SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS: Three Injury Hazard and Prevention Tips
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lips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury for both workers and customers, resulting in thousands of workers’ compensation and general liability claims for businesses every year. Studies show such injury claims can be expensive. Workers’ compensation claims for a slip, trip or fall cost an average of more than $45,000 to settle, while general liability claims can total $20,000. Every slip, trip or fall has the potential to result in a serious injury or even death, making the stakes too high to ignore. Thankfully, most slip, trip and fall accidents can be prevented with proper awareness of the hazards and the right safety precautions. With these tips, protecting your business from slips, trips and falls is as easy as one-two-three.
1. Watch out for slip, trip and fall hazards.
When it comes to restaurants like yours, slip, trip and fall hazards are everywhere, from the parking lot into the dining room and kitchen, along the floor and even up off the ground. While some hazards are obvious, others can easily be overlooked. Make sure to watch out for these hazards:
Slip hazards
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• • • • • •
Spilled beverages Floor dirt and grime Cleaners and wax Water condensation Clogged floor drains Rain, snow and ice
Trip hazards • • • • • •
Mats and carpets Damaged floor tiles Uneven concrete Wires and cords Damaged stairs Entryway doorstops
Other hazards • • • • • • • •
Floor signage Walkway clutter Left-open drawers Holiday decor Potted plants Damaged handrails Poor lighting Broken seating
2. Take action to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Serious injuries can follow when these hazards are present, so it’s important to take action to prevent slips, trips and falls and protect your workers as well as your customers. Be sure to: Keep floors clean, dry and tidy. Always clean up spills and wet spots promptly, display wet floor signs as needed, remove excess clutter, create clear paths for walking, and clear away snow, ice and debris from parking lots and walkways. Improve lighting and visibility. Ensure good lighting inside and out; add task lighting for work areas; illuminate parking lots, paths and walkways; replace burned-out bulbs promptly; and ensure good floor and walkway visibility throughout. Invest in safety features. Replace damaged and missing handrails, add grab bars in restrooms, repair damaged flooring and pavement, and install non-slip rubber mats or rugs around sinks, beverage stations and other accident-prone areas. Manage employee risks. Require slip-resistant footwear, stipulate frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, divide up repetitive tasks such as food prep among several workers and encourage a culture of safety in the workplace.
3. Protect your business from slip, trip and fall claims.
If a slip, trip or fall accident occurs at your business, you could be held liable and face a claim for damages. Make sure you protect yourself by securing the right insurance coverage. Along with slip, trip and fall risk management tips, Lockton Affinity and Elevanta offer franchisees customized insurance
