Spring and summer weather may seem like it's fairly innocent. Except for rain, there's really nothing that can cause slip-and-fall accidents, right? That's not entirely true. Though you might not think about it, one thing that can cause people to slip and fall is dry weather. How? When dry weather is present, sand and small debris can gather. While you may say that this creates additional friction, it can also cause a kind of slick area that people could slide on. On stairs, for instance, sand can move below your foot and result in a fall. Dust and debris can also cause falls. For example, if it has been dry but windy, you may notice tree branches or other debris that has fallen into walkways. Business owners who don't clear up those hazards could find themselves responsible for a slip, trip, or fall accident.
How can you prevent falls in dry weather?
It's a good idea for people to wear nonslip shoes with grip; Someone in tennis shoes, for example, is less likely to fall than someone in heels. Watch your surroundings, too. If you see sand piling up on stairs or see fallen objects, like branches, on stairways, move them before you attempt to continue. The last thing you want to do is to trip or slip on the debris that is around the walkway. If you do fall, the business owner may be responsible for your injuries. Our site has more information on what to do if you're involved in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident in Los Angeles.