INSIDE PREMISE EXPOSURE

 

Slips, Trips and Falls 2/3

Incidents involving slips and trips in retail establishments are one of the highest causes of claims. There can be a variety of causes for slipping and tripping outside or inside premises. To reduce your risk of falls at your facility, review below some of the common areas that we find where these falls may occur and prevention methods to reduce and/or eliminate the exposure.

 

Spills

  • Inspect premises regularly, at least every hour completely for any spills or tripping hazards.

  • Employees should be aware to look for spills and tripping hazards when walking around the premises.

  • Clean spills up immediately that may be from water or liquid products that may be used in the business environment.

 

Wet Floor Signs

  • In areas where they could be wet such as entrances during wet conditions and when cleaning floors.

  • Do not leave wet floor signs out on when floors are dry.

  • Ensure signage is visible from all directions or at least in directions people will see them when entering the area.

  • Place signs on both sides of the wet floor area.

  • For blind areas place a sign on the other side of the turn to warn of the hazard.

  • Depending on the demographic, consider signage that is both in English and Spanish.

 

Cleaning floors

  • Use commercial floor cleaners designed to reduce slipping.

  • After mopping consider using a dry mop or fan to dry the area quicker.

  • If you have a floor that is slippery when wet:

    • Consider contacting a vendor to apply a product to make it less slippery by etching the flooring.

    • Replace the flooring with a non-slip flooring recommended for the area in need.

    • Use a proper floor mat that will not slip on the flooring and prevent patrons and employees from slipping.

    • Evaluate the floor cleaning products you are using.

 

Edin Nadarevic