Beyond the injuries they can cause, slip and fall accidents also carry the risk of insurance liability, in both residential and commercial settings. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to slip and fall accidents, and they can cause serious health complications.
Be a good neighbour and a good business owner by taking proactive steps to reduce risk. Your friends at Mirage Landscaping are here to help you manage all your snow removal needs, reducing your risk of being liable for a slip and fall accident this winter.
Risky Conditions
Here’s a look at some common, specific situations that pose a heightened risk of causing slips and falls in the Calgary southeast:
- Snow and ice that has not been cleared from sidewalks, walkways and driveways
- Wet floors, resulting from tracked-in snow and slush, spills, or mopping
- Poor lighting
- A lack of handrails
- Unmarked, sharp changes in elevation
According to the law, you may be liable for damages if there were reasonable grounds for you to foresee a possible accident and you did not act promptly to prevent it. Slip and fall liability can affect both homeowners and commercial property owners and managers, so be smart about safety and take action to reduce risk.
Preventing Outdoor Slips and Falls
Whether you’re looking to reduce risk at home or at your business, there are some clear guidelines you can follow to reduce the risk of outdoor slips and falls:
- Be sure snow and ice are promptly removed after a snowstorm. City of Calgary bylaws require residents to clear snow from their properties and adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of a major snowfall.
- Provide effective lighting so people can see their way around in the dark. This is especially important in winter, the season of early sunsets.
- Spread sand or salt to help people maintain traction when walking on your property.
- Address any pavement, sidewalk or walkway maintenance issues promptly.
- Business owners should always be sure to follow established safety guidelines to prevent accidents in the workplace.
Preventing Indoor Slips and Falls
Keeping winter out of your home and business can require a little more effort, especially if you run a retail operation that sees a high volume of customers coming in from the outdoors during the winter. Again, prompt snow removal is an excellent first line of defense, but you should also:
- Keep thick mats near entrances and other high-traffic areas, so incoming people can wipe their feet.
- Have people remove their boots or shoes immediately after coming in your home.
- Assign employees to watch carefully for puddles, slush, and tracked-in snow at your place of business, and take immediate action to remedy any dangerous situations that may arise.
- Using plastic runners along floors to help keep walking areas dry and safe.
- Display clear signage that alerts people to potential hazards.
Also, when walking outdoors during the winter, remember to wear proper footwear and avoid situations that look dangerous. You can read more about safe winter walking by consulting our previously published article on the topic, available here.
Count on Mirage Landscaping for All Your Calgary Southeast Snow Removal Management Needs
Mirage Landscaping is southeast Calgary’s most trusted provider of prompt, affordable property maintenance services. We’re proud to say that there are many great reasons to choose us as your snow removal service, and we always respond promptly and reliably after a snowfall.
Best of all, our services are affordable, even to those on tight budgets. Get started today by requesting a fast, free service quote on our website.
