Posted on Nov 29, 2006

The National Floor Safety Institute recently announced the creation of a slip-and-fall accident prevention research and training laboratory to be located at Murray State University. The research center is part of the NFSI's mission to “aid in the prevention of slips and falls through education, training and research.” The research laboratory that will be at Murray State is the first permanent facility of its type in the country, unlike other independent university research projects that have been conducted in the past. The lab will serve as training ground for future environmental, health and safety professionals. “We are excited to be partnering with Murray State University in establishing the nation's first permanent slip-and-fall research and training center,” said Russell J. Kendzior, founder and president of the NFSI, in a release. “It is our hope that this new center will serve as a beacon for future safety professionals who seek to prevent slips and falls.” Dr. David Kraemer, chair of the department of occupational safety and health at the university, said, “Both undergraduate and graduate occupational safety and health students…will study the cause and effect relationships that occur as the result of hazardous flooring conditions. Students will learn how the slip resistance of various walkway materials are impacted by various contaminants and how they may be removed to provide a more stable walking surface.” The NFSI has donated a BOT-3000 slip resistance testing device and will construct an interchangeable test floor for the university. They will also coordinate independent research projects in the areas of floor care, flooring material design and walkway hazard reduction. The college of health sciences and human services at Murray State is currently the only program in the country that has both its bachelor and master degree programs in occupational safety and health accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. There are 170 students in the undergraduate program and approximately 30 in the graduate program. Annually, the department graduates between 50 and 60 future safety and health professionals, and places roughly 80 students per year in paid internships in more than 20 states.