Stay sure on your feet with SteelGrip SAMM

By Emma Peterson. 

How one community-fueled safety solution is revolutionizing the experience and security of workers on the roof. 

When Neil Warner ran a painting business, he realized that scaffolding was eating up a large portion of his workday. He and his business partner figured there had to be an easier way, which is where the initial idea for magnetic mats came from. Neil grew more invested in bringing this idea to market and that led to over five years of research and development.  

The first hurdle Neil needed to overcome was getting funding for his years of work — funding for a product that was extremely new to the industry and not yet saleable. But his local community and customers from his former painting company came together to support Neil’s project. It truly was a community effort to create the magnetic safety mat that he was envisioning. 

The second challenge he faced came when it was time to find the materials for the mat. This material needed to work in the field and stand up to hours and hours of weather and stress testing. The design needed reliable magnets and fabric to build the actual mats. Further, they needed to adhere to many different types of steel without getting so stuck that they couldn’t be easily and purposefully moved. Ultimately, Neil and his team found the materials to make the perfect recipe for the SteelGrip Safety Assist Magnetic Mats® (SAMM).  

These mats help provide additional security on slippery metal surfaces and will not move unless the user intentionally peels it off, starting in the corner and moving towards the center. The magnetic nature of the mats not only keeps them adhered to the roof, but also provide a convenient place to leave tools. Neil’s years of research and development paid off with the high quality SAMM, which is not just useful for roofers and painters, but it also can be used by solar installers, pest control, chimney cleaners, masons, firefighters and more.  

Learn more about SteelGrip SAMM and how they’re helping people across industries!