Intro.

There’s nothing new about floor graphics. Other than the current increase in demand perhaps. Some companies have expertise and years of experience supplying these products. Yet even they may not be aware of all the potential risks. Risks that could lead to injuries, and as a result significant legal claims, by specifying products not fit for purpose…

I’ve spent the last 20 years in the signage and graphics industries. Previously as a senior executive of one of the UK’s most successful signage and graphics suppliers. Floor graphics were a major product in our portfolio, and we supplied large volumes across a diverse range of internal and external applications and environments.

Covid-19 has created a new demand for a variety of products. Social distancing floor graphics being just one of them. Yet many do not understand the risks of the product. Or the significant legal claims they could face for supplying, or buying, the wrong product solution.

I now work as a business consultant, offering a variety of services and industry expertise. Given the rise in demand for social distancing floor graphics, I felt it important to highlight some of the risks attached to them. I hope this article prevents anyone having an accident. Or indeed you facing a legal claim.

If you would like further insights into specifying floor graphics, you can contact me via Pyramid Resource Solutions.

Floor graphics for covid-19 social distancing

Floor graphics have been around for years. As a result, there’s numerous specialists companies who’ve built up years of knowledge and experience, specifying and supplying them. To be specific they know the right products, the potential risks attached to supplying the wrong ones, and how to manage legal claims for slips and trips.

It would be hard to miss the recent rise in popularity of floor graphics for covid-19 social distancing. Despite the reduction in retail outlets, and commercial environments open during lock down, those that remained open have installed some form of social distancing floor markings.

As we ease out of lock down, more and more businesses are reopening. Add to this the numerous opportunities floor graphics offer, such as advertising space, the demand for floor graphics is only going to increase. They may even become a permanent feature in commercial, and public spaces, as part of the new normal.

With the increase in demand, and the increase in traffic, law of averages suggests if you’re supplying floor graphics, or buying floor graphics, your exposure to their potential risks will also increase. And where there’s blame, there’s a claim, that could prove costly to you and your business.

Many companies are now being asked to supply various social distancing and coronavirus protective solutions. Some may well be asked to supply products they don’t completely understand.

Even if you supply other forms of graphic solutions, if you’re new to supplying floor graphics, or being asked to as part of your covid-19 signage solutions. Or you’re responsible for buying Covid-19 signage and social distancing graphics, read this post…

It might help you avoid a potential banana skin, that could seriously hurt someone and prove extremely costly.

Floor graphics – where there’s blame, there’s a claim!

The demand for social distancing signs and graphics has meant many companies have created brochures promoting covid-19 protective products. More than likely offering social distancing floor graphics as part of their coronavirus signage and graphics solutions.

Unlike window vinyls, manifestations and wall graphics, the risks attached to supplying and buying floor graphics, significantly increase. There are still the obvious risks of damaging surfaces, adhesive residue etc. However, unlike other graphics, people physically interact with floor graphics, when walking over them.

Slips and trips are the most significant cause of injury in the workplace and in public spaces.

So, as well as the obvious risks of damage, floor graphics also have the additional safety risk of slips and trips. Therefore, this needs careful consideration and management.

When supplying or installing floor graphics on your premises, you’re introducing a change to the flooring surface. Albeit in a very localised area. If you’re installing a floor graphic product without ensuring it’s specification is fit for purpose, it could be the direct cause of an accident, injury or even fatality.  As a result, you and / or your client, are exposed to significant legal claims and damage.

To protect yourself you have two options. Either specify or purchase a safe solution, by fully understanding all aspects, requirements and installing the correct application. Alternatively, ensure your client / supplier is aware of any potential risks, and in turn is responsible for ensuring the product is fit for purpose.  This is too important, and risky, to leave to assumption or trust.

Floor graphics – product insight

Whether supplying or buying social distancing floor graphics, or for any other application, product insight is essential. Understanding the various options available, and the risks of installing the wrong specification for the environment, shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Floor graphics are usually made from two layers of self-adhesive film. A base layer and a laminate.  The base film is normally white, or clear, and is coated with an appropriate adhesive. The top film, referred to as the laminate, is clear and textured to provide a level of slip resistance. However, it’s not unknown for companies, even those who should know better, to use a white film and laminate designed for use on walls, or even vehicles. In short, these films are generally cheaper.

Using the wrong film is high risk. For example, the film could de-laminate when washed with floor cleaning detergents, causing a physical trip hazard. The top surface might not be similar enough to the adjacent ground, causing a slip hazard. Or, the top surface may not even meet the minimum slip standards required for the flooring, ground and specific environment.

Be aware, in my experience, it’s also not unheard of for material distributors, and even printers who offer floor graphics, to provide inappropriate specifications for the environment.

If you’re supplying or buying floor graphics, it’s advisable to conduct your own checks, and ensure the film specified, and supplied, is suitable for its application and environment.

The risks of floor graphics

There are numerous risks attached to supplying and purchasing floor graphics. If you are, then you need to protect yourself, and those who come into contact with them. As a further example, location should also be considered.

Floor graphics are designed and placed to draw people’s eyes, and therefore attention, to the floor. Generally, in environments where people are moving. As a result, increasing the risk of collision. Either with other people, or elements of the environment, normally in the line of sight. This causes a risk of potential injuries, and legal claims, from someone claiming their safe passage was distracted by the floor graphic. And as a result, caused their injury.

Can you demonstrate to a court how you considered this risk when installing a floor graphic?

Conclusion

Floor graphics have already become increasingly popular. The demand for Covid-19 signage solutions, and social distancing graphics, will continue to rise now more and more business are reopening from the lock down. There are numerous different businesses, commercial premises and public spaces. All will have different requirements to be considered when specifying safety signs and graphics.

Whether you’re new to supplying increased volumes of floor graphics, or you now have responsibility for purchasing covid-19 signage and graphic solutions, seek expert guidance.

Where there’s blame there’s a claim. And make no mistake it could be extremely costly.

With the right knowledge and understanding of floor graphics, they can be a highly successful product. As a floor graphics supplier, or even as a buyer selling advertising space on your floors. Getting the specification and application right will ensure safety, and profit rather than loss.

About this post

As signage recruitment specialists we obviously have a keen interest in the signage and graphics industries. Perhaps more importantly, we also have an extensive network of sign industry experts, available to offer you advice and support on a consultative basis.

This article was written in collaboration with one of our network partners, who offers a range of strategic, coaching and development services to business leaders. As part of our commitment to supporting the sign and graphics industries, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, we are not charging any introduction / recruitment fees if you’d like to engage the support services of our business consultants.

If you’d like help on understanding the risks attached to floor graphics, how to specify or purchase the correct solution for different applications and environments contact us.

Remember where there’s blame, there’s a claim! Don’t slip up. If in doubt seek advice.