Destined to Increase in the Future?
According to a recent report, the number of slip-and-fall injuries that occur each year at businesses and commercial properties is expected to rise significantly in the near future because the population of aging baby boomers will lead to an increase in the number of seniors. Seniors are statistically the most likely to fall, and when they do, they tend to require more medical care and more time to recover from their injuries.
Contrary to this report, some suggest that the number of slip-and-fall cases is likely to grow not because of America’s aging population but because commercial property owners and managers are taking money-saving shortcuts that result in more property defects and more falls.
Whatever the cause, the report has a number of suggestions for reducing the chances of falling, most of which are just good common sense. Among its suggestions for reducing the number of slip-and-fall injuries at places of business:
Use high-traction flooring materials and low-slip cleaning products;
Limit the difference in height between mats and floors to one-half inch or less;
Regularly inspect floors and floor coverings for wear, spills, and other dangers; and
Train employees how to deal with spills.
