Building occupants are unpredictable when it comes to travel patterns throughout a facility — sometimes taking unexpected pathways in order to get from point A to point B. And while these unusual pathways may prove quicker, if custodial managers have not ensured these pathways are safe, they can be a slip and fall accident waiting to happen.
 
Because of this, Kaivac suggests the following ways restaurant owners/managers can make unexpected pathways safer, such as:
 
    •    Remove or limit distractions; ensure that pathway walkers can concentrate on exactly where they are going.
    •    Look for obstructions that may be protruding, especially ones below the knee and hard to see, and remove them.
    •    If there are steps, place warning cones before the steps or mark them with red tape.
    •    Avoid vivid floor or carpet patterns; these can cause sight confusion.
    •    Make sure the pathway is well lit and glare free.
    •    Evaluate cleaning procedures; often unexpected pathways do not receive proper cleaning attention.
    •    If the pathway is a hard surface floor, use alternative cleaning systems that do not require the use of mops and buckets; mopping floors tends to spread soils that can make floors slippery.
    •    If spills tend to occur on the pathway, place mats over the walkway until it can be cleaned.