Entrances are one of the most heavily used areas of any commercial or public building. They form the first impression for visitors and play a critical role in how safely people can enter and exit the space. Yet slip risks around entrances are often underestimated, despite being one of the most common causes of accidents in public environments.
Effective anti slip planning is not about reacting after an incident occurs. It is about understanding how surfaces, water management and movement patterns interact every day, then designing entrances that remain safe in all conditions.
The Role of Surface Treatments in Preventing Slips
The surface beneath people’s feet is the first line of defence against slips and falls. Smooth finishes may look clean and modern, but when exposed to rain, condensation or tracked in moisture, they can quickly become hazardous.
Anti slip surface treatments are designed to increase grip without compromising appearance. These treatments can be applied to a wide range of materials including glass, stone and tile, helping entrances maintain traction even when wet. Importantly, the right treatment should be matched to the specific environment. An entrance exposed to frequent rainfall and heavy foot traffic will have very different requirements to one that is partially sheltered.
Over time, untreated or poorly specified surfaces can polish under constant use, reducing their slip resistance further. This gradual change often goes unnoticed until an incident highlights the problem. Proactive surface planning helps prevent this risk from developing in the first place.
Why Drainage Choices Matter More Than You Think
Water is one of the biggest contributors to slip incidents around entrances. Poor drainage allows moisture to pool on surfaces, increasing the likelihood of slips, particularly during wet weather or colder months.
Well designed drainage systems ensure that water is directed away from walking routes as quickly as possible. This includes external drainage to manage rainfall and internal solutions to deal with water brought in on footwear. Even small improvements in drainage design can significantly reduce surface moisture and improve overall safety.
Drainage should be considered as part of the entrance as a whole, not as an afterthought. When water management is integrated into the layout, it supports surface treatments and helps maintain consistent slip resistance throughout the day.
Understanding Footfall Patterns and Movement
How people move through an entrance is just as important as the materials used. High footfall areas experience faster wear, which can reduce grip over time. Changes in direction, such as turning points or door thresholds, are also higher risk zones where slips are more likely to occur.
Staff entrances often present different challenges to public access points. Repeated daily use, combined with speed and familiarity, can increase risk if surfaces are not designed with these behaviours in mind. Similarly, visitors may pause, adjust bags or look around, creating unpredictable movement patterns that need to be accommodated safely.
By analysing footfall patterns, it becomes possible to identify where additional grip, matting or treatment is required. This targeted approach improves safety without over engineering the entire space.
Creating Safer Access for Everyone
Anti slip planning around entrances is not just about compliance. It is about protecting people, reducing liability and creating environments that feel safe and welcoming. When surface treatments, drainage and footfall behaviour are considered together, entrances perform better in all conditions and for all users.
At Open Entrances, we take a holistic approach to entrance design and maintenance. By focusing on how people actually use these spaces, and how materials perform over time, we help create safer access points that support both public safety and long term building performance.
