CMM – Archives • Apr 2010 • 21

floors onsite and then compiles a detailed report listing the SCOF readings. The report will help identify areas of the floor that could present a slip and fall hazard and offer remediation steps that can be taken. The walkway audit will not only identify possible hazards but also show your com-panyʼs proactive approach to safety. The need for a company to show its due diligence and to be proactive is a key factor in the event a slip and fall incident occurs. Now, when an incident occurs, the attor-neys handling the litigation will not only ask for a copy of your companyʼs floor safety program but also any and all companyʼs whoʼs business it is to maintain the floor. Statistics show that companies who can-not provide a written, documented program that addresses slip and fall prevention methods pay out the most in litigation because negligence is hard to disprove. The new ANSI B101.1 Standard can either be a tool for your company to utilize in your floor safety program or a tool for attorneys whoʼs job it is to prove negligence on your companyʼs part. So, whether youʼre an in-house janitor, a building service contractor (BSC) or the executive of a major corporation, be prepared and protect your companyʼs bot-tom line. Millions of dollars are wasted annually due to unwanted litigation. It only makes sense that a little prevention can save your company thousands, if not millions, of dollars in slip and fall litigation. Any time slips and falls occur, your com-pany is affected by the results. Letʼs say a valuable employee who has been trained and is very proficient in his or her job is suddenly unable to perform their duties because of a slip and fall. Not only do you have a workersʼ compen-sation claim, you now also have to retrain another individual who may not be as profi-cient to replace the injured worker. Also, any time accidents occur, this tends to raise a companyʼs insurance premiums — and let us not forget the negative publicity that is often associated with such an incident. But, perhaps most important is the fact that, as an employer, you should always want to protect your employees and cus-tomers from harm — itʼs the right thing to do. A perfect example is the automobile manu-facturer who is now front and center because of safety issues involving their vehicles. This company is being reactive rather than proactive, and these safety issues will end up costing the company millions of dol-lars and perhaps even more in public trust. So, remember the term proactive and remember the word reactive — then choose which type of company or individual you want to be known as. If you choose the responsible path of being proactive, then I believe you and your company will benefit from this approach. Regardless of the type and size of the facilities you service, you should seriously consider making the best use of the new ANSI B101.1 Standard. CM *HHUSUHV 1RZ 0RUH 7KDQ 0HWDO ® Since 1935, Geerpres ® , Inc., has been the name to trust for metal wringers, mops, and buckets. Now, Geerpres ® is expanding the family. Geerpres ® C.A.T. Chemical Applicator Tool Perfect for ﬂoor ﬁnish application, this innovative “bucketless” system can reduce labor costs by as much as 70% and reduce ﬁnish usage by up to 35%! BioShield ® 75 Biostatic Surface Protectant Only from Geerpres ® Reduce the risk of cross-contamination and microbial growth with EPA-registered, USDA-accepted BioShield 75. Protects against viruses including H1N1, Inﬂuenza A and other microbes for up to 90 days through a mechanical, non-chemical, non-poisonous action. Geerpres ® GPS ™ 2000 Microﬁber Applicator A self-contained cleaning system that dispenses uncontaminated ﬂuid for every cleaning task. The reusable microﬁber mops are washable. The new and improved handle holds even more ﬂuid. Geerpres ® Modular Plastic Cart The new, innovative modular plastic cart is available in 13 conﬁgurations, maximizing accessibility, maneuverability, storage, and cleaning efﬁciency. Call 800.253.0373 Or Visit www.geerpres.com. The Equipment of Choice © 2010, Geerpres, Inc. All rights reserved. GEE 1209-25 Circle Product Information no. 203 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 21