IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Evaluating winter work shoes: comparison of methods for determining slip resistance on icy surfaces

Abstract

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common accidents in Québec. In winter, icy surfaces present one of the greatest risks of slipping for workers who must move around outdoors.

This study is part of a new thematic research program launched by the IRSST on the prevention of slips and falls outdoors. To measure the coefficient of dynamic friction (CdF) between shoes and various surfaces, the IRSST acquired a SATRA testing machine.

The purpose of this research is to classify the slip resistance of different work shoes using the SATRA mechanical method and compare it with a biomechanical method that determines the maximum angle at which a person can walk on an inclined surface.

The study will provide basic measurement data that could later be used to select the most suitable shoes for preventing falls on icy surfaces.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2015-0078
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2021
Team:
  • Chantal Gauvin (IRSST)
  • David Pearsall (Université McGill)
  • Tilak Dutta (Toronto Rehab Institute-University Health Network TRI-UHN)
  • Yue Li (Toronto Rehab Institute-University Health Network TRI-UHN)