We have covered the topic of loss prevention for businesses in various posts here on the blog. Check out loss prevention for retail businesses, mechanics, commercial vehicles , contractors, and specifically for computers.

In this post we will continue our discussion on loss prevention in business by looking at what can be a pretty common occurrence – slip and fall loss prevention.

16 Slip and Fall Loss Prevention Tips

– It’s recommended to inspect the interior of your business premises regularly for any unsafe conditions that could result in a slip and fall loss. Keep track of your inspections by maintaining a log of when the inspection was completed, what conditions were made note of and what corrective actions were taken in response as applicable.

– Keep your floors clean and in good repair. Notice any loose or defective flooring? Replace it immediately.

– All aisles should always be kept neat and clear. Check regularly to ensure that no merchandise or stock has fallen into the aisles. If your business uses promotional displays, ensure that they are not blocking aisles or hindering movement.

– Entranceways also need to be clear of obstructions and promo displays.

– Experiencing some nasty weather? Whenever there are periods of inclement weather, any entrances to your business should be equipped with either rugs or mats to help absorb any water, snow or ice. Entrance floors should always be clean and dry and any worn out or otherwise damaged mats should be replaced asap.

– If you have any surfaces in your business that always seem to be slippery, consider the use of some specialized non-skid flooring materials or non-slip epoxy coatings.

– If your floor surfaces are waxed, always use non-slip wax.

– If there is any water or other spill on your floors, mop them up immediately and put up a “Caution Wet Floor” sign in the area while the floors dry.

– For any spills that involve industrial materials or oil, use non-combustible, absorbent cleaning materials to mop things up.

– Moving outside, you should also regularly inspect the exterior of your business premises checking for any unsafe conditions that could result in a slip and fall loss. As with your indoor inspection, keep track of your inspections by maintaining a log of when the inspection was completed, what conditions were made note of and what corrective actions were taken in response.

– Have a daily garbage removal system in place whereby your sidewalks and walkways are regularly swept and any debris removed.

– Notice some damage to pavement, sidewalks or stairs leading to your business? Get on repairs as soon as possible and put up signs and/or barriers in the meantime.

– Any business in Ontario should have a snow and ice removal program. It’s best to have one person responsible for implementing the program. Professional snow removal contractors should be hired to plow, salt and sand your parking lot and any walkways. Request that the contractor maintains a comprehensive log of the work performed.

– In the event there is a weather related emergency, have tools, equipment and materials (such as salt, sand, shovels etc.) on hand for your staff to put to use.

– The gutters and downspouts of your building should be cleaned regularly. Also ensure that any rain or melt water gets directed away from your walkways and sidewalks.

– Be sure that your business is well-lit from the outside and check on your exterior lighting regularly to look for any malfunctioning light fixtures or burnt out bulbs.

Want more advice and recommendations? Click here for more commercial insurance and business protection tips.

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