Slips trips and falls can happen anytime and anywhere. They are particularly present in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities as the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2009 the rate of healthcare lost-workday injuries resulting from slips and falls was 38.2 per 10,000 employees. This was 90% more than the average rate for all other private industries combined.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the following are the top 10 slip and fall hazards.
- Contaminants on floors
- Poor Drainage
- Irregularities of indoor walking surfaces: warped or uneven surfaces in high traffic areas
- Irregularities of outdoor walking surface
- Weather conditions: mainly ice and snow
- Sub par lighting: walkways, parking lots, and stairs often lack adequate lighting
- Poorly constructed stairs and handrails
- Frequently used step stools and ladders
- Tripping hazards ie: extension cords
- Improper use of floor mats and runners
You should be particularly aware of the potential consequences if you serve a high percentage of elderly or disabled patients, and if you have high traffic in your location.
Proper footwear, maintenance, posted warnings, treaded surfaces, and lighting, among other measures, would greatly reduce these accidents. Awareness training for workers and funding for maintenance would also help prevent slips and falls.
If a customer slips and falls on your property it could create major problems for your business and your bank account. If an incident does occur make sure you have an “incident report” readily available that takes down alot of information at that moment. Pay particular attention to potential witnesses, contributing factors such as improper footwear, sloppy hazards, weather if it’s outdoors e.t.c. It’s imperative to do this as close to the timing of the accident as possible. Take photos and attach them to the report, contact numbers for witnesses e.t.c. Even better take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening, and select the proper insurance coverage to finance the loss if it does. Contact an expert at Metropolitan Risk Advisory for our Healthcare incident report specifically designed for Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities , or more information on general liability insurance, business insurance, and workers compensation insurance.