As a business owner, the last thing that you want to have to worry about it’s getting sued for someone getting injured due to negligence on your property. In order to avoid injury, it’s vital that you take all the necessary precautions. By keeping a close eye on any potential hazards and ways that people could get hurt, you can steer clear of unnecessary lawsuits.
Take a look at some of the most common ways that people get hurt on business premises and what you can do to stay far away from them.
Slipping and Falling On Wet Floors
It’s incredibly common for customers to slip and fall on floors that have not been adequately dried. Not only should you always make sure to display a wet floor sign if a floor is wet, but you should always make sure to warn your customers verbally as well. It’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Not only can a customer get hurt, but one of your employees could get seriously injured as well. Slip and fall accidents can be more than just a bump on the head. They can lead to broken bones and even brain damage.
Unsafe Sidewalks
If your business has a sidewalk outside the store, it’s essential that you take responsibility for it. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that just because the storefront is in a public area that you’re not responsible for keeping it a safe place to walk.
Ensure that there are no hazards which could cause someone to injure themselves, like ice or snow. If there is a storm, and snow and ice gather outside of your business, make sure that it’s shoveled thoroughly before opening your doors.
Object Obstructing Pathway
The responsibilities of a business never stop. Sometimes you have to restock in the middle of a busy shift or unload a shipment. As a result, sometimes large items are left in the walkway.
However, if a customer happens to trip and fall over the item, then you are going to be held personally responsible. Make sure that any areas which have obstructing objects in them are roped off from your customers’ access.
Opening Doors
It’s extremely common for customers to get hit by doors which are opening rapidly during business hours. Make sure that you’re always aware of anyone being on the other side of the door that is opened.
All it takes is one split second of opening a door at the wrong moment to severely injure someone’s face.
In addition to door injuries as a result of being opened too quickly, you should also make sure that your entryway is accessible for wheelchairs. Failing to provide a safe entry for them could result in serious injury, leading to a lawsuit.
