Winter Hazards: How Floor Mats Reduce Slip-and-Fall Risks in NJ Businesses
Learn how floor mat rental and safety mats protect New Jersey businesses from winter slip-and-fall hazards and support OSHA-focused safety practices.
The Importance of Floor Mats in Winter
New Jersey winters create serious safety challenges for businesses. Snow, slush, and ice track into entryways and hallways, turning smooth floors into slip hazards. OSHA identifies slips, trips, and falls as one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and winter conditions only increase that risk. Floor mat rental and safety mats from NDC Mats help businesses stay prepared, protect employees and customers, and maintain safer walking surfaces throughout the cold season.
Why Winter Conditions Increase Slip-and-Fall Risks
Cold weather in NJ brings constant freeze-thaw cycles. Snow and ice melt on shoes, drip into lobbies, and create wet floors. When temperatures drop, moisture can refreeze near entrances and loading areas. Busy foot traffic makes the problem worse, spreading water and debris farther into the building.
Without the right matting strategy, a single icy boot print can turn into a slip-and-fall incident. Those incidents impact employee downtime, customer safety, and insurance costs. OSHA encourages employers to take proactive steps that minimize hazards, and floor mats play a major role in that prevention.
How Floor Mat Rental and Safety Mats Reduce Winter Risks
NDC Mats provides floor mat rental and safety mats designed to handle harsh weather and keep floors dry, clean, and slip-resistant. During winter, mats serve several critical functions:
1. Mats Capture Water, Salt, and Debris at the Door
Entrance mats absorb moisture immediately, stopping water before it spreads across tile or concrete. High-traction surfaces scrape away snow and ice from footwear, reducing puddles inside.
2. Mats Improve Traction in High-Risk Areas
Safety mats add friction where floors tend to get slippery — entries, walkways, cafeterias, industrial areas, shipping docks, and break rooms. This helps employees maintain footing even when conditions outside are severe.
3. Mats Prevent Floor Damage and Hidden Hazards
Salt, sand, and grit erode floor finishes and create uneven surfaces. Mats catch these particles before they scratch or deteriorate flooring. Better floor condition means fewer unexpected hazards.
4. Mats Support OSHA’s Emphasis on Hazard Prevention
OSHA stresses hazard identification, routine mitigation, and proper housekeeping. A comprehensive matting program helps businesses maintain dry surfaces and reinforces the safety culture OSHA expects.
Why Mat Rental Makes the Biggest Difference in Winter
Buying mats forces businesses to manage cleaning, replacement, and laundering on their own. During winter, mats become saturated quickly, lose effectiveness, and require more frequent maintenance.
NDC’s floor mat rental and safety mats program eliminates the burden by providing:
- Fresh, clean mats on a scheduled rotation
- Professional laundering that restores traction
- Replacement mats when weather demands more coverage
- Seasonal adjustments for greater protection during peak winter months
This approach ensures businesses always have fully functional mats, even during storm-heavy weeks.
Key Areas That Need Mats in Winter
To maximize safety, New Jersey businesses should place mats strategically in:
- Main entrances and vestibules
- Secondary entrances and emergency exits
- Lobbies and reception areas
- Hallways with smooth flooring
- Loading docks and shipping bays
- Kitchens and cafeterias
- Customer-facing areas where liability risk increases
A single mat at the front door is rarely enough. Multiple zones of protection keep moisture controlled throughout the building.
Contact NDC Mats Today
Winter creates more slip-and-fall risks than any other season, and New Jersey businesses feel that impact every year. With a smart floor mat rental and safety mats program from NDC Mats, businesses reduce hazards, stay aligned with OSHA expectations, and provide safer environments for employees and customers alike.
Now is the perfect time to strengthen your winter safety plan. NDC Mats can help you choose the right mats, place them strategically, and maintain them all season. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
