Excerpts from THE SLIP AND FALL HANDBOOK    Case Evaluation, Preparation and Settlement

Stephen I. Rosen J.D., PhD. - Hanrow Press

72. With the exception of an explosives factory, there is no more dangerous  place for the lay citizen to be than a bathtub. The Consumer Products Safety Commission and the National Bureau of Standards have noted bathtubs and showers as hazardous products. A showering-bathing product can have a textured bottom, which is not safe.

ASTM Specification F462-79(1999) Consumer Safety Specification for Slip-Resistant Bathing Facilities

1. Scope

1.1  This consumer safety specification covers the slip resistance of bathtubs and shower structures or combinations, used for bathing or showering, or both, herein referred to as bathing facilities.

 

1.2  This specification establishes definitions, methods of testing the slip resistance of bathing facilities, and the in-use performance requirements needed to minimize the accidents caused by slipperiness during any reasonable use.

 

1.3  This consumer safety specification is intended to describe a means to reduce accidents to persons, especially children and the aged, resulting from the use of bathing facilities.

 

1.4  The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 8, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 

Copyright 2001 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, West Conshohocken, PA. All rights reserved.  

According to the National Safety Council*...

Problem:

	25,000,000......... Slip and Fall Accidents Per Year
	25,000................ Victims are Hospitalized Every Day
	12,400................ Deaths in 1990, Up 1% From 1989
	#2.......................Killer In The U.S. (Second Only To Auto)

Results to Businesses:

	100,000............... Permanent Disabilities Per Year
	65%.....................Of All Man Days Are Lost Due To Slip and Falls
	5-10%................. Increase In Insurance Rates Per Occurrence
	$7000................. In Comp. and Medical Cost Per Incident

*Statistics - National Safety Council, Accident Facts / 1991 Edition