Slip and fall accidents cause more than 1 million people to go to the emergency room every year. They can happen everywhere and can result in very dangerous injuries. This kind of accident is one of the most common to happen at schools. They can result in significant financial losses for institutions, as a slip and fall accident can cost up to $30,000. Injuries at school are unavoidable, but there are some measures that school administrators can take to prevent these kinds of accidents from happening frequently. Additionally, school districts must ensure that all of the institutions under their jurisdiction minimize the risk of kids and school employees being exposed to dangerous conditions.

Have appropriate entryways carpets

Installing carpets and water-absorbing mats in all entrances to all buildings is especially important during winter and rainy seasons. When people come in from the outside, their shoes are generally wet or muddy. Without carpets or mats, school hallways might become an extremely unsafe environment, potentially resulting in a slip and fall incident.

Schedule Often Outdoor Maintenance

School administrators should also schedule maintenance to keep all school grounds safe for students and staff members. Obstacles that could cause someone to trip should be removed from outdoor locations. To guarantee adequate illumination in all outside locations, defective light bulbs must be replaced as soon as possible. During the winter, snow accumulations of more than 1 or 2 inches must be removed from walkways and other pedestrian places.

Examine the outdoor school’s property

Accidents at school can occur everywhere, including within buildings, gyms, and outside locations. As a result, it is critical to conduct regular inspections of all school property in order to identify and correct any conditions that could lead to an accident. A minor slope or a fissure in the pavement or walkway, for example, can cause people to trip and injure themselves. Irregularities on the floor must be signalized and repaired.

Regular Property Safety Inspections

Another important factor to reduce the likelihood of slip and fall accidents is to regularly inspect different areas in school that should be in good condition at all times. Handrails must not be broken or loose in schools; they are essential for assisting someone in stabilizing themselves when utilizing the stairs. Furthermore, inspections are needed to detect potentially unsafe habits among students and educators. Using extension cables and leaving them in the middle of the hallway, for example, can easily result in a fall.

Implement Policies on Storage and Hanging

It’s not uncommon to go into a classroom and see bags and lunch boxes scattered everywhere, particularly in classrooms with younger students. Teachers must teach children how to properly store their belongings. Hangers and dedicated storage facilities must also be provided by schools so that students may make proper use of them. If a teacher trips over a backpack while walking and is harmed, liability may fall on the school for failing to provide the proper storage equipment.

Weather-safe shoes Policy

Schools must encourage students and personnel to take reasonable care of themselves, even if that includes refraining from wearing fancy shoes during rainy or snowy weather. Even if schools take all possible measures, it is impossible to stop nature. Proper footwear can significantly reduce the chances of slipping and falling on wet or slippery surfaces provoked by climate conditions. 

What Are the Leading Causes of School Slips and Falls?

• One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is snow and ice on outdoor surfaces. When the snow is melting or entirely frozen, it is quite easy to slip.
• It is also fairly frequent for people to fall down the stairs. When students or teachers use the stairs without holding on to the handrails or when carrying heavy objects, this can happen.
• Another factor that contributes to accidents is the improper or non-use of ladders. When we need to reach something that is out of reach, we usually utilize a chair or a table and climb on top of it. This, however, is a risky practice. Using a ladder incorrectly might be even more dangerous. Ensure that the ladder is stable and capable of supporting your weight.
• Irregularities on walking surfaces, as well as dampness, are both hazardous factors that can quickly lead to a fall and injury. Entrances, sidewalks, and walkways are common places where these conditions are found.

Keep in mind that there are other type of accidents that can happen at school that are also very common.

What Can School Staff Do to Prevent Students From Getting Hurt in a Slip & Fall Accident?

School administrators must ensure that their maintenance staff inspects the school grounds attentively and responds swiftly if an unsafe condition arises. Furthermore, schools must urge students to follow all safety instructions, such as staying away from wet places that have not yet been cleaned and storing their possessions in designated areas. 

School Injury Lawyer

If you or one of your kids were injured after a slip and fall accident due to the negligence of a school, you will probably need help to receive fair compensation. Filing a lawsuit against a public school is no easy task. There are many procedures that have to be followed and they could be tedious for one to handle. If the accident occurred in a private school the process will not be much easier and you will probably need legal assistance as well. At Greenberg & Stein P.C. you will find the best attorneys to handle your school injury case. Our lawyers have years of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Contact us at 212-969-8775 to schedule a free case analysis with one of our lawyers.