Spring may be in the air, but that doesn’t mean it’s all blue skies and sunshine. Chilly mornings and spring showers can still make for dangerous and slippery conditions, creating the perfect storm for slip-and-fall accidents.
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause significant injuries. Taking proactive steps this spring can help protect you from common springtime slip-and-fall injuries.
Springtime Slip-and-Fall Prevention Tips
Because it’s spring and more people want to shake off the winter blues and get out of the house or office, it is the right time to evaluate your home or workplace to identify slip-and-fall hazards that can threaten your safety and the safety of others.
- Watch the weather – Spring showers bring May flowers but can also cause slippery and dangerous conditions. Cold morning air can transform these wet conditions into icy and slick walkways. Unpredictable spring weather means you should not put away your winter gear. Keep salt and ice-melting chemicals available until the last last-season freeze. You should also keep boots in your home or car if a sudden rainstorm hits and you need extra traction while walking.
- Declutter and reorganize – Spring is the perfect time to reevaluate your home or office and clear away the junk and clutter that may have accumulated over the winter and holiday seasons. Keep floors and walkways free from debris, cords, and clutter, which can be significant tripping hazards. Replace old, worn, or torn carpets and rugs with fresh décor and put down a layer of slip-resistant rug mat to prevent carpets and rugs from moving.
- Take stock of your environment – The cold and icy winter months can damage your outdoor walkways and sidewalks. When water freezes, it expands, causing cracks and damage to rock and concrete pathways. These cracks and uneven walkways can be dangerous tripping hazards. In spring, evaluate your outdoor areas and look for cracks, breaks, and uneven surfaces that could be hazardous. Repair these damages as soon as possible to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
- Evaluate your wardrobe – Proper footwear can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents. As the weather warms up, you may be tempted to wear flimsy and breathable footwear. While convenient, these shoe styles can be dangerous. Look for comfortable shoes with good traction and feature slip-resistant soles. Your feet and the rest of your body will thank you later.
- Brighten up – Winter’s cold, dark days may be past, but spring sunshine isn’t at its peak. A long, dark winter can mean lightbulbs have burned out. Spring can also deceive people into thinking they can shut off their lights later or wait to turn them on because the sun is out longer. Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially at dawn and dusk, when visibility is reduced.
- Consider your water usage and irrigation systems – For a beautiful spring and summer bounty, it is time to reset your irrigation and springer system. It is wise to test your system before setting up a watering routine to ensure there aren’t broken sprinkler heads or pipes that can cause water to puddle or pool, creating a slipping hazard. You’ll also want to test your system to see if sprinkler heads are facing the proper direction. You want to water your grass and garden, not the sidewalk. This action wastes water and causes dangerous and slippery conditions for passersby.
It is an excellent idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. Due to the careless behavior of others, you can take all the safety precautions in the world and still be the victim of an accident.
A South Carolina Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney is Ready to Listen
South Carolina residents have trusted Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., to help them for over 125 years. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to advocate for you, helping you to recover compensation for your injuries after a slip-and-fall accident. Contact our office now for a no-obligation consultation.