The Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips and falls can occur on a variety of walking surfaces as well as on ramps and stairways. Some of the major hazards associated with these falls and resulting injuries can include: Slippery, broken or uneven surfaces; Inadequate spill cleanup; Poor drainage; Weather conditions; Loose rugs or wrinkled carpet; Clutter, poor lighting or obstructed views;
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines:
The floor material must be appropriate for the environment in which it will be used; The adjacent walking surfaces should be similar; There should be a program for regularly cleaning the floors; The floor cleaner should be certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI); Different mops should be used for cleaning and disinfecting; The floors should be treated with a high-traction finish; An old finish should be stripped following the manufacturer’s instructions before applying a new one; Appropriate footwear should be worn; Proper warning signs should be placed for slip/trip/fall hazards.
Falls can be prevented. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact Naftulin and Shick, PC at 215-348-5455.