Spills of hazardous chemicals, oil, or other similar liquids happen on a semi-frequent basis. Much of the time when these incidents occur, the amount of the spill is very small and companies have routine supplies on hand that are readily available clean it up. Industrial wipes or red shop towels can often handle small drips when fluids are poured. Granular absorbents can be spread on a floor when, for example, mechanics perform work on a piece of equipment and leak oil or coolant from the machine.

However, not all spills can be handled quickly and they may have more serious effects than a company realizes. For example, wet spills can damage materials and equipment. Oil leaking from a piece of machinery may enter into an area where raw materials are stored and cause significant damage to that inventory. Spills of flammable material may cause fires, and acid or caustic spills can eat into surfaces or burn people. Some chemicals may even carry a residual effect in the person who has been burned by them and if the person is in close proximity to that chemical again, their body may react adversely.

Beyond destroying inventory, harming facilities, or seriously injuring a person, liquid spills can also cause people to slip and fall, injuring themselves. From a practical standpoint, spill containment and cleanup simply makes good sense. It protects personnel and property, eases tasks and workflow, and also saves time and money. In addition, when a company considers the effects of spills from the social or societal perspective, spill containment and cleanup reduces the negative impact on your community, soil and water contamination, complaints about hazardous or unpleasant fumes, and injury from a fall on public traffic surfaces. When considered from a legal standpoint, cleanup of spills and proactive spill containment practices help a company avoid severe penalties and costly fines by complying with government safety and environmental regulations.

A company who has assessed these different perspectives and the potential consequences will have the incentive to formulate good work practices that encourage people to think about avoiding spills and contamination in their everyday activities. Such work practices include maintaining equipment that may leak fluid. It also may include placing absorbent mats in walk areas where any type of fluid may be present. Notice signs can be posted to remind people to immediately clean up a spill and also to wear proper personal protective equipment when handling chemicals or other products that may be hazardous.

By holding people accountable for maintaining a clean, safe work environment, a company's employees will be more productive, the company's reputation in the community will be stronger, and the company will ensure profitability is not negatively impacted by fines or other costly work accidents.