It’s perhaps not surprising to hear that road traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the U.S. What comes as more of a surprise is that slips, trips and falls are right up there as well.
Falls from heights are very dangerous, but slips and falls from ground level can also cause serious injuries. Thus, it’s important that the owners and management of premises take every possible precaution to prevent these incidents.
Here are a few ways that premises can prevent slips and falls.
Act fast on spills
Spills are among the most common causes of slips and falls in public buildings, especially during the winter months. One area of focus should be the entrance and exit to the building, or other areas where foot traffic is high. It’s imperative that any spills or stagnant water are cleaned up as soon as possible in these locations.
Proper usage of signs
Where hazards do exist, it’s important that visitors are notified. For example, if there is a steep stairway, visitors should be alerted of this. When the floor area is extra slippery, wet floor signs should be placed in the appropriate areas. Not only should they cover the area, but they should provide advanced warning so that visitors can avoid the wet floor altogether.
Safe handrails
Handrails may not seem like much, but they can make all the difference when it comes to preventing falls. All buildings should have handrails that are well-maintained and in line with the relevant legal codes. Not having a safe handrail means that a visitor has nothing to grab onto should they lose their balance. This truly is the difference between suffering from a nasty fall and walking away unscathed.
As a member of the public, the owners and management of premises owe you a legal duty of care. If negligence has contributed to a fall that caused you injuries, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.