Get a Grip…Stop the Slip (and Fall)
Whether it’s your employee or your best customer, a slip and fall can be embarrassing, costly, or both. Take a few minutes to reduce the risk.
Entrances and Exits:
- Use water-absorbent mats to soak up rain, snow and slush.
- Place warning signs visible from all angles on wet floors. Tile and wood floors may need more attention because the slip potential is greater when wet.
- Position low-profile fans to dry the floor faster. Make sure the fan is out of the way, so no one will trip on it.
- Use non-skid wax in slippery areas, and use soap that does not leave slippery residue.
Throughout the Business:
- Keep flooring in good repair to avoid trips.
- If a customer brings in a wet umbrella, immediately offer to store it in a dry place away from the traffic flow.
- Encourage employees to wipe up moisture as part of their primary work duties.
Outside:
- Arrange to have snow and ice removed as soon as safely possible. Maintain a snow and ice removal log to show that efforts were made to maintain the walkways, parking lots, etc.These logs will be crucial in the event of a lawsuit resulting from a slip and fall on your premises.
- Keep a supply of ice melt, salt and/or sand for icy patches. Assign a staff person to regularly survey ice/snow conditions outside the premises and distribute ice melt or sand when needed.
- Keep parking lots and entrances well lit. If you use a snow removal contractor, confirm that there is proper risk transfer within the contract wording. Also, be sure to obtain a certificate of insurance from the contractor.
- Where possible, install a railing on ramps and steps.
Be proactive! Keep everyone on their feet.
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