How to Reduce Slip and Fall Claims
Slip, trip an fall accidents are a leading cause of customer injuries, resulting in substantial liability insurance losses each year. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 16,000 people die each year because of slips, trips and falls. Many more suffer injuries, ranging from simple cuts and bruises to permanent disability. The sad fact is many slip and fall accidents are preventable.
A comprehensive slip and fall prevention program includes floor cleaning and maintenance, facility inspections, employee training, accident response and documentation.
Floor Cleaning/Coatings
One of the most misunderstood elements of a slip prevention program is floor coating. It is essential that employees responsible for cleaning floors be trained in the proper application of cleaning agents and protective coatings. For example, a mop used to clean the floor around a food preparation counter can spread a layer of grease to areas occupied by the public. Color-coded mops can be used to help keep public areas free from grease. Most floor coating suppliers recommend scrubbing and squeegeeing floors rather than mopping during regular cleaning.
High Hazard Floor Protection
Many slips and falls occur at entrances, particularly during wet weather. Accidents may be avoided if the staff is instructed to place carpet runners on the floor to absorb excess water, employ caution signs to warn patrons of a potential hazard, and periodically inspect and mop the area.
The staff should also be watchful for flood and beverage spills that occur around walkways, tables, counters, restrooms, and drinking fountains, and be ready to clean spills as soon as they occur. Placing cleaning equipment in easy-to-reach areas can help reduce the response time.
Facility Inspection
In civil court, companies that provide documented evidence of maintaining an effective slip and fall prevention program may stand a better change of receiving favorable court rulings or jury decision. Many companies use a "sweeps" program, inspecting their property on a regular basis and documenting the results in a "sweeps log". Although this program can be an effective preventative technique, one potential deficiency is in the failure of management to properly supervisor inspections and insist on regular documentation. Management involvement and strong leadership is critical for the success of your program.
Another strategy is to establish a formal policy that mandates all employees to identify and address any slip and fall hazard they encounter during the course of their workday. To assure success, the policy should be reinforced with a formal training program, coupled with aggressive management engagement.
Some hazardous situations call for greater attention, such as safeguarding entrances during a rainstorm or outdoor walkway during icy conditions. The frequency of inspections should be based on the hazard and as conditions warrant. A notation in a "storm log" or "manager's log" can provide a good defense in cases of slip and fall incidents.
Employee Training
Employee training is at the heart of any slip prevention program. A regular training program leads to a heightened sense of awareness of the hazards, and increases the attention devoted to the protection of your patrons.
Slip, Trip and Fall Incident Management
Employees should be trained on how to respond when a customer falls or is injured. Many companies engage in role-playing sessions as a training device. This allows employees to practice reacting to likely situations and responding to an upset or irate customer.
Fact-gathering and incident reports are critical and should be completed immediately after an accident occurs. Professional investigators attest that stories can change over time. Train employees and managers to document every detail of the incident. Collect names, address, and phone numbers of all parties involved, including witnesses. Document key pieces of information, such as the type of injury and complaints of pain. Record what the customer said about the cause of the fall, if they wear glasses, the type of shoes they were wearing, signs of foreign material on the floor, and any other information that may be relevant. Note that copies of internal documents, such as accident reports, should not be given to the customer.Documentation of a slip and fall incident can be greatly enhanced with photographs. Close-up photos should be taken of the area of the alleged slip and fall, using a ruler or pen to show relative size. Photographs should then be taken from every angle and at an increasing distance from the scene. Additionally, photos should show the general area, including lighting and signage, and taken from the direction the person was walking and from the opposite direction. Future allegations may be based on such factors as lighting or warning signs, so photographs can help establish the setting at the time.
Other supporting information should also be gathered and documented, such as the last time an employee or manager inspected the area and when the floor was last cleaned or maintained.
Conclusion
Although courts have ruled for plaintiffs in many slip, trip and fall cases, a documented slip, trip and fall prevention program can go a long way to help keep customers safe and provide you with a basis for defense.