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How business owners can prevent slips and falls

On Behalf of | Aug 12, 2022 | Premises Liability, Slip & Fall Accidents

Slips and falls are a common cause of injury, and even death, especially for older individuals. There are numerous causes, especially in commercial settings.

Business owners have a variety of responsibilities, and one is to maintain their businesses to prevent slips and falls.

Causes of slips and falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some common causes of slip and fall accidents include spills, loose mats, rain, upturned rugs and ice. Other causes include improper lighting, clutter in open areas, holes in parking lots and cracks in the sidewalks.

Prevention strategies

If someone receives an injury due to a slip and fall accident at a place of business, the owner may be liable. However, if the owner does whatever possible to prevent accidents from occurring, not only will there be fewer injuries, but it will also be more difficult for an injured individual to prove neglect.

Because wet floors are a major cause, it is imperative that someone wipes up spills as quickly as possible. On rainy or snowy days, someone should constantly be monitoring the floors, there should be extra mats laid out and there should be signage warning of wet floors.

Entrepreneurship Life suggests other strategies. These include:

  • Clearing up clutter from walkways and other customer areas
  • Providing adequate lighting, especially in stairwells
  • Maintaining stairs and handrails
  • Removing snow and ice from sidewalks and parking lots
  • Patching holes and cracks in parking lots
  • Tucking away cables and cords

Signage is also important. There should be a sign for every potential hazard, and if someone cannot fix a spill right away, there should be adequate warning of the hazardous area.

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