If you own or operate a business in Indiana, or even if you have a private residence where you have a lot of visitors, the last thing you want to happen is for someone to be injured as the result of slipping and falling while visiting your premises. One thing that a lot of people don’t realize is that many of these accidents are preventable. Understanding some of the common slip-and-fall culprits and what you can do to eliminate them can protect the people who are coming through—and protect you from a potential lawsuit.
What are common places where slip-and-fall injuries occur?
While anyone can have an unexpected accident, there are certain features in some buildings that Grainger points out can make it a lot more likely for someone to fall. Smooth surfaces such as those made of metal offer less friction and can pose a slipping danger. Sloped walking surfaces in your building are also places where people can lose their balance. If you have excessive clutter or missing floor tiles, these can easily lead to someone tripping. Leaving sawdust on your floor can be just as risky as leaving it wet.
Safety solutions
All of these risky situations can be remedied. For smooth and sloped surfaces, try adding a rough walking surface like a mat or rough non-slip tape to increase friction. Don’t let your walking areas get cluttered. Keeping a clean premise is important for fire safety as well. Always clean up your messes, and consider getting a cautionary sign to use after an area has just been mopped.
This article is meant to inform you about safe practices and should not be used as legal advice.
