Preventing Slips And Falls In The Summer
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, people tend to begin spending more time outdoors. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in the occurrence of slip and fall incidents during the summer months.
There are many things that can cause slips and falls in the summer. Poor footwear is a common issue. People tend to switch out the heavy boots and tennis shoes for slides and flip flops. These shoes often have less grip and are less secure to the foot, making them frequent causes of slips and falls. Many slips and falls could have possibly been avoided if the individual involved had chosen to wear safer footwear.
It’s also a good idea to know your surroundings. Many people vacation this time of year, which means they may be traveling on unfamiliar terrain. Get a good assessment of your surroundings before walking around anywhere. It’s a good idea to wear tennis shoes when in unfamiliar areas.
Also, be wary around swimming pools and other bodies of water. While swimming is a great way to relax, have fun, and cool off in the summer, it can be dangerous. Be careful around the outside of the pool, which can be slippery due to spilled water. A slip and fall around a pool area can cause head injuries, broken bones, and other injuries.
What Business Owners Can Do
Business owners should do their part to make their properties safe for workers and customers. They should take the following actions:
- Look for flooring defects. Defects in hard surfaces or loose carpet seams are major issues that can trip someone up, resulting in serious injury. Any defective flooring should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Make sure all areas are well-lit. Poorly lit areas can cause workers and customers to trip and fall. Add lighting as needed and change light bulbs promptly as needed.
- Check rugs and mats. Any curled edges on mats should be straightened. If the rugs and mats are unable to be straightened, they should be replaced.
- Keep mops and wet floor signs handy. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Wet floor signs should be placed in areas that have been recently mopped.
Remember that property owners are obligated to take reasonable precautions against any known hazards. This includes repairing broken concrete and removing obstacles to foot traffic. When surfaces are slippery, businesses must have sufficient signage warning visitors of the hazardous areas. Otherwise, serious injuries can occur.
Talk to a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Slips and falls can happen any time of the year. Whether you are an employer, property owner, employee, or customer, you need to be wary of slip and fall hazards at all times.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, make sure you get the compensation you deserve for all your damages. A Tampa slip & fall lawyer from Palmer | Lopez can help you with your case. Call (813) 506-5651 or fill out the online form to schedule a free initial consultation.
Source:
societyinsurance.com/white-papers/preventing-summer-slips-trips-falls/
