Slips, trips and falls are up there with the most common causes of accidental death and injury in the United States. Thousands of people are injured this way every year.
Some of the largest contributors to these accidents are wet floors. The sad reality is that a lot of these incidents are preventable. Appropriate signage gives people fair warning that they are in a potentially hazardous area.
Outlined below are some key considerations to keep in mind when thinking about floor signage.
Are the signs visible?
The placement of wet floor signs and other warning signals is crucial. A sign that is in an inappropriate spot will not alert the general public in time. If it’s raining outside, then wet floor signs should be placed at the entrances of busy buildings.
Is the message relevant?
It’s possible to purchase virtually any warning sign for a relatively low price. It’s very important that warning signs display the relevant warning. For instance, if a “steep stairway” sign is used in place of a wet floor sign, then this will cause confusion. Ultimately, the sign will not do what it’s supposed to do and warn individuals about the potential slip hazard.
Color coding
Color coding is a very useful way to make individuals aware of different messages. For instance, red signs are most typically associated with emergencies and danger. Yellow signs are usually known for signaling the presence of physical hazards. Yellow is the most appropriate color for a wet floor sign and it alerts people that they need to exercise caution.
If you’ve been injured by a fall and there were no warning signs present to alert you of the risk, then the management of the premises could be held liable for negligence. Seeking legal guidance on the matter will give you a better idea of what your options are.
