Most fall-related injuries are preventable. Sadly, in many cases where someone was injured by tripping, slipping, or falling, it’s because property owners failed to keep their premises safe. So, otherwise avoidable injuries happen because of their negligence.
Though you can’t control the actions of property owners or managers, you can greatly reduce your chances of slipping, falling, and suffering a serious injury by focusing on things that are within your control.
From being mindful of what you wear to warning others of dangers on your own property, here are six ways you can both avoid injury, and help others avoid a slip and fall injury on your property.
Choose the Right Shoes
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to avoid slips and falls is wearing the right shoes for weather conditions. When conditions are slick from rain, ice, or snow, make sure your footwear has good traction. Avoid worn out shoes or dress shoes that lack adequate grip on the soles.
Using Walking Aids When Needed
When cold weather sets in, walking aids can help decrease the likelihood of a slip or fall. Even when there’s no precipitation on the ground, black ice could be lurking on commonly walked-upon surfaces. If you or a loved one has poor balance or weak bones, consider the use of a walking cane.
Clear the Walkways on Your Property
When dead leaves, ice or snow fall on your property, clear all walkways of debris and precipitation to spare you and your visitors unnecessary fall risks. However, be mindful that shoveling snow or clearing ice from sidewalks is physically taxing. If you have cardiovascular health risks, consider asking a loved one to help out or hiring someone to do this for you.
Use Mats on Both Sides of Entryways
Your floors will be drier and safer if you put walking mats directly inside and outside your property’s external doors. Make sure the mats you choose are both durable and absorbent so anyone coming inside your home can wipe off their shoes.
You can also take this precaution a step further by asking visitors to take off their shoes when they enter your home. It can take several minutes for ice or snow on shoes to thaw. Taking off your shoes will help avoid leaving small puddles behind on your floors that can make the floor slippery.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Speaking of puddles on your floors, anytime you spill liquid inside your home, clean it up immediately. The slightest bit of liquid on a hard floor can present a serious slip and fall risk.
If you spill on the floor of a business or other property, or notice a wet spot on the floor, and no “Wet Floor” sign is posted nearby, alert a property manager immediately so they can clean up the area and alert other visitors of the hazard.
Warn Others When Conditions on Your Property Aren’t Safe
If there are slick or uneven floors or steps on your property, make sure you warn others of dangers. If you own a business, you can post a clearly visible sign and section off the area so no one will step on it. If you have uneven surfaces in your home or business, consider having them leveled off by a professional as soon as possible.
When You’re Injured by Unsafe Property Conditions, Call Us
Try as you might to make surfaces completely safe from slip and fall risks, you can’t force others follow the same best practices. If you or a loved one has been injured after falling on someone else’s property because they failed to take precautions or warn visitors about dangerous conditions, you could be eligible for compensation.
Contact the Boston slip and fall attorneys at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you determine your legal options for compensation. We earn no fee unless we get you payment.
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