Tips to Prevent Serious Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year because of a fall injury. These accidents can cause serious bodily harm, like hip fractures, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Due to the personal and financial risks that accompany slip-and-fall accidents, it is essential to do everything possible to prevent them. As common as slip-and-fall accidents are, they are usually preventable. Read on for tips and guidelines to reduce the chances for slip-and-fall accidents to occur at home, work, or local establishments.
Stop Slip-and-Falls in the Bathroom
Most slip-and-fall accidents occur in the bathroom, and most victims are over the age of 65. Follow these safety precautions to help reduce the risk of bathroom falls at local establishments or in someone’s home.
Remove all clutter from the floor, including hampers, trash cans, and rugs. Consider installing flooring with a non-slippery surface, such as textured textile.
Where applicable, place grab bars or rails in or around the shower, bathtub, and toilet so there’s something sturdy to hold onto.
Make sure your bathroom lighting is adequately bright enough for daily needs.
Where applicable, install an adhesive non-slip mat on the tub or shower floor.
Where applicable, install a toilet riser for elderly individuals with difficulty getting on and off the toilet.
Prevent Slip-and-Falls in Restaurants
Spilled liquids, grease, dim lighting, and a chaotic, fast-paced environment all contribute to falls in restaurants and kitchens. These safety guidelines are meant to reduce the risk of serious injury in a restaurant slip-and-fall accident:
Non-slip mats should be strategically placed throughout the kitchen and restaurant in places where they are most needed. For example, front doors, beverage and cooking stations, and areas near ice machines should always have a mat.
Clean up spills as soon as they happen.
Walkways should be kept clear of clutter and debris at all times.
Create a mopping schedule to prevent the buildup of slippery materials.
Maintain a housekeeping program to inspect wet/slick areas, moisture sources, lighting issues, and potential sources of spills.
Employees should wear non-slip footwear suited for the types of surfaces found in restaurants.
Avoid Slip-and-Falls at Work
The majority of workplace injuries are due to slip-and-fall accidents. The following safety practices can help staff prevent slip-and-fall accidents in any workplace environment:
Create a good housekeeping practice in your workplace facility. Have a program, assign different responsibilities to each employee and make it a daily routine.
Keep surfaces dry. During winter, make sure sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots are kept clear of ice and snow. Place “wet floor” signs in areas that have been recently mopped or where spills have occurred, and clean up spills immediately.
Remove obstacles from floors and regularly inspect walkways for slipping hazards.
Maintain adequate lighting throughout the workplace.
Stay alert at all times.
If You're Ever Injured in a Slip-and-Fall Accident, We've Got You Covered
If you've been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in South Carolina due to someone else's failure to make their property safe, follow these steps to help protect yourself and your legal rights.
At HHP Law Group, we understand how important it is to recover your losses after a slip-and-fall accident. We are dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the legal process and helping them get back on their feet. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.