Winter weather brings a higher risk for slips, trips, and falls on business properties, industrial facilities and commercial properties. Rain and the occasional freezing temperatures we can get here in Central California can mean slick sidewalks, slippery steps and precarious parking lot situations that can leave you liable for injuries that occur there.
Taking the time to prepare your property for winter’s hazards is essential for reducing the risk of dangerous situations while also reducing your potential liability. Consulting with landscape professionals like Rainscape is one of the best ways to avoid expensive slip-and-fall lawsuits. Our experienced team of commercial and public-works landscape experts can help identify and remedy problem areas throughout your property before winter hazards set in.
Many business owners believe that slips, trips, stumbles and falls aren’t that serious. Unfortunately, they can be. And they can be very costly for the owner when lawyers get involved. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to lessen your risks.
Start by inspecting your property after a rainfall to see where puddles form. This puts a spotlight on areas that can freeze and cause black ice when temperatures dip low overnight. You can also identify areas that remain in the shade, are slow to dry, and will require non-slip carpets or mats during inclement weather.
Make sure you also check all ADA-access ramps and entrance areas, along with shortcut paths, dumpster areas, side employee entrances, loading docks and parking lots.
Proper landscape lighting can also boost the level of safety on your property by highlighting slick spots and potential hazards, especially for businesses that operate after dark. Main entrances should have downlighting and floodlighting for safety and security. Pathways, sidewalks, steps, ramps and parking lots should also be thoroughly illuminated to avoid blind spots.
If you’re worried about slip-and-falls on your property, our experienced commercial and public works landscaping professionals can help ensure that all elements of your landscape and hardscape are safe and protective of both the area and the people who use it. We’ve worked with dozens of government facilities, public works facilities, and commercial properties over the last 40 years and understand the unique needs of these types of projects. Contact the Rainscape landscape design experts at 559-651-2333 to learn more about preventing slip-and-fall accidents on your property and how we can help.