Most Common Causes of Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries
Slip, trip and fall injuries can be caused by many factors. Property owners and property managers have a legal obligation to ensure that conditions are reasonably safe for the public to use. However, being aware of the types of conditions most likely to be responsible for a slip and fall accident can help you identify and avoid dangerous conditions for both you and your visitors.
Causes of Indoor Slips and Falls Injuries
Improper Floor Conditions – Guests can be injured by losing their footing on slippery floors, floors with sudden dips or rises, damaged carpets and holes in the floor itself.
Stairways – Improperly maintained stairways can be a significant safety risk to visitors due to debris, broken handrails and/or uneven surfaces.
Exposed Cables – Guests can be seriously injured by tripping on exposed power cables or other wires if they are not properly secured.
Insufficient Lighting – Improper lighting can make it difficult for some individuals to safely navigate any area in your premises, which can result in a traumatic slip and fall accident.
Causes of Outdoor Slips and Falls
Improper Pavement Conditions – Icy pathways and uneven surfaces can make it difficult for your guests to navigate an area safely.
Poor Lighting – Insufficient lighting can also be responsible for slip, trip and fall accidents outside a building when they cause individuals to trip over items such as sidewalk cracks and other obstacles.
Reporting accidents
All accidents in the workplace should be reported to the employer, who should record the details of the incident. Reporting the accident will help to safeguard social welfare and other rights which may arise as a result of an occupational accident. An employer is obliged to report any accident that results in an employee missing 3 consecutive days at work (not including the day of the accident) to the Health and Safety Authority.