Avoiding Slip, Trip & Fall Claims at Your Outfitter

Slips, trips and falls can happen at any workplace. Outfitters are no exception. With this in mind, it’s important for adventure sports businesses to take steps to prevent these accidents on the job. While slip and fall incidents may sound minor, they can severely hurt customers, employees and even land your business in court. Keep reading to learn more about these hazards and prevention measures you can use at your outfitter operation.

Common Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards for Outfitters

Slips, trips and falls primarily arise from walking and working surface hazards, such as:

• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Dimly lit pathways or stairways
• Cluttered or disorganized spaces
• Buckled, bulging or damaged floors
• Loose staircases or handrails
• Poorly maintained sidewalks or parking lots

In addition to these hazards, slips, trips and falls may also occur due to individuals not paying enough attention to their surroundings.

Ensure your adventure sports business is prepared for the unexpected. Check out these  safety tips for outfitters.

Slip, Trip & Fall Prevention

In attempt to prevent  slip, trip and fall incidents  at your outfitter operation, be sure to implement these precautions:

• Uphold proper housekeeping. Play your part in keeping all areas clean and tidy by regularly disposing of trash, removing any clutter from common spaces and putting away items in their designated storage locations immediately after use. Never leave equipment or electrical cords in walkways; they could interfere with foot traffic and cause trip hazards.
• Clean up spills. When spills or other messes occur, promptly follow all applicable workplace cleaning policies and procedures to mitigate associated hazards. This may include displaying signage that warns passersby to steer clear of the impacted area and removing the mess with the necessary cleaning supplies.
• Utilize safe footwear. Make it a priority to wear comfortable and supportive nonslip shoes (e.g., sneakers, boots) to help maintain stability across various walking and working surfaces and safeguard your feet on the job. Keep your shoelaces securely tied at all times (if applicable). Additionally, make use of any nonslip mats or rugs provided at building entryways to avoid tracking in moisture, dirt or other debris.
• Remain cautious. Always walk at a safe speed, stay diligent and carefully assess the path in front of you for potential slip, trip and fall hazards. Be especially cautious in slippery, dimly lit or commonly damp areas (e.g., bathrooms,  bus stairs, dark hallways, parking lots containing cracks or potholes). When going up and down stairs, use handrails if available. Refrain from multitasking or engaging in other distracting activities while moving to and from different locations.
• Report hazards. If your employees identify any ongoing slip, trip and fall hazards that haven’t been properly addressed, they should report these concerns to their manager immediately. Including hazard training in the  onboarding process  will help employees feel more empowered to prioritize safety and not be afraid to consult their colleagues or supervisors if they have questions.

Insurance Coverage for Slips, Trips & Falls

Slip and fall accidents can have a major financial impact on businesses. Minor accidents can lead to massive liability — the consequences can be severe. It's crucial to have adequate  general liability insurance coverage  and  workers' compensation  to protect your employees and customers.

Our workers’ compensation policy has no policy limits and is considered “no-fault, exclusive remedy” coverage. That means if an employee is  injured on the job, his only means of compensation is workers’ comp. In other words, the employee cannot sue you for further damages. The “payout” for this portion of the policy is predetermined by your state’s workers’ compensation laws.

Adventure More & Worry Less With CBIZ Adventure Sports Insurance

Although slips, trips and falls are common occurrences within many workplaces and environments, prioritizing your safety and taking effective precautions can help you avoid these incidents at your operation.  Request a free CBIZ Adventure Sport Insurance quote  today.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

How Insurance Can Protect Your Outfitter from Vandalism Beware of These Commercial General Liability Exclusions