Slip Resistance 101 - Coefficient of Friction

COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION - A coefficient of friction is a value that shows the relationship between the force of friction between two objects. It is a value that is sometimes used in physics to find an object's normal force or frictional force when other methods are not available.FRICTION AND SLIP RESISTANCE - When you walk, you need to have friction with the surface you are walking on. A coefficient of friction (COF) describes how much force is needed to move an object on a certain surface. A COF of zero means that employees are more likely to fall, while a higher number (like 0.5) means that there's good traction.GRIPPING TESTS - People rarely fall on clean, dry surfaces. So, slip resistance testing takes place under conditions that generally involve a wet surface. Currently, there are only two testing devices that meet ASTM F-13 standards for "wet testing": the Brungraber Mark II Test, and the English XL. These tests measure the COF to accurately find an item's ability to generate friction and reduce slip and falls.

MAXTRAX^® FAR EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM COF - In our most recent independent Brungrabber Mark II slip resistance testing in greasy, high soil, oily/wet, and wet environments, MaxTrax^® proved itself to be a super star of slip resistance. In each test, MaxTrax^® far exceeded the COF necessary to take a safe step.All SR Max^® brand shoes are made with the MaxTrax^® outsole, and we've also partnered with several other brands to make MaxTrax^® outsoles available on shoes from Reebok, Skechers, Dansko, and Rockport Works.THE COF TESTS DON'T LIE - Where other outsoles failed on one type of surface or had COF's near the mark for slipping on others, SR Max^® alone surpassed the threshold on all surfaces tested.RAISE YOUR COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION - Back in 2008, we decided to change the game by developing and producing the most slip resistant outsole available. The exclusive pattern we developed gives our outsoles the maximum amount of surface area possible (increasing contact with the floor for better traction). The flexible, soft rubber compound used provides more give upon impact, which allows for an enhanced grip and maintains a major hold with the ground.EMPLOYEE ABSENTEEISM DUE TO FALLS - Workers spend an average of 9 days out of work after an injury due to a fall. And, it's reported that in nearly one-third of slip, trip, and fall cases, a worker may be off of work more than 21 days.FRICTION - Frictional resistance to the relative motion of two objects is measured in proportion to the force which presses the surfaces together as well as the roughness of the surfaces. Since it is the force perpendicular or "normal" to the surfaces which affects the frictional resistance, this force is called the "normal force" and designated by the letter N.FRICTION AND SLIP RESISTANCE - The frictional force is also presumed to be proportional to the coefficient of friction. The amount of force required to move an object starting from rest is usually greater than the force required to keep it moving at a constant velocity once it has started.REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS - Slip resistant shoes can and do reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents that can lead to workplace absenteeism. While slip resistant shoes won't solve every problem, they can at least contribute to keeping you and your team safe on the job!