Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls During Winter
Winter often leads to more slip related incidents across workplaces, public areas and commercial environments. Cold weather, excess moisture and reduced daylight all increase the likelihood of slippery surfaces. These conditions become even more unpredictable when they are not managed properly.
Organisations benefit from understanding why winter creates higher risk. They also benefit from taking simple steps that can significantly reduce incidents. Blue Diamond provides durable GRP anti slip solutions that support safe access, maintain business continuity and protect people throughout the year.
Below, we break down the main causes of winter slips and the proven products that help prevent them.
Common reasons slips increase during Winter:
Wet and icy surfaces: Rain, sleet, snow and frost dramatically reduce friction on decking, steps and walkways. Even a small amount of moisture can create a hazard.
Algae and leaf build-up: Frequent wet-dry cycles encourage debris accumulation and surface growth, both of which obscure hazards and reduce grip.
Reduced daylight and visibility: Shorter days mean more time spent navigating areas with limited visibility. Hazards become harder to see, especially on busy access routes.
Smooth or worn surface: Timber, concrete and metal surfaces lose texture as they age. This makes slips more likely, especially in cold and damp weather.
How anti-slip products reduce risk
The most effective way to prevent slips during winter is to increase the coefficient of friction on the surface. This means creating a surface that is harder to slide on and easier to maintain stable footing. Blue Diamond GRP solutions are designed to provide consistent traction in wet, icy and low temperature environments. They deliver long lasting performance with minimal maintenance and offer a reliable method for improving safety across many different sites.
GRP is a durable, corrosion resistant material that performs well in areas where traditional timber, steel or concrete may become worn or smooth. The textured surface provides improved grip across the entire contact area. This supports safe movement even when conditions change quickly during freeze and thaw cycles.
Anti-Slip GRP Decking Strips provide an immediate improvement in safety on timber decking, ramps, bridges and outdoor walkways. These are areas that can become especially hazardous during winter because the surface absorbs moisture and becomes slippery.
The gritted surface creates a strong level of traction in wet, icy or frost covered conditions. The materials used are resistant to algae growth, which helps prevent the surface from becoming more slippery during long periods of damp weather. Installation is simple and can be completed with limited disruption, as the strips are fitted directly over the existing decking. High visibility colours are also available to support safer navigation when daylight levels are low.
Anti-Slip GRP Stair Nosings Staircases remain one of the most common areas for slip incidents during winter. GRP Stair Nosings increase safety by reinforcing the leading edge of each step with a textured surface that supports stable footing.
The added grip helps reduce the risk of a foot slipping forward in wet or icy conditions. Visibility is also greatly improved because the nosing provides a clear contrast between the tread and the edge of the step. This is particularly useful in darker mornings and evenings when depth perception is reduced. Each nosing is built to withstand heavy use and seasonal weather, which means performance remains consistent throughout winter.
Anti-Slip GRP Flat Sheets offer broad area protection for walkways, platforms, access routes and factory floors. They are well suited to environments that face a higher level of winter risk due to large surface areas, frequent footfall or exposure to water and frost.
The coarse, anti-slip finish provides a significant increase in surface friction even when the area is wet or subject to regular freeze and thaw cycles. These sheets can be installed directly onto timber, concrete or steel. This makes them a flexible option for upgrading surfaces that have become smooth or worn. The UV stable and weather resistant construction supports long term durability and maintains reliable performance throughout the year.
Why organisations choose Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond has extensive experience in surface safety. Our GRP range is supported by engineering knowledge, product testing and real-world application across many industries. These products are designed to:
- Reduce slip incidents during the highest risk months
- Extend the lifespan of existing walkways and access routes
- Improve visibility and awareness of hazards
- Support compliance with workplace safety standards
- Deliver durable and dependable protection
We provide organisations with clear guidance and proven solutions that help manage winter risks with confidence.
Winter slips are preventable
With the correct products in place, organisations can reduce risk and keep people safe throughout the winter season. Decking Strips support walkways, Stair Nosings support staircases and Flat Sheets protect larger open areas. Together, these products form a strong and practical approach to surface safety in challenging conditions.
Content created in partnership with Blue Diamond.
WINTER
SLIP PREVENTION
Explore some of our Winter slip prevention solutions from Blue Diamond, including GRP decking, flat sheets, and stair nosing.
