Ernest Griffith & Sons Ltd.

A Manchester-based company, Ernest Griffith & Sons Ltd, has recently launched an innovative new product designed to prevent accidents caused by slipping on highly polished floor surfaces. Called Sliprotex, this unique product is aimed at contractors carrying out any interior work - such as painting, decorating, plumbing, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom installation - on any surfaces that need protecting, including wood, laminate, tiled or carpeted flooring. In fact, a major utilities company has recently placed a significant order so that their service engineers can protect customers' work-tops and tiled floors when carrying out boiler services and repairs.

Established since 1941, Ernest Griffith & Sons Ltd have been supplying fabric dust sheets for over 60 years to large DIY chains and builders merchants. Sliprotex is a combination of materials comprising a synthetic fabric top cover which will fully absorb all liquid spills with a water-resistant membrane with an anti-slip backing which prevents the dust sheet from moving.

Recent statistics from the Health & Safety Executive for 2007/8 show that slipping and tripping account for 27% of accidents occurring in the Painting & Decorating industry.

Managing Director, Paul Brearley said, "We designed Sliprotex to provide protection for wooden laminated flooring, tiled floors, highly polished surfaces and carpeted areas (such as staircases) where there is the added danger of an accident occurring because of the movement of an ordinary dust sheet. We set out to provide a product that is highly absorbent, waterproof with a backing that wouldn't move on any floor surface which is what we've achieved with Sliprotex."

"Usually contractors spend a considerable amount of time taping down a traditional dust sheet and we wanted to bring a product to market that didn't need taping down or re-laying and re-positioning. We also wanted to create a product that was manageable in terms of size and weight, which is the reason for Sliprotex being available in two standard size widths 0.9m and 1.8m at any length required. We are delighted that Sliprotex has achieved our expectations.'