Most people do not worry about the risk of injury when heading to the grocery store. However, slips, trips and falls are fairly common in supermarkets.
In addition to spills, freshly mopped floors and aisle obstructions from pallets or fallen products, certain areas in the grocery store may be more likely to pose hidden dangers to shoppers.
1. Produce sections
Produce that falls to the floor can easily create a trip or slip hazard. Additionally, misting equipment can create slippery, wet floors if rubber safety mats are missing or improperly positioned.
2. Refrigerator and freezer aisles
Stores often also place rubber mats near refrigerators and freezers to keep floors safe. If equipment fails, water from the system may pool on the floor and create a safety risk.
3. Exits and entryways
Missing, bunched or poorly positioned floor mats in entryways can also be hazardous. That is especially true during severe weather conditions when water, mud or other debris can build up quickly.
4. Parking lots and sidewalks
Walkways and parking areas can become treacherous without proper maintenance. Cracked or uneven sidewalks, potholes and poor lighting in parking lots are all potential sources of injury.
Even a “simple” slip-and-fall incident may lead to serious physical harm, including fractured or broken bones, traumatic brain injury and spinal damage. Older adults are especially vulnerable to severe injury after a fall.
That makes it essential that store owners and employees monitor areas with known risks and address issues promptly. Those injured due to unsafe conditions should know that compensation may be available to help with medical bills, lost income and more.
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