Why Slip and Fall Risks Exist in Restaurants

Every business has liability risks. These generally include slip and fall risks. If someone falls in your space, they might hold you responsible for the damage. Liability insurance claims might result. Depending on your business, certain fall risks might prove more prevalent. Restaurants are one of these operations. Why do these hazards exist in your business? How can you keep such risks low?

Most commercial insurance can include liability protection for slip and fall risks. Still, you don’t want a claim on your policy. Be a proactive owner and keep your customers and workers secure.

The Prevalence of Fall Risks in Restaurants

Restaurants have a lot of people moving around. People enter and exit, stand and sit. Servers will constantly be on their feet. With such movement come the risks of slips and falls.

In dining establishments, mitigating factors might enhance the chances of falls occurring. These might include risks resulting from:

• Spilled food or drinks
• Damaged plumbing/wet floors
• Unstable seating hazards, like broken chairs
• High foot traffic

If a customer slips and falls due to a puddle in the floor, they might need help with their medical costs. Lawsuits might also result. The restaurant’s liability insurance might help settle the customer's losses. What if a similar incident harms an employee? Workers’ comp insurance might supplement the employee’s income until they can recover.

In cases such as these, the type of commercial insurance you need might vary. Some might warrant a liability claim, while others will need workers' comp coverage. A variety of policies will likely work together to protect you in case accidents happen. Talk to your insurers about the ways to insure those under your roof.

Preventing Fall Risks

No one wants a liability or workers’ compensation suit against your restaurant. You should thus work to cut fall risks inside the operation.

• Keep your floors clean, always. Make sure all walkways remain clear of clutter.
• In cases of leaks, spills or other puddles, clean up immediately. Place wet floor signs in the area. Consider using slip-safe rugs in certain areas.
• Inspect your furniture. If any shows signs of damage, remove it.
• Place warning signs near potential fall risks. Put these in bathrooms, near steps and blind corners, or in areas where other fall risks might exist.
• Keep doorways between the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and cash register free of clutter.
• Ensure your staff can carry any loads assigned them.

Most importantly, walk through the restaurant often. If you can spot small problems, you can contain them with minimal interruption.

Also Read: Lessons Learned from Long-Time Restaurant Owners