In Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations.[i] It can be very beneficial to take preventable measures that help avoid slips and falls from happening and resulting in a lawsuit.
The lawyers at Martin and Hillyer Associates know and understand just how devastating the repercussions can be, which is why slip and fall prevention is so important.
Preventing Falls on Personal Property
There is always the possibility that you could be involved in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property. There are a few simple things that you can do to increase your safety while on private property.
You should always ensure that the property is well-lit inside and outside. Always check to make sure that there is no clutter on the ground or stairways before you enter a room or area. Some ways to increase safety, enhance functionality and help prevent slip, trip or fall accidents can include:
- Making sure that the porch is safe and secure
- Checking for available handrails on stairways
- Watching your step while walking up or down stairs
- Wearing proper footwear outside and socks indoors
- Check surrounding landscape to ensure its maintained and free of hazards
Snow and ice on the ground in the wintertime can be very dangerous. Falling in the snow or ice can lead to further injury or leave you exposed to the elements.
By making sure that the sidewalk is properly shoveled and salted before proceeding, you can help to ensure your safety during the winter and avoid a lawsuit from a trip, slip or fall.
While walking in the winter, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on the ground in front of you, and proceed with caution. You can make yourself more visible to drivers by wearing brightly-coloured outerwear.
Maintain a Safe Workplace
More than 42,000 workers are injured every year due to falls in Canada.[ii] Falls happen when a person slips or trips, and can most often be prevented. Slips usually happen due to a lack of traction between footwear and the ground.
Common causes include: wet surfaces, weather, loose mats and uneven flooring. Trips happen when your foot hits an obstruction, causing you to lose balance. Common causes include: an obstructed view, bad lighting, obstacles, uneven surface and loose cables.
The health of yourself and your fellow employees should always be top priority in the workplace. You can prevent accidental slips and falls in the workplace with constant maintenance and ensuring that your employees are wearing proper footwear.
All spills should be cleaned up immediately, and marked with a wet floor sign until it’s completely dry. The floors should be clear of debris and obstacles, while any carpets are properly secured to the floor. Keep all of your workspaces and walkways well-lit, and ensure the walking surfaces are in good condition.
While you are at work there are several things that you can do to help prevent slipping or falling:
- Pay attention to where you’re going
- Use a flashlight if there isn’t proper lighting
- Take safety training seriously
- Clean up after yourself
- Take added safety measures at all times
If you notice any safety hazards while at work you should always report them to your supervisor immediately.
Injured in An Accident
The lawyers at Martin & Hillyer Associates have many combined years of experience with personal injury law. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers can help to ensure that you receive the compensation you require after your injury. Contact us today, or request a free consultation.
[i] “Fall Prevention | Parachute” [Online]. Available: http://www.parachutecanada.org/injury-topics/topic/C20. [Accessed: October-06-2016].
[ii] “Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls | Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety” [Online]. Available: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html. [Accessed: October-06-2016].
