There’s an expectation that employees and customers will be safe walking around any place of business, and most people think that wet and slippery floors are the only causes for when people lose their footing. However, any time a walking surface is uneven, it can be hazardous.
A tear or ripple in commercial carpet can cause the foot to catch or snag, causing the person to lose their balance and fall. This can lead to injury claims and insurance issues, not to mention problems with safety certifications.
Business owners can minimize the potential for slips, trips and falls on commercial carpet when the appropriate care is given. If you have commercial carpet in your office, make sure you care for it the right way.
Commercial Carpet Care
Common sense and regular care are the keys to ensuring that commercial carpet areas remain safe and clean instead of torn or rippled. Commercial carpeting is designed for constant use and daily traffic and a clean, fresh carpet creates a good impression and a nice work environment.
Fortunately, taking care of commercial carpet isn’t all that expensive or time consuming. Here is a quick guide on caring for commercial carpeting.
- Daily dry vacuuming. This will help remove the dirt and debris that build up in the carpet after being tracked in from employees and customers daily. Removing this debris not only keeps it looking nice, but minimizes wear.
- Biannual professional cleaning. This means calling in a service to clean the carpets using shampooing equipment. Getting rid of the built-up soil, grease and dirt will help extend the life of the carpet. A carpet protector application can also provide added protection against build-up.
- Smart use. Avoid dragging heavy objects over the carpet, because that can cause tearing or tippling to happen. If you must move heavy furniture or equipment, use hand trucks to get something from one place to another.
- Replace carpet when worn or damaged. When commercial carpet develops worn spots, rips, tears or ripples, it’s time to repair or replace it.
The longer you can keep your carpet clean and looking good, the less likely it is to wear out and cause a slip or trip hazard.
When Commercial Carpets Have a Tear or Ripple
If you notice that your commercial carpet has a tear or rip, don’t just ignore it and hope nobody trips. Instead, take action to eliminate the risk of someone falling down. Note the tear and block it off so that customers and employees will not walk over it. Call a professional right away to repair the tear if it is small, or replace that section if the tear is big. If the problem is a ripple in the carpet, the professional may be able to recommend action to eliminate the uneven surface of the commercial carpet.
As a responsible business owner, you should walk the premises often and keep your eyes open for carpet tears or ripples so they can be fixed early before they become big problems. Ignoring or being inconsistent with your commercial carpet care could have a big impact on the health and safety of your customers and your employees.
What kinds of carpet cleaning measures have you put in place at your business? Please share this article and let us know your ideas in the comments below.
[…] of that condition that can be referred to if any type of litigation or insurance claim arises. From commercial carpet to hardwood flooring, every surface can benefit from a thorough […]