A wet sidewalk or dirty floor can lead to a nasty accident. According to the 2012 edition of Injury Facts, slip, trip and fallsare the cause of more than 8.7 million emergency room visits in the U.S. per year. Whether you are concerned about falls at a business or in your home, there are a few simple guidelines to follow in making your premises safer.
It is vital to practice good housekeeping. Cluttered and dirty floors are a common cause of slip and fall accidents. Objects placed on the floor are hazards that should be removed before guests are allowed on the premises. Dirty floors can become slippery as dirt and dust on smooth surfaces are a recipe for disaster.
Planning ahead is a good way to avoid potential mishaps. If you have an area that you know might be the site of a slip and fall accident, make a plan of action to address the issue and assign someone the task of removing the danger before anyone arrives. If you know an area is likely to become a danger over time, for example a kitchen where the floor might become greasy or wet, make sure someone is responsible for cleaning up and warning potential victims of the danger.
In addition to removing clutter, avoiding wet, slick surfaces and being a good housekeeper, it is important to make sure all areas are well lit. Dark stairways, hallways and other poorly lit areas are likely spots for an accident. Proper lighting is the easiest way to help people avoid hazards and remain on their feet.
Source: The Coast River Business Journal, “5 Tips to Help Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls at Work and at Home,” courtesy of W.W. Grainger Inc., 19 June 2012
