H&S HOTSPOTS - 23.10.2006

Q&A - should we get rid of the doormat?

Q. We’ve heard that council officials in Bristol have ordered their tenants to remove doormats as they pose a tripping risk. We’re concerned, because we have doormats in our reception area and feel taking them away would actually increase risks of slipping on water etc. What should we do?

A. We’d suggest you don’t remove the doormats, as if you do the chances of an accident are far higher. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), moisture or liquid on a hard surface floor, such as tiles or wood, dramatically increases the likelihood of slipping. In fact, the HSE actually recommend doormats as a suitable control measure. We feel that whoever has made the decision on behalf of Bristol City Council has missed the point of the mats.