Dealing With Slips and Falls in Garden Centers

Garden centers can be popular destinations for shoppers, particularly during the spring and summer months. However, not many people worry about the possible dangers. The combination of water, soil, gravel, hoses, uneven surfaces and crowded displays can create slip and fall hazards for customers.

One of the biggest risks is water. Garden centers regularly water plants and may use hoses throughout their stores and outdoor areas. Spilled or accumulated water can make walking surfaces slippery, especially when customers are unaware that an area is wet. Garden centers can reduce this risk by cleaning up water promptly and using highly visible warning signs or cones to alert customers to wet areas until they are dry.

Debris can create another hazard. Soil, gravel, leaves, broken pots and other materials can end up in customer walkways. Even relatively small amounts of debris can cause someone to lose their footing. Regular inspections and prompt cleanup can help keep aisles and walking areas clear.

Hoses are another potential source of falls. Hoses that cross walkways or are left in areas where customers are walking can become tripping hazards. Garden centers should keep hoses pushed to the side and make sure they do not obstruct pedestrian paths.

Uneven flooring can also contribute to falls. Cracks, changes in elevation, damaged pavement and other irregular surfaces can cause customers to stumble, particularly when they are focused on plants or other merchandise rather than the ground in front of them.

The arrangement of merchandise can affect customer safety as well. Displays should not block walkways, corners or customers’ lines of sight. Attractive displays can draw shoppers’ attention away from the ground, increasing the possibility that they will fail to notice a hazard.

Garden centers should also be cautious about placing large or heavy items on high shelves. Customers attempting to reach merchandise above their heads could lose their balance or cause an item to fall. Staff can reduce these risks by helping customers retrieve heavy or difficult-to-reach products.

Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries

Garden center operators have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to maintain safe premises and address hazards that could cause customers to fall. Staff should regularly inspect walking areas, immediately address spills and debris, keep hoses and equipment out of customer pathways and report unsafe conditions. Regular safety inspections can help identify hazards before someone gets hurt. Prompt cleanup, adequate warnings, proper merchandise placement and regular inspections can all help reduce the risk of preventable injuries.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Garden centers are fun places to shop and buy plants, but the use of water, hoses, and other equipment can cause customers to trip, slip, and fall. This is why garden stores and other establishments need to be mindful of possible safety issues.

A Morristown premises liability attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you with your slip and fall case. Proving such a case requires significant evidence but we are ready to prove your case and help you recover full and fair compensation. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

gardencentermag.com/article/garden0415-store-safety-tips/