4 smart ways to prevent winter slips with floor mats

Winter weather has a way of sneaking risk into everyday routines. Snow, ice, and slush don’t stop at the door—and when moisture gets tracked inside, slips and falls aren’t far behind.

That’s where floor mats for slip and fall protection come in. When chosen, placed, and maintained correctly, fall prevention floor mats help protect employees, customers, and visitors while reducing the chance of costly claims. Think of them as a simple, effective first line of defense during winter months.

Here’s how to get the most out of your mats this season.

1. Choose the right mats (it matters more than you think)

Not all mats are created equal—and the right choice can make a real difference in preventing slips.

Look for mats with slip-resistant backing so they stay put and don’t bunch or slide underfoot. If you’re working with existing mats, a pressure-sensitive adhesive sprayed on the underside can help keep them secure.

Depending on your space and budget, you may consider:

• Disposable, adhesive-backed mats that can be cut to size and replaced easily
• High-performance mats designed to last longer and handle heavy foot traffic
• Water-absorbing mats in high-risk areas like water fountains, drink stations, and restrooms

Pro tip: Keep spare mats on hand. Once a mat becomes wet or worn, it’s no longer doing its job—and swapping it out quickly helps keep walkways safer.

2. Place mats where they’ll do the most good

Strategic placement is just as important as the mat itself.

Entrances should use a three-step defense system:

1. Scraper mats outside to remove snow, slush, and dirt
2. Combination scraper or wiper mats just inside the door
3. Additional wiper mats to catch remaining moisture

Aim for at least 20 feet of walking distance across entrance mats to give shoes enough time to shed moisture. Mats should lie flat, create a smooth walking surface, and have minimal gaps or overlaps. Use adhesive or edge taping to keep everything firmly in place.

The payoff? Less moisture inside, fewer hazards, and safer footing for everyone who walks through the door.

3. Maintain mats so they don’t become a hazard

Floor mats only work if they’re well maintained. Left unchecked, they can create risks of their own.

Set a routine for inspections—daily checks are recommended, with more frequent inspections in high-traffic areas or during active snow and ice conditions.

Watch for:

• Curled or torn edges
• Buckling or shifting mats
• Excessively worn surfaces
• Soiled or saturated mats
• Puddle or wet surfaces beyond mats

Simple inspection checklists can help employees know what to look for and how to report issues quickly. Staying proactive helps reduce injuries and keeps safety measures working as intended.

4. Clean mats regularly to extend their life

Winter footwear brings in more than just water—it carries ice melt residue, salt, sludge, and debris that can break mats down over time.

To keep fall prevention floor mats performing well:

• Vacuum regularly to remove surface debris
• Extract excess moisture as needed
• Deep clean mats periodically with a commercial carpet extractor

Regular cleaning helps protect the backing, improves traction, and extends the life of the mat—saving money while keeping floors safer.

Safety beyond mats

Floor mats are just one way to reduce slip, trip, and fall incidents. EMC’s Smart Steps program  helps businesses in any industry identify risks, implement solutions, and prevent accidents before they happen.

By combining practical tools like mats with Smart Steps guidance, you can create a safer environment for staff, visitors, and customers—helping reduce injuries, claims, and costly disruptions.

Looking for more tips?

• Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Guide 
• Make the Most of Your Mats this Winter