Press Release

Blue Ridge Mountains Hospital Reduces Slip-and-falls, Liability Risk with Snow Melting Mats

Blue Ridge Mountains Hospital Reduces Slip-and-falls, Liability Risk with Snow Melting Mats

Blue Ridge Mountains Hospital Reduces Slip-and-falls, Liability Risk with Snow Melting MatsDoraville, GA, February 2019With winter temperatures in the Blue Ridge Mountains dipping into the 20s and snowfall averaging 23 inches a year, reducing winter-related slip-and-fall accidents is a serious concern at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson, NC.  At an elevation of some 2,900 feet, the hospital is meeting the challenge of outdoor safety with a HeatTrak Snow Melting Mat System, which was recently installed there to reduce snow and ice buildup on the walkways to its entrance.  

“In the past we used the traditional methods of salt and chemicals to keep the walkways free of ice and snow,” said Joe Thore, hospital COO.  “But the heavy foot traffic associated with the entrance area was tracking residue into the building, creating an unsightly impression and doing damage to interior floors. We knew we needed an alternative solution and we found it with HeatTrak.”  

HeatTrak’s snow melting mat systems are designed to prevent snow and ice accumulation at industrial facilities and commercial environments, according to senior HeatTrak product specialist Ryan Williams.  He explained that HeatTrak mats prevent new snow from accumulating by melting it on contact at a rate of two inches per hour.

“Our snow melting mats are durable and stand up to heavy foot traffic. They are making a significant difference at Ashe Memorial Hospital by keeping the walkways clear of snow and ice without compromising on cleanliness.  The issue the maintenance team there had is common at facilities with heavy foot traffic.  Our mats have become the ‘go-to’ solution to address this problem,” Williams said.  

HeatTrak is the original inventor of portable snow melting mats. With more than 50,000 mats in use around North America, the company has become the industry expert in snow removal matting products.  Its electrically heated snow melting mats plug into any standard 120V, 208V or 240V electrical outlet, melting snow and ice on contact.  HeatTrak products help facility managers reduce slip-and-fall rates, thereby reducing their liability exposure and helping to lower their insurance premiums.

“Keeping people safe is our number-one priority.  With the HeatTrak system we’ve seen a decline in slip-and-fall accidents and, commensurately, a decrease in our liability risk,” Thore said.

HeatTrak is the developer and primary manufacturer of outdoor heated matting products. Founded in 2004, the company’s products are an efficient, convenient, and economical way to eliminate snow and ice accumulation around the workplace.  More than 50,000 mats are in use throughout North America at facilities that include Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, and universities.  Read more about HeatTrak and the company’s complete range of solutions at https://heattrak.com/

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