As we start a new year, we are hopeful that we will start seeing some normalcy once again. Many business owners are eager to get back to “business as usual.” This pandemic has been tough on all of us, especially small business owners. With many people safely shopping at local businesses when possible, it’s important for us to focus on keeping our commercial properties safe for our customers. Winter is an especially precarious time when it comes to safety.
Business owners know all too well the costly dangers of a lawyer getting involved, so it’s best to prevent accidents before they have the possibility of happening. Winter weather in Central California means rain and occasional freezing temperatures. These weather conditions can cause slick sidewalks, slippery steps and precarious parking lot situations that can leave you liable for injuries.
How can you prevent accidents?
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Consult Landscape Professionals
Here at Rainscape we can provide information and tips regarding 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. 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.
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Identify Problem Areas
Take the time after it rains to inspect your property after a rainfall and take note of where puddles form. What starts out as a puddle can turn into an area 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.
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Inspect Current Conditions
Take the time to check out all ADA-access ramps and entrance areas, along with shortcut paths, dumpster areas, side employee entrances, loading docks and parking lots. Many of these common areas can be neglected if they aren’t the usual path of entrance. Take the time to look for any hidden dangers.
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Lighten Up!
One thing that you shouldn’t neglect is proper landscape lighting. Winter is often a darker time of year, and that darkness can hide trouble spots. It’s especially important for businesses that operate after dark to check that you have adequate light for safety. You can also boost the level of safety on your property by highlighting slick spots and potential fall hazards. It’s important that your main entrances have appropriate downlighting and floodlighting for safety and security. Pathways, sidewalks, steps, ramps and parking lots should also be thoroughly illuminated to avoid blind spots.
Safety is always a priority. We all want to keep people safe, especially our customers. We look forward to a safe and successful year working with you. 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.