Avoid Slip and Fall Accidents at Your Workplace

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on January 30, 2014

As Arizona workplace accident attorneys, we want to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible in the workplace. Slips, trips, and falls happen often and can cause serious and debilitating injury. You should always address any slip and fall hazards when you spot them, both to protect yourself and your employees if you are a business owner. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go about your workday. You may even incorporate these tips into your workplace rules to promote safety amongst your employees.

Wear appropriate shoes. Choose shoes that are appropriate for your work. If you are a waitress and you spend a lot of time on your feet, on slippery surfaces, and carrying plates and trays, choose shoes that are easy to walk in and have non-slip soles. This can help prevent you from slipping and falling while working.

Lift properly. If your job involves lifting and carrying heavy items, make sure to bend from your knees and lift keeping a straight back. While you are carrying an object from point A to point B, avoid slippery surfaces, walk slowly, and if you are going to fall, throw what you are carrying away from you so you can put your hands down to brace yourself.

Be careful in wet areas, such as around the water cooler, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom. There are many possible hazards in the workplace, including wet floors. Be aware of wet floors, walk carefully around them, and notify management so the hazard can be remedied and other people can be warned with a sign.

Avoid high heels if possible. While many women enjoy wearing high heels to work, the fact is high heels are not as stable as flat soled shoes. They can also be conducive to slip and fall accidents on hard surfaces like marble or granite floors, wood floors, and other surfaces, as well as stairs. Choose a pair of high heels that have grip bottoms instead of smooth bottoms if you must wear them.

Watch for uneven carpeting or surfaces. If you notice an uneven spot in the carpet or floor, step over it carefully and notify management so it can be fixed. Welcome mats can often get crumpled or bent, posing trip hazards. If you are the business owner, make sure to invest in heavy mats that can’t be easily moved or bent.

Despite taking all possible safety measures, you may still experience a slip and fall accident. If you receive injuries in such an incident, get in touch with The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. The Phoenix workplace slip and fall lawyers will help you pursue compensation from the neglectful premises owner and get you back on the road to recovery. Contact them today.