Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards in Retail Stores

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Retailers worry a lot about sales. But here’s something else they need to worry about or it could cost them millions:

Slip, trip and fall hazards in and around their stores!

Wal-Mart learned this lesson the hard way: A truck driver, who slipped and fell on ice and grease while making a delivery to the retail giant in northern Colorado, was awarded nearly $10 million. Holly Averyt had three spine surgeries, was unable to return to work and lost her truck. The grease she slipped on was from the store’s deli. It didn’t get trapped in a device designed to keep it from getting into the sewer. Despite Wal-Mart’s claim that no grease had been spilled there and an appeal of the first trial, the Colorado Supreme Court awarded Averyt $10 million.

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere. And according to the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Over 1 million people in the U.S. experience a significant slip, trip or fall each year
  • Slips and falls are the third largest cause of workplace injuries
  • they are the single most common reason for visits to the ER
  • 70% of slips and falls occur on level ground, and
  • they cost the U.S. $36 billion each year.

 

Here’s what retailers can do to make sure their employees and customers are safe in and around their stores:
  • Have someone periodically inspect floors for hazards, such as spills, uneven or unsecure mats, cords lying around, ice by delivery areas, etc.

 

  • Clean all spills immediately and mark them with “wet area” warning signs or barricades
  • Spread grease-absorbent compounds on oily surfaces
  • Apply anti-slip coating to walkways and floors in high-traffic areas
  • Remove obstacles from walkways and keep them free of clutter
  • Secure all mats and rugs by tacking or taping them down, and
  • Never leave cords and cables across walkways.

 

Applying these safety measures will help keep customers and staff safe and steady on their feet.

 

 

By: Renee Cocchi, http://www.retailnewsalert.com.pbpmedia.net/is-your-store-safe-from-slip-and-falls/?pulb=1