Many Boston residents often struggle with judging how slippery a floor or surface is. Unfortunately, sometimes such an error can lead to serious injuries. To address this problem, one insurance company recently noted some misconceptions about floor surfaces that may surprise many, especially with the high amount of slip and fall accidents every year.
For example, According to the insurance company, while some people may think a shiny floor is more slippery, a floor’s shine usually is not tied to its slip resistance. In addition, others may believe that buffing a floor can also cause a surface to be more slippery; it is, in fact, the opposite. However, just because a floor is slip-resistant does not mean it’s safer – another common misconception. Floors that feel “tacky” can also lead to slip and fall accidents.
As one may guess, the key to ensuring a safe floor appears to be proper maintenance. For its part, the insurance company recommends that property owners ensure that floors are frequently cleaned to avoid residue buildup by mopping. On the other hand, a cleaning systems company representative suggests using a contraption that not only lays down a cleaner but also picks up all liquids – and with those, any dirt or other residues that can make floors unsafe.
Whether it happens at work or at home, slip and fall accidents continue to be a problem in America. In fact, 8.9 million visits are made to the emergency room each year across the nation from slip and fall accidents. When dangerous conditions are present, such as inadequate lighting, narrow stairs, wet floor or torn carpet, one can easily find themselves in the hospital with a serious injury.
Many slip and fall accidents could be prevented with the appropriate level of maintenance and care. For that reason, any Boston resident that has suffered an injury from a slip or fall on another’s property could be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help most victims seek damages to help deal with the effects of an unfortunate accident.
Source: EHS Today, “Five Common Slip and Fall Myths,” Sandy Smith, April 25, 2013
