It's not just falls from heights that can lead to serious injuries. Simply slipping and falling on a flat surface can be enough to put you in the hospital. It's something that happens all too often in workplaces, stores, and on sidewalks. People need to know how to avoid these painful accidents. Below are four tips that can help:
- Invest in shoes that have anti-slip soles. It's not all about fashion, even in the workplace. You need a shoe that gives you a proper grip when you run into unexpected issues.
- If an area looks slippery, test it first. Reach out with one foot and lightly tap it with your toe to see what type of traction you get. For instance, if the floor looks a bit too bright in a store, it could be that they applied too much wax to the tiles. Testing out that area helps you know what to avoid.
- Understand where the biggest hazards are. Be extra careful, for instance, any time that you walk into a new building. Entryways may be far more dangerous than the rest of the building due to the high amount of foot traffic. You also want to watch out for steps, curbs, and changes in flooring types.
- Slow down. Many accidents happen because people are rushing. If you slow down and pay attention to your surroundings, you can reduce the chances of an accidental fall dramatically.
These tips can help you, but they do not prevent all accidents. If you suffer injuries that are a result of a property owner's negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs.