Preventing Third-Party Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of liability claims against businesses. Whether it is a customer, vendor, or visitor, a third-party slip-and-fall injury on your premises can lead to costly lawsuits, reputational damage, and even business closure in severe cases. Implementing proactive safety measures can help prevent these incidents, ensuring a safer environment and reducing liability risks.

“Any business setting can have a third-party slip and fall accident, including retail stores, restaurants, offices, or industrial facilities,” said Vik Ramaswamy, Risk Control Director – National Liability and Complex Risk Leader at Safety National. “Early identification and mitigation of risks like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, clutter, and weather-related hazards can prevent a costly premise liability claim.”

Here, we outline some of the best practices for preventing slip, trip, and fall incidents.

1. Maintain Clean and Dry Floors

• Regularly inspect floors for spills, leaks, and wet areas, cleaning them immediately.
• Use plenty of wet floor signs in and within the vicinity of areas that have been recently cleaned or where spills occur frequently.
• Place absorbent mats at entrances to reduce moisture tracked in by customers.

2. Repair Flooring and Walkways

• Inspect and repair cracked pavement, loose tiles, or uneven flooring.
• Use anti-slip coatings on high-risk surfaces, such as kitchen floors and walkways.
• Secure loose rugs or mats to prevent tripping hazards.

3. Improve Lighting and Visibility

• Ensure adequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, parking lots, and other high-traffic areas.
• Use motion-activated lighting in areas that may be darker at certain times of the day.
• Regularly inspect and replace burnt-out bulbs to maintain proper visibility.

4. Keep Walkways Clear and Organized

• Remove obstructions such as loose wires, boxes, or misplaced equipment.
• Secure extension cords along walls or use cord covers when running across walkways.
• Establish a routine for decluttering high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

5. Prepare for Weather-Related Risks

• Install non-slip entry mats to absorb moisture from rain or snow.
• Use ice melt and sand in parking lots and sidewalks during icy conditions.
• Designate staff to monitor and clear entryways of snow, water, and debris.

6. Train Employees on Safety Awareness

• Educate staff on identifying hazards and reporting them promptly.
• Assign team members to conduct daily safety inspections.
• Encourage a proactive approach where all employees take responsibility for a hazard-free environment.

7. Implement a Slip and Fall Response Plan

Even with preventive measures, accidents may still occur. A well-documented response plan ensures proper handling:

• Maintain a current log of floor sweeps and scans for hazards.
• Immediately respond to reports of hazards or risks of potential harm.
• Immediately assist injured parties.
• Document the incident with photos, witness statements, and a written report.
• Preserve video evidence.
• Notify management and legal counsel to assess potential liability.
• Review safety procedures and make improvements to prevent future accidents.
• Have legal counsel review contracts for hired services intended to maintain safe premises.