How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

According to the National Safety Council, hundreds of American workers die each year due to falls. Many others are injured by slips and falls. Employers should do everything in their power to prevent these accidents, which lead to weeks, months, or even years of time off for productive workers. Many other workers never work again due to permanent disabilities caused by slip and fall accidents. If you have experienced this type of accident firsthand, call for a consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Texas at David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC at (972) 529-3476.

Prompt Cleanup of Spills

When staff members become aware of liquid spills, they should immediately retrieve the necessary cleaning equipment and address the hazard. For every minute that a liquid spill remains on the floor, the chances of a slip and fall increase. Examples include oil spills at gas stations, spilled milk in a grocery store, and fluids in a warehouse.

It should only take a few minutes to clean up the spill, and staff members should be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to cleanup. If someone simply assumes that someone else will clean up the spill, it may sit for hours on end. Staff members who do not have enough time to address the spill should immediately delegate this task to someone else. Communication is key when it comes to spill cleanup.

Clear Signage

Signage can make people aware of walking and slipping hazards. Perhaps the most obvious example is a yellow “wet floor” sign, which most retail businesses have in their janitor closets. After cleaning up a liquid spill, the floor may still be slick with water and soap. As a result, a wet floor sign should be placed over the cleaned area to avoid slips and falls. In addition, staff members may want to place these signs above spills before cleaning while they retrieve mops and other equipment. Even if it only takes a few minutes to retrieve these items, it is more than enough time for someone to fall.

Staff members can use signs to draw attention to various walking hazards. These might include cracked or broken staircases and walkways. A broken handrail should be covered with tape and other warnings to prevent people from placing their hands on the unstable area.

Proper Organization of Cords

Loose and scattered electrical cords represent considerable tripping hazards in the workplace. Although office workers may be safe from many hazards, a computer cord can cause them to trip and fall. To avoid this hazard, workplaces should strive to organize their cords effectively. These cords can be concealed and grouped together using various methods. It may be worth having the cords rerouted through walls or under floorboards with help from electricians.

Safety Education

Education goes a long way when it comes to accident prevention. Although this education often focuses on more alarming hazards like electrocution or toxins, safety educators should also focus on trips and falls. Workers should be aware of the most common causes of falls, and they should know how to prevent them.

Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting is one of the most underappreciated causes of slips and falls. If you cannot see where you are walking, you cannot avoid a fall. Inadequate lighting is especially dangerous in stairwells, where victims can tumble down flights of stairs. These injuries can easily be fatal or permanently disabling.

Lighting is also important in outdoor work areas. Even if a worker spends five minutes each day walking to their car in the parking lot, they could slip and fall in the dark. Employers should consider installing automatic outdoor lights that are triggered by movement. With this approach, workers will have plenty of visibility as they walk downstairs and across parking lots to their vehicles.

Many retail locations and restaurants favor dim or colored lighting. While this type of lighting can be atmospheric and interesting, it may also constitute a tripping hazard. Waiters, sales associates, and other workers should be able to see where they are walking at all times.

Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer in Texas

Although prevention can reduce slips and falls in Texas, even the best safety policies cannot prevent accidents that have already occurred. If you are suffering from injuries after a slip and fall in Texas, you may be able to take legal action. This type of legal action can help you recover compensation for missed wages, medical expenses, and other damages. To learn more about your legal options, call David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC at (972) 529-3476.