Slipping hazards, like wet floors and cluttered walkways, can lead to accidental injuries for workers and customers. A slip and fall lawyer helps identify potential risks in your workplace to mitigate liability. Here are six common slipping hazards in a business:

Caution sign on a wet tile floor.

1. Wet and Oily Floors

Wet floors from spills, leaks, or mopping diminish traction, putting pedestrians at risk of slipping. Areas prone to slippery surfaces include kitchens, restrooms, entryways, and other high-traffic zones. Cooking oils and food spills create slipping hazards in restaurants and other food service businesses. Entryways may become slippery when foot traffic transfers rainwater inside. Mopping spills as they happen helps manage wet floors, and appropriate signage can alert customers to fall risks. 

2. Uneven and Worn Flooring

Flooring with holes, ridges, or other irregularities creates tripping hazards. Loose floorboards, cracked tiles, and unstuck carpeting may grab a walker’s foot, causing falls. Older properties with settling foundations may see more uneven floors over time. Floor inspections help businesses find areas requiring attention so that they can level uneven surfaces before someone trips. Flooring repairs can include: 

  • Conducting structural repairs 
  • Patching cracked tiles
  • Replacing torn carpets
  • Gluing warped boards 

Certain flooring materials become smooth and slippery over time in high-traffic areas. Polished floors may lose their anti-slip coatings with wear. Property owners can replace worn or slippery floors in sections. Materials with anti-slip treads or textured surfaces may help prevent slips in updated flooring selections. Place mats at entries and areas with heavy foot traffic to improve grip. 

3. Cluttered Walkways

Walkways obstructed by pallets, boxes, cords, or other objects impede traffic flow. Businesses should keep walking paths clear of clutter to avoid tripping risks for customers and employees. Housekeeping inspections spot any developing clutter so it can be addressed quickly.

Move boxes and items blocking walkways like aisles, stairs, sidewalks, and entryways. Routes that experience heavy foot traffic often need more diligent maintenance. Staff can bundle cables and cords running through halls or rooms to limit tripping hazards.

4. Inadequate Lighting

Dimly lit spaces hide spill puddles, steps, ridges, or other hazards. Individuals may trip over unseen obstacles if lighting is not adequate. Dark stairwells and hallways are accident-prone. A slip and fall lawyer can help businesses identify areas where poor lighting increases liability risks. 

Use brighter bulbs or additional lighting fixtures in poorly lit areas to make sure paths, workspaces, and emergency exits are well-lit. Businesses should replace burnt-out bulbs as needed to maintain illumination. Periodic lighting surveys reveal any spaces needing upgrades.

5. Unsafe Footwear

Footwear with worn-down soles provides little grip, putting the wearer at greater fall risk. Shoes with optimal traction should be part of employee dress codes to help prevent injury. Businesses may provide non-slip shoe guidelines describing approved footwear or brands. Employees should maintain their shoes by replacing them when the tread wears smooth. 

Business owners should monitor weather forecasts to determine threats posed by rain, snow, or ice. Exterior walkways should be designed for ice and snow removal. Entry mats help trap water carried inside, preventing the floor from becoming wet. Nonskid mats may be required in heavy-traffic areas at entrances or exit locations. Install gutter systems and roof drains to direct water away from doorways.

Consult a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Applying practical preventative measures helps facilities prevent common slipping hazards. Routines like fixing damaged floors, addressing wet surfaces, and enforcing dress codes demonstrate a business’s commitment to public safety. A slip and fall lawyer may help companies identify and correct previously overlooked hazards. Assessing accident liability exposure helps determine where additional slip and fall precautions may be needed. Consult an attorney today to learn more about preventing business accidents.