Business owners have a responsibility towards their employees and clients to keep them safe. Slips and falls are common causes of injuries, and they can occur in all types of businesses at any time of the year.
Owners must do what they can to mitigate dangers and prevent the risk of slipping or falling. If not, the injured party may be able to sue for damages.
Slip and fall injuries
According to the CDC, slips and falls can lead to numerous injuries. More serious injuries include fractures and head injuries. Common broken bones include hips, ankles, arms and wrists. Head injuries can range from a mild concussion to more serious brain injuries.
Prevention strategies
There are a variety of risk factors that can result in a slip or fall, resulting in injury. According to the Safety and Health Magazine, slips typically occur due to spilt liquids, oily floors, flooring that lacks traction and loose mats. Trips can also lead to falls, and this can happen due to a lack of proper lighting, clutter, wrinkled carpet, uncovered cables and curled rugs.
There are a number of things business owners and managers can do to prevent an accident. If cords are in walkways, there should be a covering over them. There should be no clutter or debris in walkways or common areas.
Whether it is a spilled drink, or it is raining, liquids in entryways and walkways are major hazards. Employees should perform regular spot cleaning, and the use of wet floor signs is necessary. All carpeting, mats and rugs should be in good shape and even with the floor. There should also be railings along all stairwells as well as adequate lighting.
