Tips to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents in Hazardous Weather

Slip and fall accidents are a significant concern for businesses, leading to severe injuries and costly claims. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits annually, representing the leading cause of such visits. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that slips, trips, and falls contribute to 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicle accidents. These statistics highlight the importance of taking preventative measures to protect both employees and customers.

As a business owner, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. Here are six tips to share with your team and patrons to minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents.

How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

1. Emphasize Proper Footwear

Encourage employees and customers to wear footwear with rubber, non-slip soles during hazardous conditions. Employees who need to wear dress shoes or heels should bring them to work and change after arriving.

2. Highlight Safe Parking Practices

Advise patrons to park in areas that have been recently shoveled or plowed and treated with salt or fine gravel. These areas provide better traction and help prevent slips.

3. Promote Balance and Safety

Remind those on your property to move with safety in mind, including keeping their hands at their sides rather than in their pockets to maintain balance. Suggest making multiple trips if they need to carry several items and always use handrails when available.

4. Encourage Safe Walking Speeds

Advise against running or walking swiftly on your property. Moving at a steady, careful pace reduces the risk of losing footing or balance.

5. Stress the Importance of Designated Paths

Encourage everyone to stick to designated paths, as these are more likely to be treated with salt or fine gravel. Warn against venturing into unfamiliar areas where treatment may be insufficient.

6. Advocate for Weather Preparedness

Suggest checking the weather forecast before leaving home and preparing for the conditions they may encounter. If necessary, close off parts of your property (such as parking spaces or walkways) to account for dangerous conditions.

The Coverage You Need to Protect Your Business

To protect your business from the financial impact of slip and fall accidents, it’s crucial to have general liability coverage and worker’s compensation.

General liability coverage protects against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. It also covers defense costs and attorney fees you may face from a slip and fall claim.

Worker’s compensation, on the other hand, is more for protecting your employees’ and their well-being. This coverage allows you to help cover the medical costs of employees injured on the job, as well as support them in their back-to-work planning.

The Central Difference

If you are looking to invest in these types of policies to help protect your business from slip and fall accidents, consider working with a trusted carrier like Central. With almost 150 years in the industry, our experts are prepared to answer any and all questions you have, and get you set up with the policies you need to protect your company.

Get started by searching for a Central agent in your area, or follow us on social media for more loss control and insurance tips like these.