady on their feet.
Preventing Slips and Falls in Public Restrooms
There are effective ways businesses, facilities, and communities can reduce the chance of dangerous slips in public restrooms:
- Install slip-resistant tile, grouted tile, or commercial-grade sheet vinyl when constructing or remodeling public restrooms. Proper flooring choices during construction can prevent accidents for years.
- Use adhesive floor appliques or strips to create traction on existing floors. These can provide immediate slip resistance improvements in older bathrooms.
- Place warning signs indicating wet floors. Signage helps alert patrons to slippery areas.
- Encourage patrons to wipe up spills or notify staff of wet areas. Quick clean up of liquids prevents falls.
- Monitor restrooms frequently and mop up tracked in water. Vigilance in checking restrooms keeps floors safe.
- Ensure floors are designed with adequate drainage and grout is sealed. Good drainage and sealing prevents water from collecting on tile floors.
- Check that lighting is sufficient around sinks, stalls, and urinals. Adequate lighting helps users notice wet spots.
Making these types of changes can dramatically improve safety by decreasing the risk of debilitating and potentially fatal falls on wet public restroom floors.
Despite all of these recommendations, it is likely slip and fall accidents in Kansas restrooms will continue happening. If you are a victim of a slippery public bathroom floor, get in touch with us.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Kansas, Florida, and Illinois.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.