For most of us, the spring and summer months mean more time outdoors and more activity. Outdoor summer adventures can be good for your mental and physical health, as can closer-to-home endeavors like gardening and lawn care. However, that increased activity can also open the door to more slip, trip and fall hazards–especially since so many around you are also out more and more active.
5 Increased Slip and Fall Hazards for Summer
Some of the increased summer slip and fall risks include:
1. Wet and slippery surfaces.
The first thing that comes to mind is probably the areas surrounding swimming pools, splash pads and other water recreation. The walking areas alongside pools, docks near natural water, locker room floors, boat decks and other areas around water can all be wet and slippery. But you may also find slip and fall hazards closer to home, including garden sprinklers, neighbors washing cars and other activities involving water.
2. Debris on the ground.
Increased outdoor activity often means an increase in clutter. Some common examples of tripping hazards that may increase in the summer months include toys, bicycles, skateboards, gardening tools, hoses and electrical cords stretched across a walking area and more. Even litter can present a tripping hazard.
3. Grass clippings.
You may not think of grass clippings as a danger, but they can be quite slick. If you’re walking or running on a sidewalk strewn with grass clippings, take care–stepping wrong on those loose clippings could send you sliding. That’s especially true if they’re wet, but even dry clippings can cause a slip. They’re even more dangerous to bicyclists and motorcyclists, since a tire sliding on grass clippings can take down the bike.
4. Uneven walking surfaces.
Of course, a broken sidewalk or protruding tree root can be a tripping hazard at any time of year. But, the risk can be increased in the summer for two reasons. One is simply exposure. The more you’re outside hiking, walking around the city and otherwise relying on your feet, the more opportunity there is to run across a bump, hole or other hazard. The other is footwear. Summer often means sandals, flip flops, or even bare feet. But sturdier shoes offer more protection, and you should consider wearing them if you’re hiking or otherwise walking “off road,” even when it’s warm outside.
5. Distractions.
With more activity around you during the warmer months and more events like festivals, outdoor concerts and carnivals, there’s a lot more to look at and listen to than the trail or sidewalk in front of you. That increases the risk associated with other hazards like debris on the ground and uneven surfaces, since you may be less likely to notice them.
Avoiding Slip and Fall Hazards
The single best defense against slipping and tripping hazards is vigilance. “Distracted walking” may sound funny, but a distraction like looking down at your phone while you walk makes it less likely you’ll notice and avoid a broken sidewalk, wet spot on the walkway, or other hazard. It also increases other risks, such as getting hit by a car or bicycle.
Other ways to minimize risks include:
- Being aware that conditions like wet surfaces and grass clippings create a slipping hazard and watching your step
- Avoiding stretching hoses, electrical cords and other tripping hazards across areas where you and others will be walking
- Picking up any tools or toys you or your children used outdoors, particularly making sure not to leave things on the ground after dark when you and others are less likely to see them
- Wear appropriate shoes for the setting
Many Slip and Fall Accidents are Caused by Negligence
When you slip or trip it may feel like “just an accident.” But most accidents can be avoided with proper care. If you tripped on debris a neighbor left behind, slipped on a wet surface that wasn’t properly posted or cordoned off, or fell after stepping onto a loose deck rail or broken step, someone else may be liable for your injuries.
To learn more about whether you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses, call attorney Frank Hartman at 843-300-7600.