Slips and falls on residential properties can be more of a threat in winter than at other times of the year, because of the constant presence of ice and snow on the ground. Taking steps to prevent this kind of accident can help you protect you from liability concerns.
Repair All Railings
If your home has railings along the concrete path leading to your doorstep or going up the stairs leading to your patio, check the railings early in the winter. It's almost a guarantee that someone will attempt to use your railings this winter, and if that's the case, then broken or loose railings can cause deadly accidents.
If your railing is made of wood, check for signs of rot. Stick the pointed end of a screwdriver into the wood. If the screwdriver pierces the wood easily, this is a sign of rot. Have all rotten railings replaced with fresh wood, then have the wood sealed against the elements.
If your railing is made of metal, look for signs of rust. You can repair this type of problem by sanding down the rust, then painting over the freshly sanded metal with outdoor-grade metal-appropriate paint.
Shovel Early and Often
Shovel your walk when it begins to snow, using a lightweight plastic shovel that is easy for you to use. The heavier and more difficult to wield that your shovel is, the more likely it becomes that you will do a poor job. Make the path wide enough for more than one person to walk at a time, and continue to shovel throughout the storm to ensure that the path stays clear and free of ice. If you can't safely shovel your own walks, hire a professional handy person or landscaper to do this for you.
De-Ice the Walkway
Rock salt is one of your best weapons against ice buildup. Be sure to use the right kind of de-icing salt for your situation. Remember that different types of salt are able to work at different minimum temperatures. Use de-icing salt that has a minimum temperature below the minimum expected temperature for you area. If the temperatures fall so low that de-icing salt won't work, sprinkle sand or gravel on the ice to provide traction.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Install outdoor lighting on your home to enable visitors to see where the path may be icy. Use motion sensors to trigger the lights, so the lights will activate anytime someone steps on your property. This will help ensure that your household members and guests can see where they're going.
Hopefully following these tips you'll be able to prevent slips and falls on your property this winter. If an accident does happen, you may need to contact a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can help protect your assets if you are sued for a slip and fall accident this winter.
Share18 January 2016
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