Slip and fall injuries represent an anathema for businesses. Such injuries may overcome customers as well as employees inside and outside a facility. Liability issues surface and fingers of blame get pointed directly at business owners.
It is crucial that companies create well-researched plans on addressing how to prevent these injuries. A number of areas come to mind: good housekeeping, proper lighting, clean and unobstructed floors as well as signage calling attention to potential hazards.
Better lighting and signage
Here are a few of the ways that companies can protect their businesses, employees and customers, while minimizing slip and fall injuries:
- Proper and improved lighting: Hallways, aisles, storage rooms, parking lots, parking ramps and stairwells all benefit with the best lighting. Employees and customers do not have to deal with dimly lit areas. Spotlights and illuminated steps are good options.
- Keeping floors, sidewalks and hallways clean and unobstructed: Every walking surface must be safe for employees and customers. Promptly clean spills and keep floors free of clutter.
- Signage: Let employees and customers know about hazards by placing signs along floors recently cleaned, mopped or waxed. Warning signs also should be placed along slippery sidewalks as well as walkways in disrepair and uneven ground.
- Properly maintained stairways: Make sure no steps are missing. Also, ensure that the stairways have handrails. Remove unsecured carpets and rugs from the stairs and landings and keep stairwells clean of clutter. Another good safety tip: Mark steps with reflective tape.
- Be on the alert for cords: Whether a power cord, internet cord or phone cord, these represent tripping hazards along floors. If possible, run cables under carpets and behind walls.
- Proper footwear: Employees should wear appropriate footwear for the working conditions. Solid traction may come from shoes that have good soles and treads.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of falls lead to serious injuries such as fractures and traumatic head injury. When business owners take precautions to prevent such injuries, it represents a win for everyone.
Taking the right precautions
Business owners are accustomed to anticipating matters from the markets to supply chains. They also must anticipate any potential dangers such as slip and fall injuries. Taking precautions just may help them avoid such situations.
