Wet Area Matting: Preventing Slips in Kitchens, Gyms, and Pool Areas

Managing wet areas in gyms, pool areas and kitchens can be tricky. Slips and falls are a major cause of workplace accidents, yet often it’s a hidden hazard. Wet area matting is a safety solution that helps prevent slips and falls, significantly reducing workplace risks.  

Best of all, wet area floor mats are designed for durability and hygiene and can make all the difference in creating a pleasant, safe environment. 

What features do anti slip mats for wet floors have? 

Wet area matting has plenty of key features to improve safety and functionality.  

Effective drainage 

Wet area matting is designed with drainage holes and channels to prevent standing water.  

A mat with an open grid or slats has two key benefits:  

Users aren’t standing in water, so they’re less likely to slip and fall 

Microbacterial growth is minimised, extending the lifespan of your mats. 

Superior anti-slip 

Look for anti-slip mats with raised slats, textured surfaces or unique grids made from rubber or PVC. These should be certified for slip resistance to provide excellent grip and traction.  

Anti-microbial hygiene 

Bacterial and fungal growth are real problems in high-moisture areas. Our workplace mats resist moisture and are designed with anti-bacterial properties for a more hygienic environment - particularly important in washrooms, showers and changing rooms. 

Durability and longevity 

From commercial entrance mats to pool area matting, your wet area floor mats need to stand up to heavy foot traffic and chemical exposure. Our mats are manufactured to last, using robust materials and solid construction for consistent safety performance.  

To find out more about the best wet area matting materials for your business, read our guide to different floor mat materials.  

Ease of use 

Where hygiene is of high importance, your mats should be easy to clean and maintain. That’s why we created our floorcare services, to reduce cleaning and maintenance costs for your workplace while keeping it safe and hygienic. 

Ergonomics and comfort 

Where your staff are on their feet all day, such as in commercial kitchens or reception areas, comfort is key. Our kitchen floor mats are ergonomically designed to enhance comfort, well-being, and productivity, delivering a better user experience. 

How to choose the best wet area matting for your business 

The dangers of choosing the wrong wet area matting are obvious: slip-and-fall hazards, unhygienic bacterial growth, and water ingress that could affect the underlying floor structure. So how can you choose the best wet area mats for your business? Here are some key factors to consider: 

Identify your needs 

Different solutions are available for different types of wet areas. In a commercial kitchen, opt for nitrile mats with good drainage and anti-fatigue features. 

For aquatic centres, gyms and spas, prioritise rubber or non-porous PVC matting that’s tactile and comfortable underfoot, has anti-fungal properties, delivers excellent drainage, and is chemical-resistant. 

Prioritise performance 

Slip resistance and efficient drainage are crucial, so look for textured surfaces, open grid designs, and drainage channels. These promote quick water drainage and superior grip to minimise slips and falls. 

Depending on the application, look for these materials for the best performance: 

• PVC mats offer superior drainage and are flexible for ease of use 
• Vinyl matting has enhanced comfort and resistance to chlorine 
• Microfibre/synthetic mats are best for high absorption (washrooms etc) 
• Nitrile mats have superior grease and oil resistance (best for commercial kitchens) 

Safety and compliance: Meeting health and safety standards is non-negotiable. Your mats must comply with anti-slip standards and relevant disability access legislation.