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No one wants to slip or fall while on the job, running errands, or on the go. Not only can it be embarrassing to suddenly lose footing, but it can lead to serious injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages, permanent scarring, and even death. And it happens frequently – experts estimate the number of annual work-related slip and fall accident cases to be nearly 250,000 or a quarter-million events.
Though it is up to employers and property owners to provide safe places for workers, visitors, shoppers, vendors, and other people, individuals can take some measures to lower their risks of falling and slipping, too. In fact, everyone should employ a few best practices.
Wear Proper Footwear
Bad weather can lead to messy sidewalks and entryways. The same is true of workplaces where floors can quickly get slippery, such as in commercial kitchens, manufacturing plants, or health clubs with pools and saunas.
The right footwear should offer the right amount of comfort and traction. Wearing the wrong types of shoes could contribute to crashing to the floor or tumbling down the stairs.
Clean Up Spills When They Happen
All workers should be on the lookout for floor spills. They should then either clean up the spill if possible and safe or notify someone who has the equipment or authority to do so. Employers may want to hold training on this topic so everyone understands what they should do when they see a potential trip or fall hazard.
Avoid Stacking Objects on Unstable Surfaces
Someone can fall after being hit by an object, especially if it comes from above them. If it comes down hard enough, it can lead to a traumatic brain injury or spinal injury.
One reason objects may fall in a workplace or other environment is from items being incorrectly or inappropriately stacked on top of one another. All boxes and equipment should be securely stowed away so it will not suddenly crash on an unsuspecting worker or guest.
Stash Cords and Cables Under Rugs or Rug Protectors
It is extremely easy to trip over an exposed cord or cable. If it is not feasible to thread the cable under a stationary rug or flooring surface, the cable should be covered by a protective mat. That way, no one will inadvertently catch a toe on the cord or cable as they walk.
Keep Rooms Well-Lit
Lighting helps reduce slips and falls by highlighting any obstacles such as ripped carpeting or fallen debris. All rooms, stairwells, and hallways should be checked for appropriate levels of lighting. It is far less expense to have an electrician add more lights to the ceilings or walls than to pay money toward workers’ compensation claims or a slip and fall personal injury lawsuit.
Maintain All Traversed Areas
Any place that will be used by employees or other people should be adequately maintained throughout the year. Planned maintenance checks catch trouble spots before they become significant problems.
Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyers Recover Damages on Behalf of Individuals Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident
Did you do your best to avoid getting hurt at work or in a retail establishment, only to slip, fall, or trip? If your accident happened in Virginia, please call the East Coast Trial Lawyers office in Virginia Beach at 757-352-2237. You may be able to recover damages. Our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss your potential case. Want to use your device to quickly set up an appointment? Complete an online form and a representative will get in touch with you soon. We work with clients from Portsmouth, Norfolk, Eastern Shores, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Chesapeake, Virginia, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
