While running errands recently, you slipped and fell. As you wait to see what your doctor says about the twinge in your lower back, you wonder if you experienced a preventable accident.
SCORE explains how companies can protect customers from slip-and-fall accidents. By learning preventative measures, you may better understand why you hurt yourself and if the store handled its obligations.
Check for hazards
A simple premises survey notifies companies of potential hazards to address. While walking through the business, employees should look for common slip-and-fall hazards, such as uneven surfaces, slippery flooring, parking lot defects, shifting floor height and uneven or cracked walkways.
Resolve poor lighting
Even if a store does not have hazards, poor lighting may turn safe conditions into unnecessary hazards. Areas with glare, low visibility or shadows could make it difficult for customers to see. Installing new or better lighting along areas like long walkways could help customers keep both their feet on the ground.
Take care of problems ASAP
When businesses notice issues that put customers at risk, they should resolve them as quickly as possible. That could mean filling parking lot potholes, changing the flooring to something less slippery, installing non-slip mats and replacing or repairing damaged carpet.
Install signs
Sometimes, problems take a while to resolve. In the meantime, companies should post signage for customers to either exercise caution in specific areas of the store or stay out of dangerous areas. Other than special signs, standard signage for wet floors helps customers navigate stores safely.
You may not bear as much fault for your fall as you think. Get the facts on the matter, so you know how to proceed.