Some accidents are unavoidable, but many can be prevented with a little planning and care. To keep your space safe for pedestrians and to prevent a slip and fall accident, you should take the following steps.
Make Sure the Area is Well-Lit
Have adequate lighting for darkened halls, corridors and other spaces where daylight can’t get through. Replace burned-out light bulbs, or upgrade to a higher wattage. Make note of any areas that are covered in shadows and install more lights.
Clean Up Spills Quickly
Clean up spills as soon as you notice them. Wipe up melted snow and ice in the winter and mud and water in the summer. It’s easy to track in messes from outside, which can cause someone to fall on the slippery surface. After cleaning, make sure you put a sign to alert people of wet floors until they dry.
Reduce Clutter
Get rid of boxes and other items that make for tight walk areas. Remove rugs and other trip hazards as well. Even too much furniture or equipment in a space can make it a hazardous place to walk. Pick up items that could be potential trip hazards, such as cables. Instead of sitting something down until later, put it away immediately.
Train Staff on Safety
Make your staff aware of safety protocols and the importance of keeping a clean work environment. Many times, a person doesn’t think about dangers, especially if they are used to the layout. It can be helpful to remind them to look at the space as a stranger who isn’t familiar with the surroundings. Teach your staff to notice when something is lying in a dangerous position or a surface is slippery.
Wear Proper Footwear
To protect your employees as well as protecting yourself from liability, enforce the need for appropriate footwear at work. Make sure toes are covered in dangerous areas and avoid heels or slippery soles if they can contribute to falls. In a warehouse or factory setting, steel-toed shoes or other special boots may be necessary. Enforce the rules if you see someone who is not following procedure about their footwear.
Replace Damaged Flooring
Repair or replace loose boards or tiles. Tighten stair rails and steps to avoid tripping. Repair cracks in concrete or asphalt. Even a small crack can be enough to catch the toe of a shoe and cause the person to fall.
Install Clear Signage
Keep visitors away from areas where they shouldn’t go with proper signage. Warn them of hazards through posted signs. It’s also important to train your staff to monitor for unauthorized persons in restricted areas.
Most slip and fall accidents can be prevented. By being aware of your surroundings and the potential hazards that exist, you can do much to eliminate the risk of a fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe place for visitors, employees and others. It’s critical that safety procedures are in place and the property is monitored for unexpected dangers.
