Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention: A Strategic Guide for Commercial Property Managers

• By: admin
• On: 10/23/2025 14:58:54
• In: Trends and Tips

Property managers must maintain constant awareness of the primary factors that contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards within commercial buildings. Slips, trips, and falls remain the leading cause of workplace injuries across industries—and commercial real estate is no exception. According to OSHA, these incidents account for 15% of all accidental deaths in the U.S., second only to motor vehicle accidents. The National Safety Council estimates 25,000 such incidents occur daily, with an average cost of $22,800 per incident and $19,000 per workers’ compensation claim.

Prevention Starts with Planning

A swift and organized response is essential when managing slip, trip, and fall risks in and around facilities. Janitorial teams should be thoroughly trained to act immediately whenever spills or debris are identified, ensuring these hazards are cleaned and removed without delay. To further safeguard occupants, staff must consistently use caution signage both during and after cleaning activities to alert everyone to potential dangers. Additionally, it is important for teams to monitor drying times carefully, taking into account current weather and humidity conditions to prevent lingering wet surfaces that could cause accidents.

Lighting also plays a critical role in maintaining a safe environment, yet poor illumination often goes unnoticed until an incident occurs. Property managers should conduct regular audits to confirm that all common areas are sufficiently lit, emergency lighting systems are working properly, and high-traffic zones are clearly marked for visibility. These proactive measures help ensure that potential hazards are easily seen and avoided, greatly reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls throughout the property.

Floor Safety: From Materials to Maintenance

Avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each flooring type—tile, carpet, LVT, concrete—requires tailored cleaning methods. Improper techniques can degrade surfaces and increase risk.

Explore advanced coatings for high-risk areas like lobbies, kitchens, and locker rooms. These treatments can significantly reduce slip potential without compromising aesthetics.

Cleaning strategies must be adapted for each type of flooring within a commercial building. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, surfaces such as tile, carpet, and concrete require distinct cleaning techniques that respect their unique material properties. When incorrect methods are used, not only can the flooring be damaged, but the risk of slips and falls may actually increase, undermining safety efforts.

For areas identified as particularly susceptible to accidents—such as lobbies, kitchens, and fitness areas—property managers should consider implementing advanced anti-slip treatments. These specialized coatings are designed to reduce the likelihood of slips without detracting from the appearance of the space, providing an added layer of protection and peace of mind for everyone who enters the property.

Weather, Ventilation, and Environmental Controls

Weather conditions play a significant role in determining drying times and the likelihood of condensation, which can create safety hazards in commercial properties. To mitigate these risks, property managers should proactively adjust cleaning schedules in response to weather forecasts, ensuring that maintenance activities are timed to optimize drying and minimize slippery surfaces. Additionally, maintaining HVAC systems is essential for controlling indoor humidity levels, while proper ventilation must be prioritized in areas prone to spills to prevent moisture buildup and promote a safe environment. By taking these measures, property managers can effectively reduce the risks associated with weather-related moisture and create safer spaces for building occupants.

Strategic Partnership with Cleaning Vendors: Enhancing Safety from the Ground Up

Establishing a strategic partnership with cleaning vendors is a crucial step in enhancing safety within commercial properties. The selection process should go beyond basic janitorial standards, prioritizing vendors who hold CIMS Certification to ensure adherence to safety protocols and who have proven experience working in secure or sensitive environments. It is also essential that these vendors demonstrate active leadership engagement to promote accountability at every level. By choosing partners who embrace these criteria, property managers lay a strong foundation for comprehensive safety practices from the ground up.

Effective cleaning partners are distinguished by their commitment to robust safety training and seamless communication. Ask about their injury prevention training protocols and safety discipline. Consistent, clear communication further strengthens this relationship—dedicated support contacts are available for prompt issue resolution, property teams participate in daily check-ins, and detailed equipment logs and quarterly reports are maintained to ensure transparency and ongoing safety improvements.

Maximizing safety also means tailoring cleaning protocols to the unique needs of each site. Vendors conduct thorough site assessments, use transition checklists, and coordinate cleaning schedules with tenant activities to minimize disruption and risk. Environmentally conscious practices, such as utilizing green cleaning products and microfiber technology, not only support sustainability goals but also enhance air quality and overall safety, especially when led by LEED-AP staff. Additionally, security remains a key component of the partnership, with strict key and card handling protocols, door security training, and prompt breach reporting helping to safeguard both people and property.

Finally, it is essential to hold vendors and contractors accountable for maintaining a hazard-free work environment throughout their time on site. Property managers should establish clear expectations and require contractors to promptly remove tools, equipment, extension cords, and packaging materials from walkways and common areas. By implementing routine inspections and enforcing strict cleanup protocols, managers can significantly reduce the risk of tripping hazards caused by third-party activities, ensuring that all occupants and visitors remain safe as work progresses.

 Communication and Culture

An effective safety culture within a commercial property relies heavily on clear communication and ongoing engagement. It begins with the use of clear, multilingual signage throughout the building to alert everyone—tenants, guests, patients, visitors, vendors—to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other potential hazards. This messaging shouldn’t stop at the entryways or corridors; your janitorial partner should be fully engaged in safety signage in custodial closets. Daily briefings, tenant education, and new facility employee training further embed these safety messages, ensuring that everyone is consistently reminded of best practices and potential risks.

To truly integrate safety into the fabric of property management, organizations develop comprehensive, cross-departmental safety plans. These plans are not static—they are supported by regularly scheduled audits and training refreshers, keeping safety knowledge current across all teams. By systematically tracking incidents and near-misses, property managers and their partners can continuously refine protocols, learning from each situation to improve safety outcomes for everyone in the building.

A Thoughtful Approach to Safety is Good Business

Slip, trip, and fall prevention isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your tenants, staff, and brand. By embedding safety into your operations and vendor partnerships, you create a resilient property that’s both safe and efficient.

Article By: Courtney Johnson, Director of Business Development, CCS Facility Services

Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers: What’s Better for Hygiene, Sustainability, and Cost?

• By: admin
• On: 10/23/2025 14:56:35
• In: Trends and Tips

When it comes to public restrooms, something as simple as how we dry our hands can spark big debates, and for good reason. The choice between paper towels and hand dryers isn't just about convenience. It's about hygiene, environmental impact, cost, and user comfort. For facility managers, it's one of those small decisions that can have surprisingly significant consequences.

What the Research Says About Hygiene

Proper hand drying is just as important as washing. According to research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, bacteria transfer is far more likely from wet skin than from dry skin. And while air dryers may seem like a hands-off, hygienic option, the reality is more complicated.

Paper towels don’t just dry, they remove bacteria through friction. A 2012 review of 12 studies found that paper towels effectively reduced bacteria and caused less contamination of the washroom environment than air dryers. Paper towels are considered the most hygienic drying method in healthcare settings due to their superior ability to minimize cross-contamination risks.

That same study emphasizes that the mechanical action of friction during towel use helps dislodge and remove microorganisms from the skin which is something air dryers simply can’t replicate.

Air dryers, especially traditional hot air models, can increase skin bacteria and spread it through the air. Jet air dryers, in particular, have been shown to disperse hand contamination up to six feet away and emit bacteria into the airflow which isn’t ideal in health-conscious environments.

Environmental Impact

It’s easy to assume hand dryers are the more eco-friendly choice. After all, they eliminate paper waste. But the environmental impact is more complex than what ends up in the trash.

A 2023 University of New Hampshire analysis showed that switching from paper towels to high-efficiency dryers could reduce landfill waste by over 13% in their dining halls. Conversely, paper towel manufacturers have made significant strides in offering recycled and compostable options. And dryers still consume electricity and require materials for manufacturing and replacement.

Bottom line: Both have an environmental footprint. For high-traffic buildings, dryers may make sense. But where hygiene trumps all, paper towels still win.

Cost & Maintenance Considerations

Dryers are typically more cost-effective in the long run. They have a higher upfront price tag but don’t require ongoing restocking or frequent waste removal. Paper towels, meanwhile, come with recurring costs and are more labor-intensive to maintain.

That said, dryers can also malfunction, be targets for vandalism, or irritate users with their noise. And if they’re not efficient, users may walk away with damp hands.

User Preference and Accessibility

Surveys consistently show that most people prefer paper towels—not just for drying their hands but for opening doors, cleaning up spills, and minimizing germ exposure. One study cited in the Mayo Clinic review found that over 60% of users prefer paper towels over hand dryers.

Some users find the noise of jet dryers irritating, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Some jet dryers exceed 90 decibels which is comparable to a heavy truck at close range. Also, frequent use can cause hands to become excessively dry or irritated, especially for sensitive skin.

In high-touch environments, offering a choice can improve overall satisfaction and promote better hygiene habits.

Which Is Better?

It depends.

If your facility wants to focus on sustainability and long-term cost savings, high-efficiency dryers might be your best option.

If hygiene, quick dry times, and occupant satisfaction are top priorities (especially in healthcare, food service, or education) paper towels are still the gold standard.

A hybrid approach often works best: dryers in general areas, paper towels in high-risk zones.

Final Takeaway

Hand drying might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in your facility's safety, satisfaction, and sustainability.

Want help deciding what makes the most sense for your space? Contact ABM’s facility experts to find the right hand-drying solution for your goals, whether it's boosting hygiene, cutting costs, or going green.

Sources

The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence

Paper Towels vs. Electric Hand Dryers: How a Small Decision Creates Big Questions

Artice By: Brittany Deal, Regional Account Manager, San Diego -- ABM

From Drip to Disaster: And How to Stop It Before It Happens

• By: admin
• On: 10/23/2025 14:52:03
• In: Trends and Tips

When it comes to building maintenance, plumbing and restoration are more closely linked than many realize. A surprising number of costly restoration projects, water damage, mold remediation, and even structural repairs start with something simple: a leaking pipe, a clogged drain, or a neglected valve. The good news? Most of these headaches can be prevented with a proactive plan.

Here are some practical ways property managers can stay ahead of the leaks and avoid turning small drips into big disasters:

Proactive Plumbing Maintenance

• Schedule routine inspections of visible pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.
• Look for telltale signs like staining, musty odors, or damp drywall before they spread.
• Don’t skip annual water heater flushes and shut-off valve checks. These small tasks prevent big breakdowns.

Smart Drain Management

• Grease, wipes, and “flushable” products cause the majority of backups. Encourage tenants to stick to the basics.
• In high-traffic buildings, consider periodic drain jetting to keep lines clear.
• A proactive drain maintenance program is far less disruptive than an emergency backup.

Early Leak Detection

• Install smart water sensors in mechanical rooms, under sinks, and near appliances. Small investments can save entire floors of carpet.
• Keep an eye on water bills: sudden spikes often signal hidden leaks.
• Remind tenants to report drips or damp spots quickly. A fast call can mean the difference between a mop and a mitigation crew.

Quick Response Protocol

• Post clear instructions on how to shut off water valves in key areas.
• Train staff on what to do in the first 15 minutes of a water incident. Every moment counts in reducing damage.
• Keep an emergency kit handy: absorbent pads, wet vacs, and PPE can limit the spread until help arrives.

Partnering with Restoration Pros

• Establish relationships with trusted restoration vendors before disaster strikes.
• Ask them to walk your property and provide tailored prevention tips.
• Pre-negotiated response plans often lead to faster mobilization and minimized downtime.

The Bottom Line
 

Soggy carpets, warped drywall, and cranky tenants aren’t inevitable. With a proactive plumbing plan and a clear restoration response strategy, you can protect your properties, reduce costs, and keep everyone dry and happy. Because when it comes to leaks, the best disaster is the one you prevented.

Article By: Jessica Kalloch, Bill Howe Family of Companies