Many employers implement safety initiatives to keep employees and customers safe. Unfortunately, they focus on indoor safety hazards and do not develop a plan for identifying and fixing outdoor safety hazards. Any company with a sidewalk, curb, parking lot, or other outdoor space needs to have a plan in place to prevent slip and fall injuries in outdoor spaces. These tips from EHS Today can help you reduce the risk of accidents at your company.
- Adjust gutters and other roof drainage systems so that water is directed away from parking lots and sidewalks.
- Maintain parking stoppers properly so they do not cause falls and other types of accidents. Center each stopper and secure it properly.
- Repair parking lot and sidewalk damage caused by wear-and-tear, uprooted trees, bad weather, and settling.
- Patch cracks and holes so that customers, vendors, and employees do not trip and fall.
- Make sure any existing handicap ramps have slip-resistant surfaces.
- Consider installing a canopy above any outdoor walkways to reduce water and mud from being tracked into the building.
- Make sure all outdoor spaces have adequate lighting, to prevent trips caused by poor lighting.
- Keep outdoor stairs in good condition by fixing defects immediately.
- Use yellow or yellow-orange signs to notify people of possible hazards. These colors are easier to see for those who have low vision.
When you take the time to keep your outdoor spaces in good condition, you can significantly reduce the number of injuries on your premises. Unfortunately, not all business owners pay such careful attention to outdoor safety issues. If you suffered a slip and fall accident due to inadequate maintenance of someone else’s property, call an experienced Peoria slip and fall attorney with The Breyer Law Offices P.C. We have years of experience helping our clients get the compensation they need for medical bills and lost wages. Contact us at (602) 457-6222 to discuss your case.
