Slip and fall accidents are frustrating and potentially deadly. For businesses who have someone slip and fall on their premises, the actual cost (both monetarily and reputation-wise) can be devastating. Knowing how slip and fall accidents occur is the first step in setting up your business or private residence to prevent slip and fall accidents. To assist you, here are the seven most common causes of slip and fall accidents:

1. Inclement Weather Conditions

Wet sidewalks, gusty winds, and other inclement weather conditions present a threat to people in many ways. Slip and fall accidents are especially common during these inclement weather conditions and can be extra dangerous due to the cold, and continued dangers presented during these circumstances. Those who are not prepared for a suddenly slick surface, or a wind strong enough to knock them down flat will find themselves at a much higher risk of suffering an injury.

2. Improper Custodial Practices

Nobody enjoys shopping in a messy establishment or trying to visit someone in a hog pin of a house. When a place does not have proper custodial practices, it can lead to a build-up of dust, unseen water, and other obstacles that pose a serious risk of making someone suffer a slip and fall accident. There’s a reason classy, professional establishments always ensure their places are as cleanly and polished as possible. Not only does it keep customers coming in, but it helps to avoid tragic, costly accidents from happening on their premises. Those who find themselves related to someone victimized by improperly cleaned spaces, which results in a slip and fall accident that is deadly, should contact www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/wrongful-death-lawsuit.html to find out if they have any legal options.

3. Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing homes are one of the most common establishments where slip and fall accidents. Due to the advanced age of the victims, these slip and fall accidents are especially brutal, and can sometimes become deadly. There’s a need for nursing homes to ensure their establishments are protected from all the potential causes of slip and fall accidents we’ve listed. Ensuring the elderly citizens in these homes are educated on how to avoid slip and fall accidents is critically important as well.

4. Wet and Uneven Surfaces

Few conditions are as primed for slip and fall accidents as wet and uneven surfaces. Uneven, and improperly installed flooring, leaks, and poorly protected mopping areas are all culprits to watch out for. Without the proper custodial practices we’ve mentioned above in place, and a business owner that’s diligent about protecting everyone on their premises, the chance of slip and fall accidents increases drastically.

5. Improper Footwear

Footwear is your best protection against a sudden slip and fall accident. Nursing home residents are even encouraged to wear anti-slip footwear at all times to keep them protected. Even if you’re just going out for a hike, or to pick up some groceries, make sure you’re wearing shoes that are not only comfortable but which can keep you steady on your feet. Many slip and fall accidents can be prevented by following these simple guidelines, so be sure to take this tip extra seriously. When you’re playing sports, wearing proper footwear is especially important.

6. Unsafe Ladders and Stairs

This type of accident happens more commonly in private residences. Ladders and stairs are another extremely likely location to suffer a slip and fall accident. If your stairs are beginning to strain, or a step seems uneven, it’s time to repair it ASAP. Ladders are especially tricky and present clear dangers in and of themselves. To prevent tragic accidents on ladders, you should be checking that they’re stable and that the ground you’re placing them on is stable, every time you use one. Additionally, it’s highly recommended that you always have someone to spot you when using a ladder, as falling with no one around greatly increases the chance of death if you end up falling.

7. Cluttered Spaces

Aside from proper custodial practices being a good weapon to prevent slip and fall accidents, an establishment also needs to keep its spaces free of clutter and walking obstacles. Kiosk, installations, and walkway obstructions can prevent danger to an unwary customer who is not looking at where they’re going. To keep a space extra safe, post warning signs that point out potential obstacles, or consider removing them altogether.

Protect Yourself From Slip and Fall Accidents

By regularly considering the potential obstacles the above eight conditions present to your business or private residence, you can drastically decrease the chances of a slip and fall accident ever occurring on your watch. Thankfully, with the right mindset, effort, and custodial practices, you can assure your wallet, body, and reputation are never harmed by a sudden, preventable slip and fall accident.