Slip-and-Fall Prevention in Hospitals During Chicago's Snowy Season

Author : UniFirst First | Published On : 28 Oct 2026

When snow starts falling in Chicago, hospital staff have more to deal with than busy waiting rooms and packed schedules. Patients, visitors, and employees walk in with wet shoes, melting snow, and slush. Before long, the entrance floor can become slippery, and moisture may spread into hallways and waiting areas.

For hospital managers, hospital slip and fall prevention starts with a few practical steps: control moisture at entrances, check floors throughout the day, clean up spills quickly, and keep walkways clear. Hospitals can also explore healthcare uniforms Chicago IL when reviewing their staff uniform needs.

The goal is to make these steps part of the daily routine, not something staff think about only during a snowstorm. With the right setup and a clear plan, healthcare facilities can better manage winter hazards while keeping daily operations moving.

Why Chicago Winters Create Extra Slip-and-Fall Risks

Anyone who has walked through Chicago after a snowfall knows how quickly snow and ice can turn into slush. The same thing happens at hospital entrances. People bring moisture inside on their shoes, and that water can spread across tile floors before anyone notices.

Hospitals also serve people who may have difficulty walking or keeping their balance. A patient using a walker, a visitor helping an older family member, or a nurse moving equipment through a corridor may find it harder to avoid a wet patch.

OSHA identifies wet floors, spills, and clutter as potential slip, trip, and fall hazards in hospitals. Keeping walking surfaces clean, dry, and free of obstructions is an important part of managing these risks.

Common winter problem areas include:

• Snow and slush collecting near entrance doors.

• Water spreading from the lobby into waiting rooms and hallways.

• Wet floors near elevators and registration desks.

• Mats with curled corners, loose edges, or worn surfaces.

• Cleaning carts and delivery equipment blocking walking paths.

• Spills that go unreported or remain on the floor too long.

These issues can develop during a single busy shift. A regular inspection routine helps staff spot problems early instead of waiting for someone to report a fall.

How Medical Facility Floor Mats Help Control Winter Moisture

Floor mats can make a real difference at hospital entrances, especially when snow and slush are common. They help collect moisture and dirt from footwear before people carry it farther into the building.

However, putting down a mat and forgetting about it won't solve the problem. The mat needs to be suitable for the entrance, large enough for the foot traffic, and checked regularly.

Medical facility floor mats can help hospitals in three practical ways:

• Catch moisture and dirt: Properly selected entrance mats help collect water, snow, slush, and debris from shoes.

• Support stable footing: Mats should stay in place, lie flat, and have edges that do not curl up.

• Make maintenance easier: Staff should have a clear process for checking mats, cleaning them, and replacing them when necessary.

It's also worth checking the flooring just beyond the entrance. For example, a mat might catch most of the snow at the door, but visitors could still leave wet footprints on the tile near the reception desk. Staff need to check these areas and remove standing water promptly.

Mats work best as part of a larger safety plan. They don't replace regular floor cleaning, spill response, or proper maintenance.

UniFirst explains more about this topic in its guide to the safety benefits of commercial floor mats, which covers how mats can support safer workplace environments.

Where Should Hospitals Place Winter Entrance Mats?

Not every hospital entrance has the same needs. A main lobby may see a steady stream of visitors, while a staff entrance gets busy around shift changes. The emergency department may have unpredictable foot traffic throughout the day.

Start by walking through the building and looking at where water tends to collect. Check the areas where people move from outdoor surfaces to indoor flooring, and pay attention to spots where wet footprints keep appearing.

What Should Facilities Look for When Selecting Mats?

Choose mats based on foot traffic, the amount of moisture entering the building, the type of flooring, and the facility's cleaning requirements. Look for a stable surface, edges that lie flat, and enough coverage for people to take several steps across the mat.

Avoid using mats that slide around, have curled corners, or show signs of damage. A saturated mat may no longer manage moisture effectively, and a raised edge can become a trip hazard.

Hospitals should also consider their housekeeping and infection prevention procedures when choosing and maintaining mats. A suitable mat is one that works for the location and can be cleaned, inspected, and replaced as needed.

Build a Daily Winter Floor Inspection Routine

Even well-placed entrance mats need regular attention. A mat that works well in the morning may become soaked by lunchtime if snow continues to fall and foot traffic stays heavy.

A simple checklist gives staff a clear idea of what to look for and when to report a problem.

Winter floor safety checklist

• Check entrance mats at the start of each shift.

• Look for pooled water, slush, and wet flooring around the mats.

• Make sure mats lie flat and have no loose or damaged edges.

• Recheck busy entrances during snowfall and peak arrival times.

• Clean up spills promptly using approved procedures.

• Use warning signs where needed during wet-floor cleanup.

• Keep hallways, stairways, and emergency routes clear of carts and equipment.

• Record recurring problem areas and assign follow-up actions.

• Confirm that the floor is dry before removing warning signs, following facility procedures.

It also helps to assign responsibility for these checks. For example, an environmental services supervisor might oversee lobby inspections while other employees report hazards they notice in their departments.

Make reporting simple. If staff aren't sure whom to contact when they see a wet floor, cleanup may take longer than necessary. A clear reporting process helps the right team respond quickly.

Coordinate Housekeeping, Staff Training, and Communication

Keeping hospital floors safe isn't just the housekeeping team's job. Facilities managers, nurses, reception staff, security personnel, and other employees may all notice hazards during their shifts.

Housekeeping teams should understand the hospital's procedures for cleaning wet floors, using approved cleaning products, and placing warning signs. Other employees should know how to report a hazard and when an area may need to be kept clear while cleanup takes place.

Communication becomes especially useful during a Chicago snowstorm. The facilities team can let staff know when an entrance needs extra attention or when a temporary change in access is necessary. Reception and security teams can help direct visitors away from an affected area when appropriate.

Consider a typical morning at a busy hospital. A receptionist notices water spreading beyond the lobby mat just before several appointments begin. They report it to the appropriate team, which cleans the area and checks it again afterward. That simple process helps prevent the hazard from being overlooked during a busy period.

Training should reinforce these everyday habits. Employees need to know how to report spills, keep walkways clear, and follow established cleanup procedures. OSHA's hospital guidance also emphasizes prompt spill cleanup and unobstructed walking surfaces. Hospitals should confirm current requirements and follow applicable OSHA standards and internal safety policies.

Measure What Is Working and Fix Recurring Problems

A winter safety plan should be reviewed throughout the season. Instead of waiting for an incident, hospital managers can use inspection records and hazard reports to see where the current process needs attention.

Here are a few useful things to track:

• Number of wet-floor hazards reported in each area.

• Entrances where water regularly spreads beyond the mats.

• How often mats are inspected, cleaned, or replaced.

• Time between reporting a spill and completing cleanup.

• Reports of loose, curled, or saturated mats.

• Completion of scheduled winter safety checks.

These records won't guarantee that every fall can be prevented. They can, however, help managers identify patterns and decide where to make changes.

For example, if staff repeatedly report water near the registration desk, the entrance mat arrangement may need to be reviewed. The team might adjust the mat coverage, increase inspections during busy periods, or look at how snow and slush are being removed outside.

It's also helpful to record what action was taken. When one shift hands over to the next, a clear record makes it easier for the incoming team to understand which problems have been addressed and which still need attention.

FAQs About Hospital Slip and Fall Prevention

How can hospitals improve slip-and-fall prevention during Chicago winters?

Hospitals can reduce winter floor hazards by using suitable entrance mats, checking floors regularly, cleaning up spills promptly, and keeping walkways clear. Employees should know how to report hazards and contact the appropriate team. Regular inspections also help facilities identify recurring wet areas and adjust their procedures as weather and foot traffic change.

What are the best medical facility floor mats for winter?

The right mat depends on the amount of foot traffic, how much moisture enters the building, the type of flooring, and the facility's maintenance requirements. Choose mats that capture moisture, stay in place, and have flat edges. Inspect them regularly and replace damaged or saturated mats. Hospitals should also follow their cleaning and infection prevention procedures.

How often should winter entrance mats be checked in a hospital?

Inspection frequency should reflect the weather, foot traffic, and how quickly mats collect moisture. Checking at the start of each shift and during busy periods can be a useful starting point. During heavy snowfall, staff may need to check more often. Any visible hazard should be reported immediately rather than left until the next scheduled inspection.

Are entrance mats enough to prevent hospital slips and falls?

No. Entrance mats are only one part of a broader prevention plan. Hospitals also need prompt spill cleanup, dry walking surfaces, clear corridors, regular maintenance, and employee awareness. Mats that are too small, saturated, loose, or damaged may create additional hazards, so staff should inspect them and follow established maintenance procedures.

What should hospital staff do when they find a wet floor?

Staff should follow hospital reporting and cleanup procedures and alert the appropriate team. When necessary and safe, they should help keep people away from the affected area while trained personnel address the hazard. Cleanup should follow approved procedures, with warning signs used where appropriate. Staff should also document recurring hazards or incidents according to facility policy.

Next Step: Prepare Your Hospital for Winter

Chicago winters can make hospital entrances harder to manage, but a few consistent habits can help. Check mats regularly, remove standing water promptly, keep walkways clear, and make sure staff know how to report hazards. Reviewing these steps before the first major snowfall gives your team time to address problem areas.

UniFirst works with businesses on managed uniform and facility service programs. Take a look at your current setup, identify areas that need attention, and consider which improvements will fit your facility's daily routine.

Ready to discuss your healthcare team's needs? Contact us for a free quote.