Skip to content

Measures for Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents in the Winter

The winter months can make it much easier for people to slip and fall. Learn how to prevent slip and fall accidents here.
Staff Writer | Mar 28, 2024 | 3 min read
Woman slipping down snow-covered stairs

With winter just around the corner, HOA communities must start preparing for one of the most dangerous seasonal issues: slick surfaces in common areas, such as sidewalks and entryways to community buildings.

Slip and fall lawsuits are some of the most common legal cases HOAs encounter, and the reason why is obvious: it is difficult to remove every slick surface in common areas during a season that brings snow and ice. Even so, there are things your neighborhood can do to significantly reduce the chance of residents slipping and falling in common areas.

Apply No-Slip Tape to Steps

Large rolls of no-slip tape can be affordably purchased from commercial suppliers. After acquiring the tape, communities should apply it to the leading edges of steps that have slick surfaces. No-slip tape is available in conventional form and photoluminescent form. The latter glows in the dark, making it easier for building occupants to navigate stairwells in the event of a power outage.

Implement Anti Slip Installations in Entryways

Permanent anti-slip installations can be installed in the vestibules of buildings. Comprised of interlocking metal panels that have a tough, absorbent layer of material on top, the installations are a permanent deterrent to the winter seasonal issues of slick entryways and wet shoes that track moisture and ice melt pellets throughout the interior egress paths of buildings.

Spread Ice Melt Routinely

Some communities spread salt in response to weather forecasts, but non-corrosive ice melt should ideally be applied to sidewalks on a routine basis. Winter is famous for depositing snow and ice on occasions that the weatherperson didn’t predict. Keeping a light layer of ice melt on the sidewalks during the winter months is a good way to protect against unanticipated snow and sleet.

Install Heaters Under Concrete Surfaces

This measure requires the biggest financial investment, but it keeps concrete completely free of condensation in the cold season. Many businesses and communities install special heaters under concrete at the entrance of buildings. In addition to helping prevent slip and fall injuries, the dry concrete helps keep building visitors from spreading wetness throughout the building.

If your community needs assistance addressing winter seasonal issues in an effective, affordable manner, consult with a provider of HOA services before cold weather arrives.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, preventing slip and fall accidents should be a top priority for HOAs when it comes to seasonal issues. The safety and well-being of residents should always be paramount, and by implementing proactive measures, these accidents can be significantly reduced or even eliminated. 

Subscribe to Our Blog!

 

 

Related Posts

You may also like this

triangle-grey

 

Get a Free HOA Management Assessment

Elevate your HOA’s operation to new heights with professional HOA management!