Running a business can not only come with a great sense of pride, but it can also be a way to generate limitless income. Each year, countless individuals take the plunge and open their own companies, and many come out on top through hard work, determination, and through strategic planning.
Unfortunately, many business owners also find themselves facing a nightmare scenario after a customer or employee slips, falls, and become injured on company property.
What Causes Slips and Falls in the Workplace?
One of the most obvious and most common causes of slips and falls in the workplace is wet floors, but there are plenty of other reasons for such accidents.
Debris left in walkways by careless employees, uneven flooring, and poor lighting prove to also be main contributors to such accidents.
This is why it is more important than ever to ensure that your company is implementing and following a strict safety and security protocol.
What Happens After a Slip and Fall Situation?
In the article, “Is Your Slip-and-Fall Accident Eligible for Compensation?” the author discusses how knowledge of the potential for slips and falls affects the outcome from a legal standpoint.
If you or someone in your company knew of the potential for a slip and fall, did nothing about it, and then someone was injured, you or your company could be facing a lawsuit.
Some lawsuits revolving around slip-and-fall cases can result in tens of thousands of dollars in damages or more.
To make matters worse, the damage to your business’ reputation could then go on to cost much more over time once the story gets out to the media.
How to Protect Your Customers and Employees
To avoid the financial, legal, and public relations costs of a slip and fall accident, there are a few simple things you can do.
First, inspect all of your business’ physical locations on a regular basis. Immediately address concerns such as employee negligence regarding wet floor safety, lighting issues, and potential hazards that may clutter flooring.
Also, consider partnering with a safety consultant to further examine the issue. For added protection discuss your business’ needs and concerns with your business insurance provider.
Finally, review your company’s procedures regarding spills, whether liquid or otherwise. Having firm policies in place that all employees are educated about can make a big difference in response after a spill has occurred.
All affected areas need to be marked off clearly so that no one unknowingly wanders into a spill-zone and ends up becoming inured.
About the Author: Andrew Rusnak is an author who writes on topics that include business insurance and corporate litigation.
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