Citation

Gao C, Abeysekera JD. Safety Sci. 2002; 40(7-8): 613-624.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Prevention of slip hazard in frozen environments is not paid much attention. Current winter and safety footwear does not provide sufficient slip resistance and appropriate wearability for use on icy surfaces. The objectives of this study were to assess the integration of slip resistance, thermal insulation, and wearability of footwear used on icy surfaces, and the anti-slip effect of materials spread on ice using outdoor walking trials. Twenty-five subjects wore four types of footwear walking on five different icy surfaces. A five-point rating scale was used recording wearer's perceptions of slipperiness, thermal comfort and wearability. The results showed that pure ice was perceived as very slippery. Spreading sand (180 g/m2) greatly decreased the slipperiness. Slip resistance, thermal insulation and wearability of footwear tested were not properly integrated, and were ranked differently. The tested winter and safety footwear did not provide sufficient slip resistance and good wearability. In addition to thermal insulation, prevention of slip and fall hazard by improving anti-slip property and wearability must also be priorities for development of footwear for use in cold climate.