It’s National Safety Month, Part 6: Eliminate Trip Hazards
Slips, trips, and falls are the leading causes of personal injury in Phoenix and in the United States. And while many don’t ever foresee themselves falling and sustaining serious injuries, it happens more commonly than people think.
June is National Safety Month, and a great time to start looking around the home and workplace for tripping hazards that could cause a slip-and-fall, and then removing them to make sure they never do.
Tripping Hazards
There are many items that can trip someone and cause him or her to fall. The most common tripping hazards are:
- Floors that are greasy or wet
- Floors that are dry but covered in sawdust, dust, or powder
- Floors that are uneven
- Floors that have just been waxed and/or polished
- Carpeting and rugs that are unsecured
- Transfer strips separating one type of flooring from another
- Damaged steps and/or handrails
- Clutter, especially in doorways
- Drawers that are left open, including on ovens and dishwashers
- Wet leaves
- Improper footwear
How to Reduce Trips, Slips, and Falls
Practicing good housekeeping, whether it’s at home or in the workplace, is the main way to reduce trips, slips, and falls. When things are clean and everything is put back in its place after use, there are simply fewer things to trip and fall over.
Keeping a place clean is a bigger matter than just tidying up. Aisles and hallways should always be kept clear of hazards and should never have cords, cables, lights, or other items strung through them.
Having proper lighting is also an important step in preventing slip-and-falls. It’s much easier to trip over something when you simply can’t see it, so areas should be well-lit at all times. This is especially true in basements or where walkways, staircases, ramps, and hallways are present.
Lastly, look down at your own feet when trying to eliminate tripping hazards. The truth is a person can slip on anything when he or she’s not wearing the proper footwear. Wearing comfortable shoes with a sturdy sole that provides traction is important and can greatly reduce the amount of slip-and-falls. This is especially true in the workplace, which is why many require their workers to wear shoes that have met certain safety measures.
If you have slipped or tripped and have sustained injuries as a result of a fall, contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C., at (602) 457-6222 today. We know how to deal with injuries when they happen.
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During a free consultation, we will look at the important aspects of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights and options clearly. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Mark Breyer.
Confidentially reviewed by Attorney Mark Breyer