All businesses that are open to public visitors owe them a legal duty of care. This means that they must take every possible precaution to prevent accidents like slips and falls.
Despite this, slips and falls are one of the most common types of accidents in the U.S. Over a million people have to visit the emergency room every year due to slips and falls. Many of these falls result in life-changing injuries and even fatalities.
What can businesses do to prevent slips and falls?
Risk assessments
Risk assessments are the earliest stage of slip and fall prevention. These involve examining a building and its surroundings to try and assess the probability of falls occurring. This allows businesses to make suitable changes before visitors even enter the premises.
Good Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping is one of the most common causes of slips and falls. This may include storing items in walkways that become trip hazards. It may also include not cleaning up spills quickly, or failing to clean them up properly.
These are all habits that can be changed. Businesses can ensure they clean up spills quickly and find suitable storage for items.
Proper lighting
Lighting can really set the mood in a building. For instance, a restaurant may use low lighting to create an ambiance. However, lighting should always be practical. Customers must be able to see where they are going. Having the appropriate lighting is one of the most effective ways to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Not implementing fall prevention methods may be classed as negligence. If you have been injured in a fall, seek legal guidance to find out more about personal injury compensation.