No matter who gets injured in a slip-and-fall incident or why it happens, it can cause a business’ bottom line to suffer. It can even impact the quality of the workplace and prevent a business from holding onto its customers or employees.
So how does one address these issues? Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce slippery or wet surfaces in a workplace.
Indoor safety
Grainger discusses the risks of slippery surfaces at any business. First, focus on both the outside and the inside of the establishment. Injuries that occur in either location could have a direct impact on a business.
In terms of indoor safety, always ensure that you keep a clean environment. For example, clean up any spills immediately. Use area rugs or other forms of traction to help employees stay upright in perpetually wet areas, such as the industrial kitchens in restaurants. Always give proper warnings for wet areas as well, i.e. with the safety signs. Tack down bits of carpet that stick up and tuck away cords or cables.
Outdoor safety
For outdoor areas, keep sidewalks and parking lots well maintained. If the weather is rainy and stormy, workers can easily track in water and mud from a poorly maintained walkway, which increases the chance of slipping indoors or just on the verge of entering the building properly.
Additionally, it is always crucial to prepare for winter adequately. Pay contractors to clear snow out of the parking lot if necessary. Lay down plenty of salt or sand along the paths that customers and employees typically traverse, too.
In following these tips, it is possible to help everyone stay safe from slip and fall incidents at all times.
