Did you know? According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for more than eight million emergency room visits annually, which is higher than any other kind of incident. Because it’s your responsibility as a business owner to keep your team and customers safe, it’s important to implement safe practices throughout your workspace. Wondering how to prevent falls at your business? Try these six tips:
- Use clear signage. What happens when your customers track the outside elements inside? If you’re a small business owner, you know there’s no way around the unwanted water. But there is a way around it doing even more damage. A simple caution sign can help increase awareness, tell your customers to avoid the area, and help them proceed with caution. In addition to this clear signage, it’s helpful to give a verbal reminder when customers walk in.
- Invest in entryway mats. Want to take your fall prevention project to the next level? Lay down moisture-absorbent mats directly inside your door. Be sure to buy mats with an anti-skid backing to avoid sliding and check on the mats throughout the day. If they become too wet, they can be more of a hazard than a help. You can also place a mat directly outside your door during winter months for customers to wipe off snow outdoors.
- Salt your sidewalks and parking lots. As a business owner, you should always be aware of the weather. Keep a close eye on conditions and temperatures. If there’s any opportunity for ice, make it a priority to salt your property. That may mean making arrangements to ensure all sidewalks and parking lots are treated with anti-icing products. Counting on a third party to complete this? Make sure they have up-to-date insurance coverage and make it a practice to request a copy of their certificate of insurance to have on file.
- Make necessary repairs. Pay attention to the condition of your sidewalks and parking lots. When you notice areas that need repairs, invest the time and money to fix them as soon as possible to help you save more time and money down the road. If you are a renter, immediately notify the building owner about necessary repairs. A smooth and clear walking surface can help prevent falls at your business and protect patrons/employees.
- Add ample lighting. Dim lighting can hide obstacles for customers like cracks or holes. Investing in bright bulbs in front of your business, in your entryway, and in your parking lots helps protect against hazards, and theft, too. Maintain lighting by replacing bulbs as soon as they burn out.
- Clear the clutter. When it comes to keeping customers safe, sometimes the smallest efforts have the biggest impact. Keep obstacles out of walkways. Make sure to close doors when leaving a room and shut drawers when you’re finished using them. Additionally, when stacking items or putting them on shelves, organize them from heaviest at the bottom to lightest at the top to avoid injuries.
Now that you know how to prevent falls at your business, it’s important to know what’s covered, too.
What happens if a customer slips, trips, or falls … despite your best efforts? While your commercial insurance should offer coverage for bodily harm, it can’t hurt to ask an expert to ensure you are properly covered. Talk to a local, independent agent today.
