It’s important for business owners to maintain a safe environment for both employees and patrons. From hospitality and manufacturing to healthcare and construction, every industry must mitigate the risk of slip and fall injuries. By taking some precautions, businesses can greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident on their premises.

Did You Know?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 27% of nonfatal workplace injuries during 2019 that resulted in time away from work were a result of falls, slips, and trips.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Slip and falls can be overlooked when assessing workplace risk, even though they are some of the most common insurance claims for businesses. In many cases, these types of injuries can be greatly reduced by implementing a few simple precautions — in turn reducing the number of costly insurance claims and other financial consequences.

1. Keep Clean, Dry Floors

Common risk factors for slip and falls at restaurants, construction sites, and other businesses include newly waxed floors, dirty floors, and wet floors. Keeping your business’ floors and carpets clean, orderly, and dry will help prevent slip and falls. Be sure to clean up spills, debris, and weather-related wetness right away to keep the ground walkable.

2. Maintain Clear Pathways

Maintain clear pathways and walkways by removing any clutter, obstacles, or equipment that may obstruct the flow of foot traffic. Keep electrical cords, cables, or other tripping hazards secured and out of the way. Establish designated areas for storage to prevent items from encroaching into walkable areas.

3. Install Handrails & Guardrails

Install sturdy handrails and guardrails in areas where people may need support or protection, such as staircases, ramps, or elevated platforms. Ensure they meet safety regulations and are properly maintained. Handrails can significantly reduce the risk of falls, especially for individuals with mobility challenges.

4. Maintain Well-Lit Spaces

Adequate lighting on walkways, stairs, aisles, ramps, and other areas can decrease the incidence of slip and falls. Proper illumination helps both personnel and patrons identify hazards and steer clear of them, both indoors and outdoors.

5. Require Proper Footwear for Employees

While you can’t always control what your customers wear on their feet, it’s best practice to require proper footwear for your employees. Slip-resistant and impact-resistant footwear will help to prevent slip and falls (and other injuries) among your personnel.

Are You a Restaurant Owner?

Bonus Tips to Prevent Falls

  • Select high-traction flooring
  • Train all restaurant staff in spill prevention and response programs.
  • Use floor cleaning products certified by the National Floor Safety Institute.
  • Limit the difference in heights between flooring surfaces and mats to no more than ¼” to ½”.
  • Ensure the mats are frequently inspected and checked regularly for wear and the buildup of contaminants.
  • Prevent the transmission of grease, water and other materials from the “back of the house” to the “front of the house” with a good mat program.

How We Can Help

At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we help protect the financial assets of our clients through risk management and commercial insurance coverage. Our experienced advisors understand how important it is to safeguard businesses from injuries and related insurance claims. Request a consultation to discuss your unique needs with one of our trusted insurance advisors.