Slips and Falls: prevent these most common injuries

Slip, trip, and fall injuries can be prevented, yet they remain among the most common liability claims.

Fifty percent of facility claims can be traced to flooring and maintenance. If either is improper, slips, trips, and falls occur. Fifteen percent of all accidental fatalities involve slips, trips, and falls; automobile accidents are the number one cause of accidental deaths and slips and falls are number two.

Walk around your facility, inside and out. Property managers may find guidance on Strip Centers Insurance.

Repair or replace any defective conditions with proper materials or standard operating procedures. For related coverage issues, see Insurance Risks: Environmental, Business Interruption, Fiduciary, Solvent Exposure, and Slip/Trip/Fall.

Outside

1. Check the parking lot and drive areas for potholes, cracks, uneven pavement, concrete heaving, or subsidence (sinking) on walkways.
2. Check around curb inlets (stormwater throats); often the tops do not match the surrounding sidewalks for elevation.
3. Observe green spaces, grass, and flower beds for burrows that animals may have dug; groundhog holes, moles, and voles can create traps causing broken legs or sprained ankles.
4. Look for areas washed by stormwater or sprinkler flow that can create erosion or slick surfaces.
5. Ensure all stairs are visible, well lighted, and have secure handrails.
6. Anywhere people may walk, check for even or level conditions and well-marked changes in elevation.

Inside

1. Check transition areas between rooms to assure there are no unexpected steps up or down.
2. Keep all hallways and stairs free of debris or stored items.
3. Secure rug edges and mats to the floor to avoid trip hazards.
4. Ensure footpaths are free of clutter and offer ample room to walk.
5. In kitchens and shop areas, clean up spills immediately.
6. Confirm all stairs are visible and that handrails are in place.

Generally, look for any materials which could be slipped upon or tripped over that are inappropriately stored or left in a walkway.

Slip and fall prevention requires diligence. Daily inspections and awareness should be part of every supervisor's routine to quickly remediate dangerous conditions.

In shops, wash bays, kitchens, or any wet-floor surface area, workers and guests should wear non-skid shoes.

Awareness leads to prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls?

Uneven walking surfaces, wet floors, unsecured rugs, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting are frequent causes.

How often should I inspect my facility for hazards?

Daily quick checks by supervisors and more thorough inspections weekly or monthly are recommended depending on foot traffic.

What immediate actions should be taken when a hazard is found?

Mark or block the hazard, clean or repair the condition, and document the corrective action taken.

Are non-skid shoes always required for staff?

Non-skid shoes are strongly recommended in wet or high-slip-risk areas such as kitchens, wash bays, and shops.