Why Every Property Manager Needs Yearly Slip-Resistance Testing to Reduce Risk and Stay Compliant

For property managers across New Zealand, keeping buildings safe isn’t just good practice, it’s a core part of tenant satisfaction, risk management, and long-term asset protection. One of the biggest hidden risks inside commercial, residential, and public buildings is slippery flooring. Whether it’s a busy foyer, bathroom, tiled walkway, or entrance exposed to rain, slip hazards can develop without warning.

Slip-and-fall injuries are one of the most common causes of accidents nationwide, costing ACC over $2.3 billion every year. For property managers, that means higher exposure to liability, increased insurance pressure, frustrated tenants, and avoidable disruption. The solution is straightforward: yearly slip-resistance testing and proactive maintenance.

 

Why Slip Testing Matters for Property Managers

Floors may look fine at a glance, but slip resistance naturally declines over time. Foot traffic, cleaning products, polishing, sealers, and environmental conditions all wear away the surface’s natural grip. That’s why a floor that was compliant when installed may no longer meet NZ standards after a few months or years.

For property managers searching terms such as:

• “slip resistance testing property managers”
• “floor safety compliance NZ”
• “preventing slips and falls in commercial buildings”

Slip testing is the exact service designed to keep buildings safe and compliant.

Independent, professional slip testing gives you clear data on whether your floors meet the required standards under NZS 4586 and NZS 4663, especially in wet conditions. It gives you certainty and provides documentation that you’re actively managing risk.

What Slip Testing Actually Measures

SlipSafe’s onsite slip-resistance testing replicates the motion of a heel striking a wet surface, delivering a realistic reading of how safe a floor is under real-world conditions.

Testing can be performed on any hard floor surface, including:

• Tiles & Stone surfaces
• Concrete
• Vinyl
• Timber
• Polished stone
• Laminate
• Glass
• Commercial flooring systems
• Exterior paths, ramps, decks, and exposed entries

This wide scope is crucial for property and facility managers managing multi-area sites, as risk isn’t limited to just one material or space.

Because surfaces wear differently over time, yearly testing identifies exactly when and where slip resistance has decreased, helping you correct issues before accidents occur.

 

How Annual Testing Reduces Risk

Early detection of unsafe surfaces

High-traffic areas such as foyers, lobbies, bathrooms, kitchens, pool surrounds, and external walkways often degrade faster than expected. Identifying these issues early prevents injuries and complaints.

Lower liability and ACC claim exposure

Slips are a major component of ACC claims. Demonstrating that you conduct annual compliance testing shows insurers and tenants that you are reducing known risks proactively.

Better tenant and patron safety

Safer surfaces mean fewer incidents, fewer disruptions, and more satisfied tenants and visitors.

Clear compliance with NZ slip-resistance standards

Annual testing ensures you remain compliant year-round.  Especially important for commercial buildings, aged care, retail, education environments, and hospitality.

SlipSafe Solutions for Property & Facility Managers

SlipSafe provides a complete, long-term safety partnership for property managers, including:

Annual compliance slip-testing programmes

We schedule and track your surfaces year after year, so you never fall behind compliance requirements.

Anti-slip coating solutions that reduce slip risk by up to 90%

If your floor isn’t compliant, we can improve them using premium transparent or coloured coatings that dramatically improve safety without needing to replace flooring.

Maintenance and cleaning guidelines

We provide practical advice to ensure compliant floors stay compliant — extending safety performance.

Full reporting and documentation

You receive detailed testing reports, ideal for insurance, compliance audits, and internal recordkeeping.

SlipSafe supports property managers searching “property maintenance checklist commercial NZ”, “facility management slip testing”, and “anti-slip coating solutions NZ” with proven solutions designed for long-term safety.

Take Control of Your Building Safety

Yearly slip-resistance testing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce accidents, protect tenants, and stay fully compliant with NZ standards.

Book your annual slip-testing assessment today.

SlipSafe NZ is helping property managers reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and keep New Zealand’s buildings safe, one floor at a time.