When it comes to workplace safety, few things are more critical than the surface employees walk on. Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The good news? High-performance epoxy flooring can help you stay compliant while creating a safer, more organized space.
This blog explores how businesses can use epoxy floor installation to align with OSHA standards through color-coding, anti-slip features, and other key safety enhancements.
What OSHA Says About Flooring Safety
OSHA has clear guidelines about workplace surfaces. According to OSHA Regulation 1910.22, all places of employment must:
- Be clean, orderly, and sanitary
- Have floors kept dry
- Be free from hazards
- Provide sufficient drainage where wet processes are used
Flooring that fails to meet these standards can lead to compliance issues, citations, or worse—employee injuries.
How Epoxy Flooring Supports OSHA Compliance
1. Color-Coded Safety Zones
OSHA recommends using floor markings and colors to define pathways and hazard areas. Epoxy coatings make it easy to apply and maintain these visuals. Common color-coding schemes include:
- Yellow: Pathways, aisles, traffic lanes
- Red: Fire hazards, emergency shut-offs
- Green: Safety equipment locations (first aid kits, eyewash stations)
- Blue: Raw materials or work-in-progress areas
- Black & White: Areas requiring controlled access
As an experienced epoxy floor company, we create precise, custom-coded layouts that remain vibrant and visible over time.
2. Slip-Resistant Surfaces
OSHA mandates that surfaces be slip-resistant where necessary. Epoxy floors can be customized with:
- Anti-slip aggregates (sand, quartz, or aluminum oxide)
- Textured finishes for wet zones or high-traffic areas
- Matte or non-gloss coatings to reduce slickness
Whether for commercial epoxy flooring or industrial epoxy flooring, our systems are tailored to the unique safety needs of your facility.
3. Seamless and Sanitary Flooring
Cracks, joints, and porous materials can harbor bacteria and present tripping hazards. Epoxy forms a seamless barrier over concrete, making it easier to clean and maintain hygiene—especially in food, medical, and chemical industries.
Industry-Specific OSHA Flooring Considerations
Manufacturing & Warehousing
- Forklift lanes and pedestrian zones clearly marked with epoxy line striping
- Anti-slip coatings in wet or oily areas
Food & Beverage Processing
- Seamless floors with non-slip finishes
- Chemical-resistant topcoats to handle acidic cleaning agents
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
- Easy-to-sanitize coatings that meet FDA and USDA guidelines
- Integrated coving for wall-to-floor transition
Automotive & Aviation
- High-durability epoxy floor coatings to withstand oil, fuel, and tire traffic
- Bright markings for hazardous machinery or inspection zones
Benefits of OSHA-Compliant Epoxy Floors
- Enhanced Workplace Safety
- Reduced Liability and Fines
- Improved Productivity Through Visual Cues
- Long-Term Durability
- Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning
When you choose a local epoxy floor company with OSHA expertise, you’re investing in more than just aesthetics—you’re promoting a safer workplace for your team.
Why Work with Professional Epoxy Floor Contractors?
Compliance isn’t a DIY job. Our trained epoxy floor contractors understand OSHA standards and can guide you through:
- Regulatory review
- Material selection (including VOC-compliant products)
- Proper drainage planning
- ADA compliance for ramps and transitions
By working with a certified epoxy floor company, you reduce risk while getting a polished, professional result.
Common Questions About OSHA & Epoxy Flooring
Is OSHA compliance required for all businesses?
Yes. OSHA guidelines apply to most private sector employers across industries.
How often should safety markings be updated?
Markings should be inspected regularly and re-applied when faded or damaged.
Can epoxy be installed without interrupting operations?
Yes—many epoxy floor contractors offer overnight or weekend installations to minimize downtime. These contractors use Everlast Overnight Floor, which is ready for foot traffic in just 4.5 hours.
Are there OSHA penalties for unsafe flooring?
Yes. OSHA citations can cost thousands of dollars per violation.
Make Safety a Priority with Epoxy Floors
If you’re managing a warehouse, food facility, or healthcare space, ensuring OSHA-compliant flooring is a must. Through color-coded zones, slip-resistant surfaces, and durable coatings, epoxy flooring is one of the most effective ways to create a safer, more productive environment.
Partner with a trusted local epoxy floor company that understands your industry’s regulations and delivers high-performance flooring solutions. Have questions? Ask us now!
