Slips, trips, and falls are common workplace accidents. In fact, they account for more than 25% of workplace-related injuries across all industries. These types of accidents can be especially serious in the construction and home improvement sectors where there is risk of falling from a great height.
Under the law, slip and fall accidents are a types of accidents that would fall under premises liability, which states that a property owner is responsible for any injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their property. For a successful slip and fall injury case, you must be able to prove:
- The conditions were dangerous.
- The owner knew about the risk or should have known about it.
- The owner had a reasonable opportunity to correct or warn employees or patrons about the danger.
- The hazard was not immediately obvious at the time the injury occurred.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Louisville, always seek immediate medical attention right away. Once you are safe, it’s important to seek out an experienced slip and fall lawyer to help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
Of course, following proper safety guidelines such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is the best way to prevent a slip and fall accident in the workplace. Whether you are a property or business owner, or a worker who wants to learn how to protect yourself, below you will find some great tips for preventing slip and fall accidents.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Some common causes of slip and fall accidents are:
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Obstacles in walkways
- Lack of or improper use of safety equipment
Tips for Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
Regularly inspect the workplace for hazards
- Follow OSHA guidelines for walking/working surfaces and make sure they are up to code.
- Hold a daily briefing with employees before work shifts begin to survey the worksite and go over any potential hazards.
- If you are an employee, report any potential slip and fall hazards to management immediately.
Maintain clean and organized workspaces
- Routinely clean up messes and spills from workspaces and walkways.
- Provide proper equipment and cleaning products for clean-up.
- Store supplies and equipment in proper storage spaces.
- Promptly remove any snow or ice from outdoor walkways.
Properly mark any hazards
- Use clearly visible signage to mark any obstacles, spills, slippery surfaces, or other potential fall hazards.
- This is especially important for any gaps or holes large enough for someone to fall through that also happen to be inconspicuous.
Provide adequate lighting
- Make sure work sites are well-lit so that hazards are easily visible.
- Lighting is especially important on steps, curbs, and staircases where trips often occur.
Repair uneven surfaces
- Fix any walking surfaces that have protruding nails or other irregularities.
Remove obstacles in walkways
- Remove any objects from walking surfaces, staircases, and lobbies that can be easily tripped over, such as cords, wires, and hoses.
Require Safety Gear and Attire (Dress Code)
- Employees should wear slip-resistant shoes in environments that are prone to liquid spills (like restaurants and grocery stores).
- For construction sites, workers should be required to wear hard hats, steel-toed boots, and harnesses at all times.
Ensure Proper Use of Equipment (Ladders, Scaffolding, Roofs)
- Use guardrails and/or a fall arrest system when using equipment that is 10 or more feet above the ground.
- Ensure equipment is fully open, locked, and not overloaded.
- Set up equipment on a level, stable, non-slip surface.
- Ensure steps/rungs are free of any slippery substances.
- Monitor weather conditions for precipitation, high winds, and other severe weather.
- Use the buddy system while working on roofs.
Educate and Train Employees to Prevent Accidents
Worker education and training is one of the most effective ways to prevent a work-related accident. Be sure to educate new workers on the state laws and regulations related to work safety as well as common risks and accidents in your industry. Employees should also receive training on the following topics:
- The importance of reporting hazards.
- How to walk safely on different surfaces.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment.
- The importance of maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Injured in a Fall? Contact a Lawyer.
Even with all of the above precautions, slip and fall accidents will happen. That’s why it’s essential to retain a skilled slip and fall lawyer in Louisville to get the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we are the slip and fall lawyers Louisville residents can count on to get results. We promise to always have your back and offer a Bigger Share Guarantee®.
If you’ve had a slip and fall accident in or around Louisville, contact Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today!
