While we face the last remnants of winter weather for this year, property owners and employers must remain extra vigilant in proofing the workplace to avoid slip-and-fall accidents, even in mild conditions.
Snowy, rainy, and icy conditions increase the likelihood of wet surfaces, creating dangerous conditions that can lead to serious injuries and potential liability. Though winter may increase the likelihood of these accidents, maintaining a safe workplace should be a priority year-round. To protect your employees, customers, and tenants from injuries due to slippery surfaces, there are preventative measures you can put in place. Many of these steps are not just best practices but also legal requirements designed to maintain a safe environment.
Below, our slip and fall lawyers (Los Angeles) outline the essential steps to weatherproof your workplace and minimize the risk of slips and falls.
Common Causes of Workplace Slip and Falls
Understanding the most common causes of slips and fall accidents can help you stay proactive by implementing the proper safety measures. Common hazards include:
- Icy or wet entryways due to melted snow and rain.
- Poor drainage systems leading to puddles and slick surfaces.
- Cluttered walkways with misplaced equipment.
- Inadequate lighting making it difficult to notice hazards.
- Inadequate safety processes or lack thereof education of such policies.
- Improper footwear for the environment or type of work performed.
Some hazards may be unique to the type of workplace and jobs performed. Employers and property owners may want to educate themselves on safety issues directly related to their industry to ensure proper compliance with legal requirements and to proactively protect their premises.
Steps to Proof Your Workplace for Employee
Regularly Remove Ice and Snow
If you are in a location where winter conditions are regularly occurring, you should prepare a comprehensive plan for addressing winter storms. Assign a team, hire a service, or be sure maintenance staff salts and shovels walkways, parking lots, and building entrances on a consistent basis. Keeping a frequently updated maintenance schedule can ensure cleanings occur around the clock.
Use Warning Signs
Place bright, visible, and weatherproof signs in areas where melted snow, rain, or spills have created slipping hazards. You can even put up warning signs in high-risk areas before dangerous conditions develop. Keep caution signs readily available near entryways and busy locations.
Clear Debris and Other Clutter
Similar to snow and ice, employers should have a system in place to remove any debris. Depending on the workplace, debris may be more regularly occurring which is why it is important to reiterate the importance of caution and awareness among employees. When not in use, equipment should be properly stored to reduce cluttered walkways.
Perform Quick Repairs
Fix uneven sidewalks, cracked floors, or loose tiles that could increase the likelihood of falls. Place non-slip mats at every entryway and in high-traffic areas to reduce risk.
Improve Lighting and Power Systems
Make sure all stairways, hallways, parking lots, and exits have sufficient lighting, as poor lighting can increase the risk of a slip-and-fall accident. Ensure backup power sources are in place in case of weather-related outages.
Educate Employees and Tenants on Safety Measures
Provide seasonal safety training on how to walk cautiously on slippery floors. You may also want to encourage employees to wear sturdy, waterproof, and slip-resistant shoes depending on their work and/or during the winter months.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, lost wages, and legal complications. If an employee was injured on your property, a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help. Our team of Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers has extensive experience handling slip and fall liability cases.
John J. Perlstein, one of the best slip and fall lawyers (Los Angeles), has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He will proactively work with you to understand the specifics of your case and provide a personalized plan on how to secure maximum compensation.
Reach us at (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with a slip-and-fall attorney (Irvine). This consultation will allow us to determine how we can secure the best possible outcome for your slip and fall case.