SLIP & FALL PROBLEM AREAS ON NATURAL WOOD
Few things are more beautiful than natural wood when used in residential or commercial locations. Whether it be red oak stairs or pressure-treated lumber used for decking, real wood provides a warmth that other materials can’t match. Indeed, wood is the overwhelming choice for flooring, stairs, decks, and ramps both inside and outside most homes and commercial settings.
Interiors
When used for flooring or stairs inside, hardwood like oak or maple is often chosen. To protect and enhance the wood’s beauty, a polyurethane coating is almost always applied. This clear, smooth coating can be very slippery, especially when you’re not wearing appropriate footwear or if the wood becomes wet.
There are a number of ways to improve the traction on polyurethane-coated (or painted) wood steps and floors that don’t detract from the wood’s natural beauty. For example, HandiTreads offers ClearGrip Treads, the self-adhesive, rubberized treads that improve traction on steps and floors while allowing the beauty of the wood to shine through.
For maximum safety and traction, HandiTreads Aluminum Treads are every home or business owner’s permanent solution to slip, trip, and fall hazards. The treads can be used both indoors and outdoors, and have a lifetime warranty in residential applications. The shades of HandiTreads are designed to either blend in with the beauty of the wood or stand out for more traction visibility.
Exteriors
Wood construction is commonly used for stairs, decking, or ramps on the outside of homes and businesses. There are a number of natural weather and rot-resistant wood species that can be successfully used for outdoor structures. These wood species include cedar, redwood, mahogany, and a few more exotic types like ipe and teak.
A less expensive solution to these more expensive wood species is pressure-treated lumber made of pine. Pressure-treated white pine exhibits the natural attractiveness of wood while being fortified by a treatment that inhibits rot and decay. With a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, pressure-treated wood is an affordable solution for the construction of ramps, decks, and outdoor steps.
All-natural wood must be sealed from the elements through the use of a water-resistant stain, oil, or paint. Once sealed, natural wood exhibits reasonably good traction when wet, but it becomes slippery when frost, snow, or ice are present. Wood structures that are in moist climates and don’t see the sun are also likely to form algae or mold on their surface, creating a slip and fall hazard that requires special attention.
In temperate climates where there is no snow, HandiTreads Stop-the-Slip Grit Tapes and Treads can provide extra traction on outdoor wood surfaces. However, where there’s snow, the right anti-slip solution is often HandiTreads Aluminum Treads, and Aluminum Stair Nosings. The permanent treads and nosings provide traction in any weather conditions like rain, sleet, or up to an inch of snow. Unlike other anti-slip products, HandiTreads can easily be cleared with a snow shovel without fear of damage.
Use our Stop-the-Slip Configurator to find the right solution to your slip, trip, or fall hazard. In less than 60 seconds we will evaluate your unique situation and offer our ranked suggestions on how to protect your employees, customers, or loved ones from slip and fall accidents.