Business owners — did you know that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury worldwide, according to the World Health Organization? If an employee or customer were to fall on your premises and injure themselves, you would likely be held liable for any injuries. Luckily, they can be prevented with some forethought and diligence.
At #MorseOfCourse, your safety is one of our top priorities, which is why we put together this guide to help you prevent falls, accidents, and any resulting liability claims. Let’s dive in (with caution, of course).
1) Keep workspaces neat and hazard free.
Keeping a tidy workplace is one of the first steps to preventing slips, trips, and falls. Consider things like electrical cords and furniture — are they placed in a way that could cause someone to trip and fall? Minimize clutter and make sure walkways are all clear. Give special attention to heavily trafficked areas.
When you go outside, make sure sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots are free of any hazards that could cause a fall, such as cracks or holes in pavement or potholes. Keeping outside areas clear is especially important during the winter months. If you wake up to a winter wonderland with icy conditions, make sure sidewalks and walkways are clear of snow as soon as possible and that you put down snow-melt or salt to prevent slippery conditions.
2) Check your staircases
Staircases should also be given special attention when considering how to minimize fall risks. Make sure staircases are well lit and clear of clutter. Check for loose handrails, which can cause people to lose their balance and fall without warning. During the winter, you’ll also want to make sure that outdoor handrails and stairways are always clear of snow and ice.
3) Require employees to wear non-slip shoes
To help minimize fall risks, you can require employees to wear covered, non-slip shoes when they are at work. This is especially important if you work in an industry where people are constantly moving around, like a restaurant or retail store.
4) Clean up spills immediately and place signs near wet surfaces
Whether you work in a restaurant or a 9 to 5 office, spills are bound to happen. Make sure your staff are trained to clean up spills immediately and that they know where cleaning supplies are located.
Slippery conditions can also be brought inside when it rains or snows. You can place non-slip mats at all entrances and exits to make sure people are not tracking snow and rain inside. You should also get in the habit of using ‘Wet Floor’ signs to indicate slippery areas.
5) Utilize your resources as a small-business owner
All businesses must comply with OSHA Laws and Regulations, and some small businesses may be eligible for a free consultation. OSHA provides a free and confidential On-site Consultation Program to help small business owners identify potential hazards at their workplace. Visit their website here to set up a consultation. Your insurance agent is also a great resource! They can help you survey your property to identify potential hazards and risks.
Have more questions about workplace safety and the coverage you need as a business owner? Look no further than the dedicated team at #MorseOfCourse! Give us a call anytime at 508-238-0056 or visit our website at morseins.com today.