When most people think of slip-and-fall accidents, they think of a “wet floor” sign in a grocery store, but that’s not the whole picture. Slips, trips, and falls can happen almost anywhere, and the hazards go beyond spilled liquids. From uneven pavement to layered rugs, these accidents are far more common (and dangerous) than most people realize. In fact, over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year in the U.S. due to falls, which account for around 15% of all accidental deaths.
Slip-and-fall injuries can be severe, and the legal responsibility typically falls on the property owner. Even so, many business owners don’t take steps to eliminate known hazards, and that’s why you need to be aware.
Whether you’re pumping gas, hanging with a friend, or grabbing snacks at the corner store, hazards lurk in places you least expect.
Here’s how to spot them and stay safe.
1. Be aware of slick liquids at gas stations
It’s common for oil and gas to pool around gas pumps and create a slick surface. While gas can leak out of a fuel pump, the oil comes from cars with oil leaks. Even a small issue left unchecked can lead to falls that result in serious injuries like bone fractures or head trauma.
Be aware of what’s under your feet when you pump your gas. If it feels slick, tell the attendant on duty and let them know you almost slipped. Hopefully, they’ll take care of it to prevent a future accident.
2. Expect water in public restrooms
Public restrooms almost always have water on the floor, whether it’s from being mopped recently, a leaking fixture, or a sink that was left running. Puddles can be anywhere, including around sinks and toilets. If you’re not careful, even a small puddle can cause you to slip. Anytime you enter a public bathroom, expect to find water on the floor and walk carefully to avoid any mishaps.
3. Watch for uneven pavement and potholes
Cracked asphalt and potholes are a huge fall hazard, especially at night, and are most commonly found in gas station parking lots. However, older shopping centers that lack maintenance often present these hazards, too. Be careful where you step, and never assume a parking lot will be entirely smooth.
4. Loose mats and rugs
Any mat or rug that curls, slides, or bunches up creates an invisible trip hazard – one that you won’t see until your toe gets caught or you’re already falling. If you’re walking across area rugs, make sure to lift your feet a little higher to avoid catching the edge. If the rugs are layered, walk a little more carefully.
5. Low curbs
When you approach an unfamiliar low curb, you might not realize there’s a step down until you get close enough to see where you’re about to step. By then, it might be too late. Low curbs are big fall hazards, and the only way to avoid them is to pay close attention to where you’re walking.
6. Leaking grocery store refrigerators
A leaking fridge that drips water onto the floor can create a big hazard that remains out of sight from staff. However, if you get close enough as a customer, you could step right in it, slip, and fall. When shopping in the cold sections, it helps to quickly glance down just to make sure you aren’t stepping in water.
7. Plants that leak water by the entryway
A lot of businesses put plants in pots outside of their entryway, and it looks beautiful. However, when those plants get watered, it can create a stream of water that flows right across the walkway. This can be dangerous year-round, but if it’s cold, that water can freeze and become ice, creating an even bigger slip-and-fall hazard.
8. Abrupt edges
Whether it’s a crack in the floor or one material transitioning into another, abrupt edges pose a big trip-and-fall hazard. It’s easy to get your toe caught on the edge if you aren’t careful. These abrupt edges can be anywhere, including parking lots, elevator entryways, at the pool, or in a department store where the carpet meets the hard floor.
Be smart and avoid preventable accidents
Slip-and-fall hazards are hiding in plain sight, but a little awareness can help you avoid injury. By watching your step, staying aware, and looking for water where it’s most likely to be, you can avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room.
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