When you own a building, you are responsible for ensuring that those who visit your building are safe. Among the most common reasons why visitors become injured is that they become involved in a slip and fall. Having liability insurance will provide you with protection against a lawsuit, but you will also need to make sure that your building has as few slip and fall risks as possible.
Repair Any Damage
Have your business regularly inspected for signs of damage that could contribute to trips, slips and falls. For example, look for cracks in the floor that need to be repaired. Check carpets to make sure that they are not bunched up.
Clean Up Spills
Wet floors need a wet floor sign to warn customers. Correct the wet area as soon as possible. For example, if the area is slippery because of snow, use salt to melt the snow faster. If the ground is slippery because of a leak, have the leak repaired quickly.
Keep the Building Clean
Regularly clean the premises by sweeping, mopping and vacuuming. Remove clutter so there are fewer items to trip over. If there are cords in the walkways, find different places to place the cords and use tape to secure cords against a wall. Objects need to be placed in an area where they are not tripping hazards as long as the placement of the object will not cause serious inconveniences for the business.
Install Adequate Lighting
Slips and falls are often the result of poor lighting. Make sure that your building is well-illuminated to allow for visitors to see anything that could be tripped over.
Rope Off Hazardous Areas
If there is an area that is dangerous and has slip and fall hazards, such as a wing currently being renovated, use plenty of signs to warn visitors of the risks. Rope off the area and place barriers that will prevent guests from accidentally entering these areas.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid a slip and fall. For example, one of your visitors may have a medical condition that makes him or her more prone to falling. Under these cases, your liability will be based on whether it is believed that an action that you could have taken would have prevented the fall. If there is no such action you could have taken, you will likely not be held liable. But if you aren't sure, you should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney, such as the Law Office Of Daniel E Goodman.