By Chad Engle, Loss Prevention Manager and Safety Specialist
Last year, my November article focused on this same topic and while I am feeling a tinge of laziness, I am not going to apologize. Every time, and I am not exaggerating when I say every time, there is a winter weather event in Nebraska involving any amount of precipitation, NIRMA members experience countless slip and fall events. Many involve member employees and result in workers’ compensation claims and many involve workplace visitors that result in premises liability claims. Sometimes it seems that we believe these types of incidents are inevitable, but this could not be further from the truth. Slip and fall incidents are preventable. Let us review some practices that if followed will greatly reduce the chances of anyone falling and suffering an injury:
- Wear appropriate footwear: Choose boots with good traction and slip-resistant soles. When necessary, use cleats or traction devices for extra grip on ice.
- Watch where you are walking: Sounds simple, and it is. Look at where you are stepping so that you can avoid icy patches and snow-covered areas. This also helps you avoid tripping.
- Use handrails: Stairs are a common place for falls to occur, use the handrail when entering or exiting buildings. Handrails offer a last chance to save yourself if you lose your balance or footing.
- Be cautious on steps: Take your time and be extra careful when stepping on or off curbs, porches, steps and in or out of your vehicle.
- Avoid distractions: Focus on what you are doing and the hazards you encounter.
- Choose the safest path: The safest path to your destination may not be the shortest, take it anyway. Walk slowly and be mindful of avoiding a fall. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, “I was trying to be careful and walk across the ice.”
As a property owner we have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of those visiting our property. Regarding snow and ice removal this includes the following:
- Timely removal of snow and ice: Parking lots, sidewalks and entrances should be cleared prior to whatever time employees are required to arrive. This ensures it is also done prior to opening for business.
- Application of ice melt or traction material: Applying ice melt, salt, sand or other methods to walking surfaces to improve traction.
- Documentation: Written documentation of when snow was removed, when ice melt was applied, and how much was applied is invaluable information when defending a slip and fall claim.
- Follow-up inspections: Continual re-inspection of parking lots, sidewalks and entrances to determine if additional snow removal or ice melt application is required. Document this as well.
Following the steps listed above protects visitors and employees from falls and injuries and protects the member county or agency by putting them in the best defensible posture possible. Please let me know if you have any questions. As always, I can be reached at 1.800.642.6671 or [email protected].
