How to Prevent Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Outdoor areas can be a tricky place to prevent them for a number of reasons. From being hit with the elements, people being preoccupied, or simply not knowing the location well enough- no matter the reason it is important as a building or homeowner if someone is on your property they can rest assured you have done your best to prevent accidents from occurring.

If you think about how a slip or trip occurs it usually comes down to a person losing traction between their shoe and the surface they are walking on. Some of the most common outdoor culprits for creating this type of loss of traction include:

• Weather hazards
• Uneven/sloped grounds
• Hard to recognize transitions/steps
• Clutter, dirt, debris on the walking surface
• Metal surfaces outdoors
• Water from pools, fountains, lakes, etc.

Luckily, when it comes to outdoor slip and fall prevention there are more than a few options.

Top Tips to Prevent Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Here are several ways to prevent outdoor slip and fall accidents and make your grounds a safer place.

Anti Slip Tape

Using an exterior anti slip tape is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to prevent slip and fall accidents outside. Apply a resilient anti slip tape on all exterior stairs, ramps, near any bodies of water, or other areas you feel necessary. A quality exterior anti slip tape is strong enough to not only withstand the elements but offer the required traction to prevent slip and falls even with heavy foot traffic.

Adequate Exterior Lighting

Poor lighting conditions often lead to accidents outside. People can’t see curbs, icey areas, or uneven surfaces they are walking on. Ensuring your outdoor areas are properly lit is a great solution to help prevent outdoor slip and fall accidents.

Exterior lighting can come in many forms. Hard wired or solar lighting is acceptable, or even adding photoluminescent films and strips can help in offering the extra illumination necessary to prevent an accident from occurring.

Handrails

Having handrails in place any stairs are present is not only a common requirement, but will help tremendously in preventing fall accidents. Any location where you have a walking area that is an uneven surface or change in elevation you should consider adding a handrail. Make sure handrails that are already installed are in good working order (not wobbly).

Good Outdoor Upkeep

This is an ongoing procedure that can pay off in keeping people safe. Traction can considerably change outside when the elements like rain and snow come out.

Make sure to keep outdoor areas where people will be walking cleared. Wet leaves and dirt are some of the most common substances that cause slip and fall accidents outside. By keeping ramps, stairs, and parking lots cleared you can help prevent accidents from occurring.

Find Exterior Anti Slip Tape

Jessup Manufacturing is a leader in anti slip tapes and treads. We offer a wide selection from military grade to vinyl depending on your location. Contact our team to learn more about our exterior anti slip tapes and treads and shop our entire selection here.