Reducing Slip-and-Fall Incidents in Commercial Plazas

If you own or manage a commercial property, you have various responsibilities, and maintaining people’s safety is one of the most important. Slips and falls are common in businesses and can lead to injuries, complaints, and legal issues. To mitigate these issues, businesses should follow clear safety steps during winter. In this article, we will break down how to reduce slip-and-fall incidents in commercial plazas.

The Importance of Slip-and-Fall Prevention in Commercial Spaces

Slips and falls often occur in commercial spaces during winter, and their impact can be serious. People suffer from sprains to broken legs, head injuries or other serious harm. In some cases, these accidents can also result in loss of life. Apart from physical harm, slips and falls also create financial and legal issues for businesses. Property owners face legal complications when it is not properly maintained, which can lead to hefty fines or penalties. Also, due to negative publicity, the business can lose its reputation, resulting in reduced revenue.

Common Winter Hazards that Impact Your Business

Winter can pose various challenges for your commercial property if not properly maintained. Below are some of the most common hazards that put people at risk:

• Slippery Business Entryway
• Icy sidewalks
• Parking lot filled with ice or snow
• Falling icicles
• Snow falling off the roof
• Improper shovelling

Tips to reduce Slips and falls in Commercial Properties during Winter

Perform Regular Property Inspections

Conducting frequent inspections of the commercial property is important for maintaining safety during the winter months. After every snowfall, the property should be thoroughly inspected to ensure snow removal meets standards. This includes verifying whether snow piles are pushed properly, maintaining a clear access way to the business, whether it’s an entrance or exit, and ensuring no extra ice on the ground. Considering these steps can reduce the risk of slips and falls and keep customers, employees and businesses safe.

Installing a Proper Drainage System

A proper drainage system is important for any commercial property. Crews should not pile snow around the drainage system so that melted snow can flow freely. This is highly important because accumulated water will refreeze when temperatures suddenly drop. To reduce these risks, it is important to maintain clear drainage paths so that water can flow easily. Ensure that drainage paths are clear before every snowfall. Even if the water still collects and freezes, it’s better to have ice melt on hand to treat the frozen areas and improve safety.

Proper Use of Salt and Salting Techniques

Using bulk road salt is one of the most affordable and effective ways to reduce slips and improve traction on a commercial property during winter. Also, implementing the proper salting technique is important. Start by choosing the right salt based on the temperature, and it is better to pretreat the surface before any snow event. Spread a thin layer of salt on the surface, avoiding high-risk areas such as entrances, ramps, and walkways. Reapply if needed.

Using Commercial Snow Safety Signages

Using signage is important for improving safety and preventing slip-and-fall accidents. Place signage to alert people to the presence of ice and the high risk of slips and falls. These signs act as a reminder for passers-by to be careful. Some unique signs change colour when temperatures are low, which helps people stay alert to changing weather conditions.

Ensuring Clean and Well-Maintained Floors

Professional cleaners need to ensure that commercial property floors are not only clean but also well-maintained. Clean floors look better and also play a key role in preventing slip-and-fall accidents. When floors are dirty and covered in spills, they can be slippery and dangerous for people using them. Keeping floors clean and well-maintained can contribute to a much safer environment.

Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is important to prevent falls and slip accidents. When commercial spaces are well-lit, people are more aware of where they are going and can detect potential hazards more easily. Ensure all areas, especially high-risk areas, are well-lit to create a safer environment for everyone. This not only improves safety but also creates a welcoming, secure environment for visitors and workers.

Antislip Flooring

Surfaces tend to become wetter and slushier during winter. It is important to install antislip flooring in high-risk areas such as lobbies, restrooms, kitchens, and break rooms to improve traction even when the floor is wet. By installing antislip flooring, businesses can maintain safety for customers, visitors, and employees, reducing the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to invest in slip-and-fall prevention; it is not only a financial investment but also a basic responsibility during the winter months. It should be considered a long-term investment in customers, visitors, and employees who play a key role in business success. If you own or manage a commercial property and need bulk road salt, we can help! At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we offer reliable bulk road salt and other salt products to help you stay prepared during the winter season. Contact us for a free quote!