Slip and Falls
Slip happens when there is little traction or friction between the walking surface and footwear. Common causes of slips are weather hazards, spills, or oily or wet surfaces. Tripping is when an object comes your way, like clutter or wrinkled carpeting, that causes you to lose balance. Since slips and falls happen because of simple things, people usually don’t consider these factors. We’ve gathered information that will help you understand how you can prevent these accidents with a little bit of care.
As a slip and fall lawyer, this article provides valuable insights into the prevention of slip, trip, and fall accidents. These accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury and can often be prevented with proper care and maintenance.
Housekeeping
The first and most crucial (basic) level of preventing falls from trips and slips is good housekeeping. It contains:
Removing all messes marking spills and wet areas right away
Cleaning up spills and trash from floors, clearing impediments from paths, and maintaining a clutter-free walkway at all times. Securing, taping, or taking things like rugs, carpets, and mats that don’t lie flat
Maintaining adequate lighting in working spaces and pathways, covering cables that cross them, and always closing file cabinets or storage drawers
Ensure Design Safety
If you want to prevent a slip and fall accident, you need to reduce unexpected hazards at the planning stage of your property. One or more of the following design techniques can stop your workplace, house, or other properties from becoming a hotspot for slip and fall accidents:
Make sure there are non-slip mats at the entrances.
Keep walkways, work areas, and other locations well-lit.
Use reflective tape or paint to identify steps, ramps, and other possible hazards.
Observe OSHA regulations with regard to the railing, covers, toe boards, etc.
Get Rid of Blockages on Floors
Anything that is on the floor is a potential trip hazard. Anything on stairs, entrances, corners, and floors, such as equipment, work supplies, or general litter, can quickly become obstructions. Make it a point to regularly inspect places to ensure the floors are clear of clutter to keep the property free of obstructions.
Here are some guidelines for safe workplace storage:
Keep workstations, storage areas, corridors, and other locations tidy and uncluttered.
Avoid leaving hoses, cables, wires, etc. lying across floors when not in use.
Do not leave boxes, briefcases, files, etc., lying on pavements
When not in use, all doors and drawers should be closed.
Footprint locations for turntables, movable racks, equipment, and other things to make sure they are returned to the proper location every time.
Maintain Proper Lighting
Lack of proper lighting in spaces raises the risk of slip, trip, and fall incidents. This includes all walkways, stairs, halls, ramps, basements, and dock areas. All areas must be well-lit throughout working hours if it’s a construction site.
Reminding staff members to always turn on the lights first when entering a dark room is also crucial. This means that you should position all light switches close to the door. Bulbs, wires, and lighting fixtures must also be fixed or replaced as soon as necessary.
If you ever experience a slip and fall accident, it’s best to hire experts in the field who can protect you and prove that you have used all the possible precautionary measures to protect yourself and others. Reach out to expert lawyers who can handle legal issues on your behalf.
