How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Anti-slip Floor Mats

There was a time when floor mats were thought to serve only as a protective layer for expensive flooring, like granite, tile, or hardwood. Today, that misconception is long gone. We live in a litigious society, and property owners learned long ago that commercial safety mats can go a long way in keeping entryways clean, dry, and safe.

For best results, property owners are to pair an outdoor mat with a second indoor mat to ensure maximum debris containment. Outside, a weatherproof “scraper mat” with tough ridges and grooves will dislodge big dirt and debris from shoes. Inside, a wider and longer carpet met will serve as a “wiper,” giving guests a large area to wipe dry while entering the building.

Slip and Fall Caution Signs

Some areas are more dangerous than others. For these areas, property owners might find it beneficial to proactively place caution signs by curbs, uneven floor transitions, abrupt drop-offs, and other disruptions in walking surface that might not be noticeable by first time guests.

By law, property owners are required to disclose information on known dangerous. Failure to do so might be construed as negligence, in which property owners could be liable for accidents that occur. Slip and fall caution signs help property owners avoid this common pitfall, helping to notify guests of known dangers and risks.

Exceptional Lighting

Guests are likely to slip, trip, or fall over 100% of the hazards they cannot see. Exceptional lighting is vital, especially at dusk. Exterior floodlights, entryway lights, and the overhead lighting throughout the facility are just 3 areas to be mindful.

Maintenance Personnel

Safety mats, caution signs, and exceptional lighting mean little if they are not properly maintained. Unlike the property owners and/or business management, maintenance personnel are on the frontlines where accidents are most likely to occur. They see debris accumulation, liquid spills, burned-out lights, and other serious hazards long before anyone else. Moreover, they have the tools and knowledge to fix the problem before it has the chance to cause someone serious harm.

Wet Umbrella Bag Stands

Aside form debris, liquid accumulation is one of the biggest causes of slip and fall accidents. Liquid accumulation is particularly hard to manage on rainy days. Rainstorms have a tendency to cause hazardous puddles and slippery conditions at entryways, even when floor mats, safety signs, lights, and vigilant maintenance personnel are present.

Wet umbrella bag stands give guests a place to store and secure their umbrella, significantly reducing the rainwater and mess they carry past the entryway. Wet umbrella bag stands are available in a variety of different sizes, finishes, and styles to complement most interior décor. When paired with mats and other safety products, umbrella bag stands are the final touch to an effective slip and fall prevention plan.

Sources:

(i) “Workplace Safety Index 2010.” Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety.

(ii) “New Techniques for Slip and Fall Management.” CNA. Download the PDF.

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When selecting facility safety products, it is helpful to first understand the main causes of dirt, debris, and moisture accumulation. Shoes are perhaps the most well known contributors of facility debris, and the level of dirt and grime carried through the entry way worsens as precipitation increases. Wet umbrellas are another means by which rainwater gets carried into the facility, forming dangerous puddles in unlikely areas.

Choosing an Umbrella Safety Product

Facility managers seldom hesitate to invest in commercial matting to contain the dirt and moisture carried by shoes. Wet umbrellas are an afterthought, and many managers rely on maintenance personnel to reactively clean the messes they make. As with all reactive strategies, reliance on cleaning personnel opens the door for potential slip and fall accidents to occur between the time a puddle forms and the moment it is spotted and cleaned.

To narrow the gap, property owners and facility managers limit their exposure to liability by going the “extra mile” to keep properties clean, dry, and safe on rainy days. All that is required is a simple cost-effective investment in an umbrella stand, rack, or wrapper to help keep rain water in check.

Umbrella Stands, Cans, and Racks

The first type of umbrella safety product is an umbrella stand. Umbrella stands are the oldest and most widely recognized of all products available. They might be simple in design, like the vertical stands and cans seen at commercial (and even residential) entryways. Umbrella stands are also available in rack form, designed to accommodate up to 36 umbrellas in a single unit.

Pros:

• Stands, racks, and cans keep umbrellas in an upright or horizontal position so they dry more efficiently.
• Visitors must leave their umbrella in the unit, reducing the amount of rain water that is tracked beyond the entryway.
• Puddles are effectively prevented, especially when used in conjunction with entryway matting.

Cons:

• Guests might erroneously take the wrong umbrella upon leaving the facility.
• Guests might forget their umbrella altogether.
• Property owner might be held liable for lost or mislaid umbrellas.

Wet Umbrella Bag Dispensers

A newer type of umbrella safety product delivers the best of both worlds by allowing guests to retain possession of their umbrella while also eliminating the threat of rain water runoff. These units are positioned at the entryway, and they have an automatic wrapping mechanism that envelops the wet umbrella in a disposable plastic bag. In one fluid motion, guests insert their umbrella and remove it fully bagged.

Pros:

• Effectively controls rain water runoff on stormy days by completely enveloping wet umbrellas in an elongated plastic bag.
• Reduces rain water accumulation on smooth entryway floors.
• Enables guests to retain possession of their umbrella throughout the duration of their visit.
• Delivers a “wow” factor that cultivates a positive first impression with guests.

Cons:

• More expensive than traditional stands, cans, and racks. Automatic Umbrella Wrappers are preferred by high end residential complexes, hospitality destinations, retail outlets, hospitals, and other public properties where safety and customer experience enhancement are vital.

Find a Customized Solution for Your Property

At Umbrella Bagger, we are passionate about providing commercial-grade safety solutions tailored to meet the needs of any commercial or public property. To learn more about umbrella stands, cans, and new Automatic Umbrella Wrappers, call Client Services at 855-328-8100.

Free Shipping and Price Match Guarantee. To ensure our customers get the right product at the right price, Umbrella Bagger now offers Free Shipping and a 100% Price Match Guarantee for all online orders!

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The discussion of apartment safety often takes a back seat to discussions on commercial safety, perhaps because visitor turnover and increased exposure to weather makes commercial spaces ripe with dangers for guests. Nevertheless, developers and property owners are wise to consider tenant safety when conceptualizing, building, and managing residential living spaces.

Pictured left is a wet umbrella bag stand positioned outside the Four Ambassadors Hotel and Residences in Miami, Florida. Refer to this image as you read the rest of this article, and consider how these simple products speak volumes about a building’s commitment to providing superior comfort and safety for guests.

Why care about tenant safety?

It’s projected that about 5 to 6 million families will become renters by 2013, according to statistics gathered by the National Association of Realtors. Some point to the mortgage crisis of 2008 as a main cause for this increasing population of renters. The lackluster recovery of the U.S. economy might likewise be keeping people renting, as fewer Americans have the liquidity to afford purchasing a new home.

As the population of renters continues to climb, the concern for tenant safety will likewise become an increasingly important issue for property owners.

Why property owners should invest in umbrella wrappers

Last month, our editorial team ranked residential apartment complexes as 1 of the top 5 places that benefit from wet umbrella wrappers. From property owners from liability to enhancing tenant living experience, here are the top 3 reasons property owners should make the cost effective leap toward safer entryways with these unique products.

1. Prevent liability for slip and fall accidents.

By law, property owners have the legal responsibility to keep premises safe for visitors. They must also take reasonable action to repair unsafe conditions, and they must warn guests of known dangers.

A slick floor surface that becomes slippery and dangerous when wet can sometimes constitute a known danger. Additionally, failure to clean liquid accumulation may constitute negligence, which can ultimately make the property owner responsible for any injuries that result.

To prevent liability, property owners must employ management teams, maintenance personnel, and safety products to keep things safe for all guests. Wet umbrella wrappers are a proactive and cost-effective way to do so, particularly during days of inclement weather.

2. Protect tenants from the development of mold and mildew.

Umbrella wrappers do more than just prevent slip and fall accidents. In keeping precipitation under control, these products also prevent standing liquid accumulation and the formation of mold and mildew. This is particularly important to implement in clubhouses and other common areas for which proper cleaning and upkeep is the responsibility of the management team.

3. Improve the building’s image.

Safety is not the only benefit offered by wet umbrella wrappers. True, these units keep puddles from causing slips, falls, and hazardous mold formation. But they add value in another less obvious way: They build community image.

By providing automatic umbrella wrappers, property managers convey genuine concern for the well-being and comfort of their guests. Whether tenants, guests, or prospective renters, all can appreciate the kind and thoughtful gesture that these units display.

Learn More About Umbrella Wrappers for Residential Buildings

To learn more about umbrella stands, dispensers, and automatic wrappers for residential buildings, readers are invited to contact Umbrella Bagger Customer Services at 855-328-8100.

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By mid-afternoon of Black Friday 2008, media outlets nationwide reported the same heartbreaking story: An elderly employee of a mega-retailer had been trampled to death by a mob of unruly shoppers. Since that time, retailers have committed to improving safety for both employees and shoppers during the busy sales events of the winter holiday season.

The following Black Friday Safety Checklist draws vital information from Federal safety agencies and is intended to help storefront owners effectively manage crowds of customers. With a bit of proactive preparation, retailers can take positive steps to ensure the tragic events of Friday, November 28^th are never repeated.

Review OSHA’s Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an online reference for all retailers to provide tips for preventing in-store accidents and injuries during busy sales events. Effective crowd management, according to OSHA, is critical in preventing accidents and fatal injuries.

Planning for the Event

Whether planning for Black Friday or prepping for large December crowds, OSHA recommends retailers take the following precautions:

1. Examine all major points of entry. Determine where the largest inflow and outflow of shoppers will occur, and station additional employees or security personnel as needed.

2. Verify the property’s compliance with all safety codes and requirements. This is most efficiently done by contacting local fire, police, and other municipality authorities.

3. To improve emergency response, designate one specific employee per shift to be responsible for contacting the police, EMTs, or the fire department in the case of an emergency.

Setting Up for the Event

As the day of the sales event draws closer, OSHA recommends retailers pay close attention to the following issues and challenges while prepping the store:

1. Use posts, stanchions, and crowd control devices to create queues that will control the crowd as they enter the store. Create similar crowd control systems to sort shoppers into lines so they may make their purchase and exit the premises quickly and efficiently.

2. Designate employees to serve as Greeters, directing the public to specific line queues and/or points of entry as they arrive to the store.

3. Inside, display special sale items in a designated area that is easily accessible and clearly marked. This will reduce overcrowding in certain areas, and it will help shoppers find popular items quickly.

During the Big Day

Of course, special precautions must be taken on the day of the sales event. This is when crowds of customers will surge the aisles of the store, making it imperative that all employees, staff, and security personnel work together to ensure everyone’s safety. OSHA recommends retailers consider the following safety guidelines:

1. Designate a special entrance area for employees so personnel can enter and leave the premises freely. Station security personnel at the employee entrance to prevent public use.

2. Position uniformed security personnel at all points of major entry. Staff additional police, if needed. Positioning these trained professionals in highly visible areas will both discourage aggression among shoppers while also promoting feelings of safety.

3. Carefully monitor customer inflow, and do not let additional shoppers enter the premises after maximum occupancy is reached.

Read the Full OSHA Report

The items above are just a small sample of a much larger report that OSHA has produced to help retailers control crowds and maintain safety during sales events this year. For the full report, including additional tips on responding to emergency situations, visit the complete Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers.

Umbrella Bagger: Committed to a Safe Shopping Experience

Umbrella Bagger stands committed to helping retailers create a safe shopping experience this holiday season.

In addition to following OSHA recommendations for effective crowd management, retailers are invited to learn more about slip and fall prevention with wet umbrella bag stands. Proactively prevent rain and snow puddles to keep entryways clean, dry, and safe through major sales events and days of inclement weather.

To learn more, call Umbrella Bagger Client Services at 855-328-8100.

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As we’ve covered in many blog articles and studies this year, one of the best ways to improve customer satisfaction and visitor safety is to focus on making sure floor surfaces are clean, dry, and safe. The importance of floors was highlighted earlier this year when American insurance company, CNA, released a new study indicating that poorly maintained floors were the #1 contributing factor in slip and fall accident cases. For some, this statistic was a departure from conventional wisdom, as many would intuitively guess that slips and falls had more to do with visitor footwear and/or clumsiness.

In keeping entryways safe, customers are sure to feel a firm foothold and a warm welcome when entering storefronts to shop during the 2013 holiday season.

Spreading Awareness for In-store Accident Prevention

The biggest reason we are spreading awareness for visitor safety during the holiday shopping season is simple: Accidents are more likely to occur when storefronts are busy, overcrowded, and offering big sales. Retailers know firsthand that each of those variables has major influence during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, making now the perfect time to re-think storefront safety products and protocols.

Moreover, the snow and rain of winter months has the potential to make entryways even more treacherous than normal. To prepare, retailers are encouraged to be mindful of the 10 days that are predicted to be the busiest this season:

1. November 29th: Black Friday
2. December 21st: Super Saturday
3. December 22nd
4. December 20th
5. December 14th
6. December 23rd
7. December 26th (the day following Christmas)
8. November 30th (Saturday following Black Friday)
9. December 7th
10. 10. December 28th

Tips for Preventing Slippery Floors

With the top 10 busiest shopping days in mind, property owners must shift gears to think about visitor safety from the ground-up. Below are 3 essential tips for making sure that storefronts, particularly high traffic entryways, stay clean, dry, and safe for shoppers.

1. Use floor mats for added traction.

Floor mats are perhaps one of the oldest and most well-known methods of accident prevention. Mats are available in a variety of makes and models, each of which can add a significant layer of traction on which customers can walk while simultaneously drying their shoes.

2. Offer coat racks or coat check services.

Floor mats are just the foundation for a slip-free season, however. It’s important to understand other ways in which snow, ice, and rainwater can penetrate facilities and cause hazardous puddles. One way precipitation is carried past entryways and throughout the storefront is by way of wet raincoats and other outdoor apparel. Offer a place for guests to check their coats, and you’ll reap two benefits: Precipitation control, and customer experience enhancement. Allow guests to easily shed their wet coats, and create an in-store environment that invites happy shopping.

3. Offer wet umbrella bags to guests.

Umbrellas are particularly good at carrying precipitation past entryways, as they are often carried throughout the store with little thought of the mess they make. As property owners, keeping up with liquid accumulation from wet umbrellas can be a challenge that can lead to slips, trips, and falls when left unchecked. Place wet umbrella bag dispensers at all major points of entry, and give guests a convenient way to stow their umbrellas while they shop.

Keeping Things Clean, Dry, and Safe This Winter

Visit Umbrella Bagger for additional information on wet umbrella bag stands, disposable bags, and other safety products. For order information and assistance, call toll free 1-855-328-8100.

Read the full press release by clicking on the following link: PRWeb-Umbrella Bagger Spreads Awareness for In Store Accident Prevention

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Controlling rainwater accumulation is vital when it comes to maintaining a clean, dry, and safe environment as well. Contrary to popular belief, it is often the condition of the floor that causes the accident—not the clumsiness of the person who falls (i). In this light, staying proactive in controlling wet umbrellas and the rainwater they carry is essential in preventing unnecessary slips, trips, and falls during rainy days.

5 Settings That Are Ideal for Umbrella Wrappers

The following 5 locations are the most ideal settings for these unique safety products.

Residential apartment buildings

Whether purchasing a unit or leasing for the year, apartment complexes are first and foremost judged on the quality of life they provide to residents. Aesthetics, common areas, amenities, and staff are all vital selling points. It’s important to remember that curb appeal is everything, and wet umbrella bag stands are a fine touch that residents and guests are sure to enjoy. Moreover, these devices are highly effective in proactively preventing accidents that can otherwise occur when rainwater is left to form puddles on the floor.

Commercial buildings

Commercial buildings benefit from umbrella bag dispensers for much the same reason that residential complexes do. An important difference, however, lies in the footwear of the guests who frequent the premises. Whether dressing business casual or donning a suit, professional men and women typically wear shoes with smoother soles and less grip than average sneakers. The smallest touch of rainwater or debris can cause a serious slip and fall, making it more dangerous than usual to allow guests to carry wet umbrellas through the entryway, lobby, and interior corridors.

Banks

Security, comfort, and superior customer service are often the three most important values financial lending institutions leverage when competing for new customers. Although umbrella bag dispensers won’t prevent fraud or identity theft, they will make those rainy day trips to the bank a more comfortable experience. After all, no one likes waiting in line with a sopping wet umbrella and their arm.

College campuses

Few communities spend more time traveling from building to building throughout the day than the students, professors, and staff that make up our nation’s college campuses. Add wind and rain to the mix, and it’s easy to see how slip and fall accidents can become a real threat. With such a high level of turnover throughout the day, campus buildings are smart to invest in safety products that keep dirt, debris, and moisture in check. Floor mats are essential, and umbrella bag dispensers are a vital complement, especially in the entryways of auditoriums, fitness centers, and other places that attract high profile events.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts are an escape from the ordinary. And although people travel to these destinations to take a break from reality, they still appreciate a warm and comfortable environment. Umbrella bag dispensers are a simple way to make a positive first impression, particularly for tropical destinations that experience unpredictable storms and rainfall.

Learn More About Automatic Umbrella Wrappers

Visit Umbrella Bagger online to shop the Web’s most comprehensive collection of umbrella bag dispensers. Shop our new collection of Automatic Umbrella Wrappers, new units that allow guest to bag and stow wet umbrellas in a single, fluid motion.

Sources:

(i) “New Techniques to Control Slips and Falls.” National Floor Safety Institute. Accessed 23 August 2013.

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Rainwater, snow, and other debris accumulation is most dangerous when it occurs in unlikely places for 1 main reason: It’s hard to spot. For maintenance personnel, accumulation that occurs beyond floor mats or along interior corridors might not be recognized during normal rounds. And for guests, such accumulation can be unexpected and, in some cases, very difficult to see.

Slipper Floors Cost Business Owners Billions

According to the Liberty Mutual Research Institute, slip and fall accidents cost American businesses an estimated $13 billion in total costs. Among those categories of accidents are overexertion, fall on same level, bodily reaction, fall to lower level, and struck by object (such as moving machinery or a dropped tool). The costs illustrated in the infographic above were originally published in the Institute’s Workplace Safety Index for 2010.

Most alarmingly, however, is a figure that is not illustrated above: The cost of slip and fall accidents has actually increased between the years of 1998 and 2008, as reported by Liberty Mutual. Also important to note is that costs for the other top 10 categories of at-work injury all decreased over the same time period.

These numbers demonstrate a simple truth: Slip and fall accidents remain a problem for American business owners. Be it ineffective safety products, lack of proper cleaning protocol, unpredictable weather, or some combination of each of these variables, slip and fall accidents are a costly part of doing business that is preventable.

How to Eliminate Slippery Floor Surfaces

The best way to prevent accidents due to rainy day weather is to take a 3-pronged approach to rainwater accumulation. This includes:

1. Anticipate wet shoes.

Rainy days inevitably cause visitors’ shoes to become wet and dirty with debris. To prevent slips and falls, use indoor and outdoor commercial floor mats to aggressively clean debris and wetness from visitors’ shoes.

2. Remember: Wet coats track water past mats.

Shoes are not the only thing that needs tending to, however. Wet coats can easily track water well beyond floor mats, which can cause dangerous accumulation in hard-to-see places. To combat this problem, use coat racks and “coat checks” to encourage guests to leave wet coats at the entryway.

3. Encourage guests to wrap and stow wet umbrellas.

Like raincoats, wet umbrellas track water well beyond the safe and absorbent surfaces of floor mats. Wet umbrellas pose a greater problem than wet coats, however, because guests shake them dry at the entryway, which showers slick floor surfaces with rainwater, snow, and other debris. Shop wet umbrella bag dispensers to minimize this risk, and present guests with an easy way to wrap-and-stow wet umbrellas upon entering the facility.

Shop Automatic Wet Umbrella Wrappers

Visit Umbrella Bagger for additional information on wet umbrella bag dispensers, disposable bags, and other safety products. For order information and assistance, call toll free 1-855-328-8100.

Share This Free Infographic

To share this free infographic, right-click on the following link and select “Save as…” to save the embed code to your computer as a .txt file. Then, upload the entire file to your website or blog: Embed Code-Prevent Slippery Floors

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With danger comes opportunity, however, as fall months and the holiday shopping season drive large crowds, sales, and high revenues. To make the most out of this profitable opportunity, property owners are encouraged to get proactive in accident prevention. In addition to hiring maintenance personnel and reviewing proper cleaning protocol, property owners are wise to evaluate the premises and think of cost effective ways to invest in safety products that will keep heavily trafficked areas clean, dry, and safe.

Mats, Stanchions, Umbrella Wrappers, & More

1. Outdoor Rubber Matting

Safety mats made of 100% commercial-grade rubber Nitrile make superb outdoor entrance mats. With deep surface grooves, these mats aggressively “squeegee” shoes clean of both dirt and moisture.

2. Indoor Walk-Off Mats

Just inside entryways, carpet surfaced “walk off mats” are an ideal supplement to outdoor mats. Not only do these heavy duty mats deliver a high degree of traction on slick entryway floors, they also provide a second line of defense against incoming dirt, moisture, and bacteria. After crossing both outdoor mats and indoor walk-off mats, industry experts estimate that up to 60% of incoming debris can be contained and prevented from entering the rest of the facility.

3. Recessed Grill Systems

Some facilities experience such a high degree of visitor inflow and outflow that special solutions are needed. For these facilities, recessed grill systems provide superior cleaning and containment of incoming debris.

4. Crowd Control Systems

Beyond the entryway, property owners must make an effort to control crowds, keep products accessible, and provide service in an efficient manner. Crowd control systems can help, giving managers the ability to assemble custom line queues to organize customers according to their needs. Moreover, effective crowd management can significantly improve the rate at which customers are serviced, which ultimately enhances both revenue and customer experience.

5. Umbrella Bag Dispensers

Both rain and snow present a serious problem for property owners, particularly when guests rush throw entryways with wet or snow covered umbrellas. On days of inclement weather, wet umbrellas track water well beyond the absorbent surfaces of entrance mats, causing puddles and slick spots in hard-to-see areas. Wet umbrella bag dispensers provide a highly effective solution, enabling guests to wrap their umbrellas upon entering the building.

Shop Automatic Wet Umbrella Wrappers

Visit Umbrella Bagger for additional information on wet umbrella bag dispensers, disposable bags, and other safety products. For order information and assistance, call toll free 1-855-328-8100.

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After assembling a maintenance and safety team that understands the risks associated with facility operations, it’s time to identify the top causes of workplace accidents. In paying attention to these factors, teams will be better able to identify and disarm potentially dangerous conditions, before they cause an accident.

Top 5 Causes of Accidents

Dirt and Soil

Dirt and soil are among the most common causes for accidents. Like liquid and moisture accumulation, dirt and soil can make floor surfaces slippery and difficult to walk across.

What to Look For: Maintenance crews should pay close attention to the exterior of the facility, particularly sidewalks, stairways, and ramps that lead from parking lot to main entrance. Areas bordered by grass, flower beds, and other landscaping are particularly prone to dirt and soil accumulation on rainy days. Crews can use push brooms, hoses, and pressure washers to keep these heavily trafficked walkways safe. Additionally, outdoor/weatherproof rubber entrance mats can be used to clean debris from guests’ shoes before entering the building.

Smooth Entryway Floors

Just inside the entryway, floor spaces represent another area that maintenance crews and managers should monitor. These areas typically feature granite, hardwood, tile, and other smooth surfaces that become extremely slippery and dangerous when wet.

What to Look For: Puddles, spills, and other liquid accumulation are the most dangerous things to watch for. Crews are to mop and sweep these conditions as soon as they occur to prevent accidents. Use of walk-off mats is also recommended. These highly absorbent mats ensure maximum containment of liquid while also providing traction and a clean place to wipe one’s shoes.

Rainwater Accumulation

Entryways become especially dangerous on rainy days. In times of inclement weather, crews and managers are wise to remain on “high alert” for the accumulation of puddles and other dangerous situations.

What to Look For: Watch for guests who leave wet umbrellas by the entryway. A common practice, this unfortunate habit can promote puddles while also presenting a tripping hazard that is hard to see. Use wet umbrella bag stands and visible signage to encourage guests to quickly and conveniently stow their umbrellas. These simple products are a quick fix that goes a long way in maintaining the professional appearance of the lobby/ reception area while also preventing accidents.

Untidy Mats

Floor mats are exceptional when it comes to keeping floors clean, dry, and safe. However, they are only effective when they are properly placed.

What to Look For: Crews must check-in on floor mats to make sure they do not become disoriented, flipped, rolled, or otherwise tangled during peak business hours. Additionally, mats must be laundered regularly to ensure maximum retention of incoming moisture and debris.

Indoor/Outdoor Stairways and Ramps

Though they are a common part of everyday life, stairways and ramps can be a dangerous obstacle, especially on days of inclement weather.

What to Look For: Make sure steps, landing areas, and ramps are clear of all debris and moisture. Clean when they become untidy, and invest in stair treads, landing area tiles, and “grit strips” to improve traction. Crews must also pay attention to overhead/ outdoor lighting, making sure to replace light bulbs regularly to ensure maximum visibility at all times. The use of warning signs and placards is also recommended to alert guests of stairways, ramps, and other abrupt transitions.

Learn More About Accident Prevention

To learn more about preventing accidents with industry-leading safety products, contact Umbrella Bagger online or call customer services for complimentary consultation at 855-328-8100.

Guest may learn more about the real costs of slip and fall accidents by logging on to the National Floor Safety Instituteonline.

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Property Owner Liability: Understanding Your Duty

To understand why wet umbrellas present such a risk to businesses and property owners, it is helpful to first cover a few basics on property owner liability. A legal concept, property owner liability explores the extent to which the owner of a storefront, facility, or other piece of property is responsible, or liable, for the incidents that occur on the premises.

By law, all property owners have a responsibility to both keep their premises relatively safe while also warning guests of potential dangers. However, the degree to which commercial and even residential property owners are liable for others varies depending on whether the guest is a trespasser, licensee, or invitee.

Who Is Your Guest? Trespassers are those individuals who enter a piece of property without the permission of the owner. Licensees are deemed “informal” guests, and owners have a certain degree of responsibility to keep them safe. Invitees are individuals who are “invited” onto the premises, either expressly or under the assumption that they will do business.

In this way, customers, clients, and any other individual who is invited to do business is considered an invitee by law. As invitees, property owners owe these individuals the highest degree of care and might be deemed liable for the injuries they sustain while on the property.

Top 5 Facts About Property Owner Liability

To prevent claims of liability from crippling your business, take a moment to review these quick facts about property owner liability. Take a strong step towards effective liability prevention by reviewing these concepts with employees, especially those who manage customer relations or maintenance.

1. If you invite a guest on to your property to conduct business, you might be liable for the injuries they sustain.
2. Property owners have 4 specific responsibilities to commercial guests, or invitees: i) Regularly inspect the property; ii) Find dangerous conditions; iii) Warn invitees of the danger; iv) Repair all dangerous conditions, to the maximum extent possible.
3. Negligence can arise if you fail to perform the duties listed above.
4. Liability by Omission: Failure to act might trigger liability.
5. Employers are liable for the negligence of their employees.

How Do Wet Umbrellas Trigger Liability Claims?

After reviewing the basic concepts of property owner liability (sometimes also referred to as premises liability), it is easy to see how wet umbrellas might lead to accidents and costly liability claims for business owners. Here are the 3 most common ways that wet umbrellas might cause accidents, as explored in last week’s article, Why Are Wet Umbrellas Dangerous?

1. Entrance Mats Provide Limited Safety

Entrance mats are designed to dry shoes, contain moisture/debris, and improve overall safety and walking conditions. They are not designed to maintain the rainwater that wet umbrellas are known to track past entryways, however, especially when guests do the shake and splash.

2. Guest Shake Umbrellas, Splash Water Across Floor

In an attempt to dry their umbrellas, guests often open and close them repeatedly while just inside the entryway. And while this might be effective in drying the umbrella, it also sends streams of rainwater, snow and ice well beyond the entrance mats. This is particularly dangerous because the liquid accumulates into puddles in areas that guests and maintenance staffs might not expect. The longer the puddles linger, the larger and more dangerous they become.

3. Slips and Falls Cost Billions

According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, slip and fall accidents cost American businesses an estimated $13 billion in workers compensation and other costs. Though the study focused primarily on employee-related workplace injuries, it nevertheless illustrates that slip and fall accidents are common, costly, and a priority when it comes to liability prevention.

Limit Your Liability with Effective Safety Products

To learn more about our state of the art umbrella bag dispensers, visit our Automatic Wet Umbrella Wrappers online store. Readers are also invited to contact customer service at 855-328-8100.

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