Slip and Fall Prevention Tips
Fall is a favorite time of year for many of us, filled with lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities. While we welcome the changing colors and cooler temperatures the season brings, earlier sunsets and an increase in rainy weather do create some hazards. Now that we are into October, it is a good time for “fall” awareness, specifically the risks associated with slip and fall accidents. Even a seemingly minor spill can result in serious personal injuries. Explore these slip and fall prevention tips to protect yourself.
Slip and Fall Accident Risks
Aside from the obvious pun, fall is a good time to raise awareness regarding slip and fall accidents and injuries. According to statistics from the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls send roughly eight million people to hospital emergency rooms each year, many with serious and potentially disabling injuries. Among the most common causes are wet, slippery conditions and debris on floors or walkways, both of which are common hazards at this time of year. Other contributing factors that make slips and falls more likely to happen include:
Torn carpeting and chipped flooring tiles
Uneven sidewalks and missing paving stones
Lack of proper lighting and landscaping in outdoor areas
Lack of handrails at heights and on stairs
Do not underestimate the damage a fall can cause. Even a seemingly minor incident can result in serious personal injuries, including muscle tears, broken bones, damage to joints and discs, fractured vertebrae, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Protecting Yourself Against Slips and Falls
Slips and falls can happen at work, stores, in restaurants, when visiting doctors or hospitals, or in any public place. During the fall, when wet weather conditions make slip and fall accidents more likely to happen, it is important to take some general precautions. Safety and Health Magazine recommends the following:
Wear the proper footwear. While Aiken residents often opt for flip flops year-round, more substantial shoes with decent tread are a better choice for sports or other recreational activities. At work and on special occasions, be aware that dress shoes are generally slippery.
Take your time. Avoid rushing, whether it is on sidewalks, through parking lots, or in department or grocery stores. Pay particular attention at entrances and exits, where falls are more likely to happen.
Pay attention to posted signs. Indoors, use caution if you see a “wet floor” sign and avoid blocked or restricted areas. Outside, stick to sidewalks and clearly marked trails.
If a slip and fall accident does happen, report it to the property owner and get medical care immediately, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Not doing so could jeopardize your health and your rights in a claim.
Contact Our Aiken Personal Injury Attorney
When slip and fall accidents happen, it is generally due to negligence on the part of property owners. At the Surasky Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you deserve. To request a consultation, call or contact our Aiken personal injury attorney online today.
