Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls are extremely common accidents and injuries. In 2013, injuries from slips, trips and falls resulted in 229,190 cases involving days away from work, and 724 workers died. Clearly, slip and fall accidents are not something to take lightly. Consider some of these tips to help prevent slip and falls:
Have the Proper Equipment
The proper equipment is essential to preventing slip and fall accidents. Wear nonslip shoes when appropriate, with a good strong tread on the bottom. Avoid shoes that are flat on the bottoms or shoes that become slippery when wet. Utilize hazard signs when necessary to warn others about hazardous or slippery conditions. Use nonskid mats where appropriate to make the chances of slipping even rarer, especially in places that often get wet, like a bathroom or a kitchen or a foyer. All of these materials can help you stay safer and prevent dangerous slip and fall accidents in your home or at work.
Keep Things Tidy
Just as having the proper equipment is important, so too is keeping the ground clear of any obstructions. Run wires underneath, not over, carpets. Check areas for refuse, objects that haven’t been cleaned up, or items positioned to snag pant legs or feet. Keeping conditions clean and tidy can prevent slip and fall accidents from happening in or around your home or workplace.
Be Safe in the Workplace
The workplace is one place in particular where slip and fall accidents are likely to occur. In the workplace, be sure you are utilizing the equipment listed above to stay safe- items like nonslip shoes, nonskid mats, and hazard signs and signals. Likewise, it is important to keep your work area clean and free of slipping or tripping hazards. Be familiar with your workplace’s injury plan and how to access it. Also, be familiar with occupational health and safety standards for objects like ladders and stepstools in the workplace and how to use that equipment safely.
Know What to Do If You Have a Slip and Fall Accident
Not every slip and fall accident can be avoided. If you are in a slip and fall accident, you may feel embarrassed and be eager to leave the area as soon as possible. Do not do that. Prioritize medical attention, of course. Then, document everything carefully. If you have slipped and fallen in a public place, management likely has to make a report regarding the incident. Politely insist that they do and that you receive a copy. If there are witnesses, take down their information as well. You can even take photos of the area, which is especially important if you can see or determine what caused your fall, like a spilled product in a grocery store or an uneven sidewalk outside.
Find a Good Attorney
Many attorneys will take a slip and fall case. However, you want someone with particular experience in past slip and fall cases to be by your side throughout the litigation process. If you’re looking for someone experienced to take your claim, contact a skilled Columbia slip and fall attorney at The Stanley Law Group. Call 803-799-4700 and set up a consultation today.
Resource:
safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/14029-preventing-slips-trips-and-falls
https://www.thestanleylawgroup.com/what-to-do-after-a-slip-and-fall-accident/
