Moisture Is the Hidden Driver Behind Slip Risks in Commercial Buildings
A look at how rainwater, spills, cleaning activities, and sanitizer drips reduce floor traction—and the layered strategies facility managers can use to prevent slip and fall incidents.
- By Muhammad Sami
- Dec 01, 2025
Slip and fall incidents are among the most common causes of injuries in commercial buildings. According to workplace-safety data, slips and falls consistently rank among the leading sources of non-fatal injuries across office, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use facilities. nsc.org+1 These incidents may look minor at first, but they create significant operational, financial, and reputational challenges for building owners.
In many cases, the root cause is far simpler than people expect: moisture. Water from rain, spills, cleaning activities, and even sanitizer drips reduces floor friction and increases fall probability. CDC+1 With most commercial spaces relying on polished surfaces like stone, ceramic tile, and vinyl, even small amounts of liquid can make walking surfaces hazardous.
This article breaks down the key risk factors in commercial buildings and the practical interventions that consistently help prevent slip and fall events.
Moisture Is the Primary Driver of Slip Risk
In high-traffic buildings, water enters or accumulates in several predictable ways:
- Rainwater tracked in from entrances
- Dripping umbrellas creating puddles near the lobby
- Condensation forming around glass doors during temperature changes
- Beverage or cleaning-related spills
- Sanitizer residue beneath wall-mounted dispensers
Moisture reduces the coefficient of friction, which is the essential measure of how well a floor surface allows safe walking. The ANSI Blog+1 When friction drops, incident rates rise sharply.
For commercial buildings, this can be translated into:
- Increased absenteeism after injuries
- Higher insurance premiums
- Potential liability if hazards were foreseeable
- Complaints or dissatisfaction from tenants and visitors
Addressing moisture at the source is the most reliable way to control slip hazards.
Strengthening the Entrance: Umbrella Management Systems
Entryways are the highest-risk zones during rainy seasons. Traditional entrance mats help, but they are not designed to capture water draining from umbrellas. Dripping umbrellas can spread water several meters across a lobby, especially in high-traffic environments.
Umbrella management systems such as umbrella dryers or umbrella wrapping stations help contain moisture before it reaches the floor. These solutions are widely used in airports, retail centers, and office towers where foot traffic is continuous. CCOHS+1
Commercial-grade umbrella stations from providers like Slipless reduce puddling and minimize the need for constant mopping. For buildings with polished flooring, this first line of defense offers immediate traction improvement during wet weather.
Immediate Hazard Communication: The Role of Wet Floor Signs
Even with strong preventive controls, spills cannot be eliminated entirely. Wet floor signs remain a reliable and accessible safety intervention.
Their effectiveness depends on:
- Rapid deployment
- Proper placement
- High visibility
- Consistency among staff
Visual warnings cue people to slow down, adjust their stride, or choose an alternate route. OSHA+1 In commercial buildings, where pedestrian behavior can be unpredictable, even a short delay in placing a warning sign can significantly elevate risk.
Durable, high-contrast signs encourage consistent use because they are easy for staff to store and deploy quickly.
Sanitizer Stations: An Overlooked Slip Hazard
Hand-sanitizer stations have become standard in facilities, but they introduce new slip risks. Alcohol-based sanitizer forms thin, nearly invisible films when it drips onto smooth tiles. This residue reduces traction more than many facility teams realize.
Instead of removing the stations, facility managers can take several simple measures:
- Position units away from high-speed walkways
- Use dispensers with drip-control features
- Install small drip trays where appropriate
- Apply slip-resistant treatments under and around the station
Slip-resistant floor coatings used in commercial environments, including the treatments offered by suppliers like Slipless provide additional traction even when small amounts of liquids are present. This creates a safety buffer around areas where spills are likely. Changing or modifying walking surfaces is recognized as key to preventing slip-related incidents. CCOHS+1
A Layered Prevention Strategy Works Best
No single intervention eliminates slip hazards. A layered approach consistently produces the best outcomes. Facilities Management Advisor+1 Effective strategies typically include:
- Moisture control at entry points
- Clear, immediate hazard signage
- Slip-resistant floor treatments in spill-prone zones
- Housekeeping and inspection routines aligned with traffic patterns
- Thoughtful sanitizer station placement to minimize liquid exposure
These controls complement each other and reduce risk throughout the day, even during peak foot-traffic periods.
Final Thoughts
Slip and fall incidents in commercial buildings are predictable, preventable, and often caused by the smallest details like a wet umbrella or a drip of sanitizer. By focusing on moisture control, visual communication, and targeted traction improvements, facility managers can cut risks significantly without major renovations or disruptions.
Simple additions such as umbrella dryers, umbrella wrapping machines, wet floor signs, and slip-resistant coatings offered by suppliers like Slipless help strengthen safety performance across the building. When used as part of a layered approach, these measures protect people, reduce liability exposure, and create a safer, more dependable environment for tenants and visitors.