One of the greatest risks of injury to Customers at your restaurant is slip and trip hazards. And these risks are not just a hazard to your Customers—traditionally, these incidents make up a large percentage of claims against franchise organizations.
A simple internet search of “slip claim restaurant” pulls up dozens of law firms eager to aid injured Customers in filing a personal injury suit against organizations.
To better protect your Customers and your restaurant, an active approach to reducing hazards and slip and trip accidents is crucial.
Preventing Customer Injuries: Reducing Slip and Trip Hazards
To reduce the odds of a Customer injury and associated claim, consider these hazards.
- Carpets, rugs and mats—Watch out for loose, torn, bunching or curling floor coverings. Straighten out or remove when not in use.
- Damaged flooring tiles—Repair or replace damaged tiles or flooring, including cracked or lifted concrete of sidewalks and parking lots.
- Floor wax or cleaners—Remember cleaning products can make wood, tile and laminate floors extra slick.
- Dirty floors—Dirt, food and grime can also cause a trip or slip hazard. Always keep floors clean.
- Spilled liquids—Look for wet spots or pooled liquid when entering a room and always clean up spills immediately. Use hazard signs when necessary.
- Congested walkways—Furniture can also congest walkways and cause a hazard. Ensure the layout of the store has clear pathways.
- Poor lighting—Watch out for rooms and hallways that don’t have adequate lighting. Replace low wattage and burned-out bulbs.
Preventing Customer Injuries: Creating a Slip and Trip Prevention Program
To further prevent Customer slips and trips, you may consider implementing a slip and trip prevention program that includes:
- Regular Team Member training that includes injury awareness, workplace inspections, accident response and incident reporting.
- Housekeeping standards to list the minimum safety requirements at your restaurant.
- Clear guidelines and responsibilities for all staff members, including Operators, managers and Team Members.
- A reporting program that provides Team Members with an outlet to share hazards or near-miss incidents they have witnessed.
- Annual responsibilities such as inspections and refreshers on seasonal risks.
- Incident reporting protocol to ensure accidents will be thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future.
Preventing Customer Injuries with help from Lockton Affinity
With these tips and implementation of a slip, trip and fall prevention program, you can reduce the number of injuries your Customers experience.
Contact a Lockton Affinity client advocate today to learn more.
