One of the greatest risks of injury to customers at your business is slip and trip hazards. And these risks are not just a hazard to your customers—traditionally, these incidents make up a large percentage of claims against franchise organizations.
A simple internet search of “slip claim restaurant” pulls up dozens of law firms eager to aid injured customers in filing a personal injury suit against organizations.
To better protect your customers and your business, an active approach to reducing hazards and slip and trip accidents is critical.
Preventing Customer Injuries: Reducing Slip and Trip Hazards
To reduce the odds of a customer injury and associated claim, consider these hazards.
- Carpets, rugs and mats—Watch out for loose, torn, bunching or curling floor coverings. Straighten out or remove when not in use.
- Damaged flooring tiles—Repair or replace damaged tiles or flooring, including cracked or lifted concrete of sidewalks and parking lots.
- Floor wax or cleaners—Remember cleaning products can make wood, tile and laminate floors extra slick.
- Dirty floors—Dirt, food, and grime can also cause a trip or slip hazard. Always keep floors clean.
- Spilled liquids—Look for wet spots or pooled when entering a room and always clean up spills immediately. Use hazard signs when necessary.
- Congested walkways—Furniture can also congest walkways and cause a hazard. Ensure the layout of the store has clear pathways.
- Poor lighting—Watch out for rooms and hallways that don’t have adequate lighting. Replace low wattage and burned-out bulbs.
Preventing Customer Injuries: Creating a Slip and Trip Prevention Program
To further prevent customer slips and trips, you may consider implementing a slip and trip prevention program that includes:
- Regular employee training that includes injury awareness, workplace inspections, accident response and incident reporting.
- Housekeeping standards to list the minimum safety requirements at your organization.
- Clear guidelines and responsibilities for all staff members, including owners, managers and employees.
- A reporting program that provides employees with an outlet to share hazards or near-miss incidents they have witnessed.
- Annual responsibilities such as inspections and refreshers on seasonal risks.
- Incident reporting protocol to ensure accidents will be thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future.
Preventing Customer Injuries with help from Lockton Affinity
With these tips and implementation of a slip, trip and fall prevention program, you can reduce the number of injuries your customers experience.
However, it is critical to always have General Liability insurance in place to help cover costs associated with third-party injuries, like those caused by slips, trips or falls.
Contact a dedicated Lockton Affinity team member today to learn more.
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