Controlling Water-Based or Oil-Based Film between Shoes and the Floor to Prevent Slips and Falls

Falls are the leading cause of occupational accidents in Japan [1].

Slips are the most frequent event leading to falling accidents [2-5].

Most accidents that involve slips and falls in a work place occur on

liquid-contaminated floor surfaces [6-8]. Floor surfaces are often

contaminated with water or oil in food factories and restaurant

kitchens, causing slips because of the formation of a fluid film

on the contact interface between the soles of shoes and the floor

surface. Therefore, a footwear outsole pattern is required that is very

resistant to slipping on floor surfaces covered with water or oil.