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Every year, as many as 1.7 million Canadians age 12 and older are involved in a slip and fall accident. According to Statistics Canada, these incidents account for over 40% of preventable injuries in the country!
Dangerous and often preventable, slip and falls are part of Diamond and Diamond’s expertise as the largest personal injury law firm in Canada. Isaac Zisckind, Partner at Diamond Law, sheds light on some of the important preventative measures your business should take to reduce slip and fall risk and avoid liability for negligence:
Monitor the Weather
One common mistake that we see many businesses make is failing to monitor weather conditions, particularly in regions susceptible to snowstorms. The ice and snow that accumulates during winter storms are a frequent hazard in Canada and one of the country’s top causes of slip and fall injuries.
Be sure to shovel and salt the entrances and exits to your business and clear the sidewalk on a regular basis; municipalities like the City of Toronto require residents and businesses to clear their own sidewalks of snow and ice within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall 2 cm or less in depth. “Businesses must proactively monitor and maintain their premises (inside and out) to safeguard against slip and fall risk,” says Isaac Zisckind.
Prioritize Clean and Clear Walking Areas
One major way to limit slip and falls within your building involves maintaining clean and uncluttered floors and walkways. Make sure to keep these areas well-swept and free from any tripping and slipping hazards. According to Isaac Zisckind, “It’s important for businesses to keep diligent records of their cleaning activities; sweeping and mopping logs can go a long way in maintaining a safe property and avoiding potential legal liability.”
Employ Proper Wet Floor Signage
The proper use of wet floor signage cannot be overstated. Not only do these signs act as a warning to prevent people from slipping and falling, but they also serve to protect your business from legal exposure in the case of an accident. Investing in conspicuous wet floor signage is an affordable means to limit the likelihood of slip and fall incidents and demonstrate a commitment to safety at your place of business.
Act in a Timely Manner
Taking immediate action is a cornerstone of slip and fall prevention. Address spills promptly to ensure a single slip and fall does not compound into multiple slip and falls. In snowy conditions, timely maintenance of entrances and parking lots is essential to avoiding the accumulation of ice and snow. “Procrastination in addressing potential hazards can lead to severe consequences,” says Isaac Zisckind. “Quick action, on the other hand, demonstrates that a business is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its patrons.”
Slip and fall incidents pose a substantial risk to both individuals and businesses. By adopting these proactive measures, businesses can significantly reduce such risks and create safer environments for their customers and employees.
Should you have any slip and fall concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our team of personal injury experts at Diamond and Diamond at 1-800-567-HURT.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
