Los Angeles Attorney Clarifies the Basics of Slip and Fall Injuries in Office
Most accidents in offices are slip and fall accidents and many of them could be prevented quite easily. Injuries often occur due to employees slipping and falling on surfaces like wet floors, uneven tiles etc. Employees have a legal duty to ensure that workplaces are free of hazards and that employees are trained in safety protocols. Here are some common accidents that can occur in an office and tips on how to prevent them.
Common situations that cause slip and fall accidents
- Wet or freshly waxed floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Loose flooring
- No handrails on steps
- Clutter
- Muddy, wet shoes
- Desk or filing cabinet drawers left open
- Tripping over electrical cords
It is important to approach an accident lawyer in LA as soon as possible if you have been injured in one of the above ways. You deserve to receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. Personal injury claims can be complex and an experienced slip and fall lawyer will be able to get you what you deserve.
Practice good housekeeping
Sweep, vacuum, clear up clutter, and secure heavy items to avoid slip and fall injuries. If your office housekeeping is poor, the result may be more employee injuries, increasing insurance costs, and regulatory citations.A well-organized clean working space is not only healthier but safer too. It is important to allocate daily, weekly and monthly cleaning duties and for employees to know what a particular work area should look like after cleaning.
Maintain proper lighting
All areas should be well-lit, especially dark corners. Walkways, ramps, hallways, basements, and staircases are just some of the areas where proper lighting is very important in order to reduce risks of slipping and falling. Immediately replace any bulbs that are not working. Areas around any light switches should always be clear and accessible.
Reduce wet or slippery surfaces
It is important to take action immediately if there is a spill. All employees should know they need to clean spills up straight away. “Wet floor” signs should be clearly visible when floors are being cleaned. Using moisture-absorbent mats at entrances, making sure any mats have backing material so they cannot slip, and using anti-skid adhesive tape in problem areas are other measures that can reduce risks of slipping and falling.
Remove obstacles
Avoid leaving clutter around, such as unpacked boxes. Electrical cords can be a hazard when they are strung across areas where people commonly walk. They should always be taken care of so they don’t become a hazard. Encourage closing of file cabinets and drawers after use and make periodic inspections for any hazards in areas of high traffic.
Contact us
If you have suffered injuries due to a slip and fall accident, contact us at (213) 386-9100. Our firm fights vigorously to get the maximum damages for our clients and one of our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys will be able to give you the advice you need.