How to Prevent Falls at Your Small Business

You’ve probably fallen at least once in your life, so you know how unexpected falls can be. One minute you’re upright, and a split second later you’re on the ground.

While you can’t eliminate the risk of a fall, you can lower the odds by taking safety precautions. That’s important, because falls are one of the top causes of death and serious injury on the job.

You need insurance that’s there for you to protect against risks, from falls to theft to natural disasters. Work with a Farm Bureau agent who will evaluate your risks and recommend the best solutions for your needs. 

Put Slip and Fall Prevention Steps in Place

Protecting against falls isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the law. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, business owners must:

• Provide working conditions free of known dangers
• Keep floors in work areas clean and as dry as possible
• Provide personal protective equipment to workers without charging them for it
• Train workers about job hazards

Start With Fall Prevention Basics

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk, no matter what type of business you run.

Keep the Floor Clear of Obstacles

When you’re busy, it can be easy to set down a delivery package on the floor near the door or put a box of copy paper near the copy machine. But these things can become tripping hazards. It’s better to put them where they belong or set them on top of a table or desk.

Make sure you’re not running any cords or wires across the floor as well, since they can be tripping hazards. They’re especially hard to see for someone who is carrying something.

Watch Out for Water, Snow and Ice

Indoors, clean up any spills right away. Even a little spilled water can make the floor slippery.

Outdoors, when the weather is bad, keep your parking area and walkways clear of snow and ice.

Use Proper Lighting

Make sure your business is sufficiently lit. People are less likely to trip and fall if they can see where they’re going. Make sure you have lighting in hallways and outdoors, as well as adequate lighting for yourself or any employees who are there at night. 

Use Stair Treads and Handrails

Make sure your stairs aren’t slick or slippery, especially outdoors, and check that handrails are attached properly. Encourage employees to use the handrails if you notice they are not. 

Wear the Right Shoes

Non-slip shoes give you stability on uneven or slippery surfaces. They’re especially important for people who walk a lot on the job, like restaurant and healthcare employees.

Use Signage

The right signs can alert people to a temporary or permanent fall risk. You should post signs where there’s an ongoing risk of falls and have some on hand in case you need them for a spill or another temporary hazard.

Fall Prevention for Riskier Small Businesses

If your business has an increased risk of falls because employees need to reach tall heights or work in holes, you’ll need to take extra precautions. OSHA requires fall protection at heights of four to eight feet, depending on the industry.

Use Rolling Stairs

Rolling stairs, also called rolling ladders or rolling platforms, are safer than traditional ladders. You can lock them so they don’t move, and they have handrails. They may also have secure ways to hold tools. 

Add Additional Protection

You and your employees may also need to use a harness and/or safety net and a helmet, depending on the task and the fall risk involved. 

Protect Your Business From Claims Due to Falls

For slip and fall insurance for your small business, you may need general liability coverage. Reach out to a Farm Bureau agent to discuss your business, your needs and the solutions that can work best for you.