How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of accidental fatalities across the country. Thousands of slip and falls occur each day, and these incidents account for 15 percent of accidental deaths in the United States. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways these incidents can be prevented.

If you sustain an injury as a result of a slip and fall, contact a Charlotte slip and fall lawyer at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Contact us today at (980) 237-4579, or reach out via our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

There are a number of reasons slip and falls may occur. They usually arise at a workplace or business and are the result of:

• Wet floors
• Inadequate lighting
• Debris
• Hazardous materials obstructing walkways or stairways
• Uneven or damaged walking surfaces
• Loose or broken handrails
• Loose electrical cords
• Improper signage

Ways You Can Prevent Slip and Falls

Workplaces and businesses can take certain measures to prevent slip and fall accidents and keep their employees and guests safe from serious injuries. The risk of these incidents can be
reduced by:

Repairing problem areas promptly.

As soon as a business notices a potential slip and fall hazard, they should act and repair it right away. Waiting even a few hours or days to make repairs can lead to slips and falls.

Removing clutter.

Removing clutter is easy and effective way to prevent slip and fall accidents. A clutter-free space may also create a more peaceful, inviting environment.

Providing appropriate signage.

If there is a hazard that has not been taken care of, or floors are being washed, workplaces and businesses should inform all employees and guests with appropriate notice.

Ensuring plenty of lighting.

When there is not enough lighting, employees or guests may miss a hazard and fall as a result. Therefore, it’s wise to add as much lighting to your workplace as possible.

Closing desk drawers and file cabinets.

Employees should get into the habit of closing desk drawers and file cabinets when they are not in use, as they serve as serious tripping hazards when opened.

While some slip and fall accidents occur because of carelessness, many of them can be prevented by following several preventative actions.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?

If you suffer from an injury in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention – Your health should be your top priority, and you should visit the doctor right away. Even if you can still walk and believe your injury is minor, seek medical attention.
• Inform the property owner – Let the landlord, manager, or property owner know about your accident. This way, they can fill out an accident report.
• Collect evidence – To recover the fair compensation you may be entitled to, take photos of the accident scene, keep all medical records, gather proof of lost wages, and obtain witness contact information.
• Consult a lawyer – An attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid case and guide you through the process of filing a claim if necessary.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact Us Today

Slip and fall accidents are preventable. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall that occurred at work or a business, it is in your best interest to reach out to a slip and fall accident lawyer at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys as soon as possible. Our attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring that all the right paperwork is filed and that your best interests remain protected every step of the way.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.