This time of year, you’re probably finding great deals online and stocking up on holiday gifts at home as well as at the office. You might feel cozy sipping a cup of hot tea next to your computer as you work, but the folks who deliver those packages are fighting the elements each time they walk to your door. Spread a little holiday cheer by making sure that all walkways and the area around your mailbox are clear and easy to access. As a landowner or business owner, you need to be sure that your property is safe for guests, customers, and tenants.
Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere, but risk factors such as adverse weather, untreated patches of ice, piles of leaves topped with snow, obstructions on the walkway, and poorly lit paths can increase the likelihood of an incident.
The National Safety Council reports that falls lead to nearly 8.9 million emergency room visits in the United States each year. Rain, snow, and ice can make the winter months especially dangerous for delivery workers and pedestrians.
If you own a business or property, you should have a snow removal and ice treatment plan to prevent slip and fall occurrences. Ice melt can reduce and even eliminate ice from pavement surfaces. Shoveling the sidewalk might seem like enough, but there is often a thin layer of ice left behind that can create a risk for slipping and falling. Treating the sidewalk with ice melt after shoveling can help reduce this risk.
Is a big snow approaching? Consider applying ice melt before the store to make it easier to remove ice and snow. Don’t forget to treat door entrances and ramps in addition to walkways. You’ll like find it easier to engage a snow removal service to treat parking lots, driveways, and other large areas.
With over 40 years of experience, John Schuerman is a compassionate advocate for injury victims and their families while being an aggressive fighter for justice and full compensation for their claims. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident, call 1-800-274-0045 today for a free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments as well as home and hospital visits are available.
