Slip and Fall Cases – Expensive and Avoidable

April 26, 2010

Most slip and fall incidents on business property, both inside and outside, are avoidable. For this reason, insurance carriers offer many recommendations on how to reduce this type of mishap and resultant claim. The key to both reducing claims and limiting your firm’s liability is to implement common sense loss prevention procedures to be followed by your staff year round. It is also recommended to immediately correct hazards brought to your attention. Below are some (but not all) best practices to follow:

Immediately sand and salt the exterior of your premises following weather that creates ice and snow.
Maintain the structural integrity of exterior walkways and stairs.
Install and maintain adequate lighting.

For interior premises:

Post signs indicating that floors are being cleaned, and may still be damp. Install adequate barriers to close off an area that poses a risk.
Advise those responsible for cleaning floors to avoid using an excessive amount of wax or polish on hard flooring.
In certain sections of your building with sloping floors or inclines, use non-skid surfaces to improve foot traction.

These recommendations also apply to stairways. Stair edges can deteriorate and become hazardous.

Slip and fall claims have a high potential for fraud. For this reason, report them to either your insurance carrier or our agency immediately. This allows the insurance carrier’s claim staff to initiate a prompt, thorough and fair investigation.