facility focus Just waiting to be prevented Costly slip and fall accidents can be avoided. By: Beth Pullin W We have all noticed surveillance cameras in retail stores, fast food restaurants, casi-nos and other public places. Usually we assume that we are being watched by security guards looking for thieves and pickpockets. However, many of these cameras — both those that you see and those that are hidden — are actually installed for insur-ance companies looking for insurance scams in the making. The art of falling The most common of these scams involves orchestrating a fall. In one fake slip-and-fall accident, a cam-era caught the scammer pouring a liquid from a small plastic bottle onto the floor. The individual then went back and walked over the wet area, but apparently decided that the area was not damp enough — so he poured more liquid on the floor. The scammer then delivered what can only be termed an Oscar-caliber slip-and-fall performance. A scammer’s goal, of course, is to collect “big bucks” from a store or building owner. If the incident is fake, and if it is caught on tape, obviously nothing will be awarded. However, because so many incidents are not taped, legal battles can ensue that can cost thousands of dollars; building owners often settle such cases just to avoid paying exorbitant legal fees. To collect on a slip-and-fall incident, the “faller” needs to prove that the defendant did something wrong or was responsible for the accident — for instance, in the case previously mentioned, the person would need to prove that the store did not clean up the spill in a timely manner. In many cases, cleaning services are also involved in these cases, as they are some-times blamed for not taking adequate steps to prevent accidents. Here are some steps facility service providers (FSPs) can take to protect their facilities and, in so doing, help promote safety and prevent legitimate slips, trips and falls. A mat for every area Slips, trips and falls are, according to a study conducted by Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety, the second leading cause of workplace injuries and accidents in the U.S. According to Wausau Insurance Company, the average cost for employers of a slip-and-fall accident exceeds $12,000. Of course, a trip and fall can occur because a cable or cord is laid over a walk-way or due to a wrinkled carpet or rug. Unless the FSP has been negligent about attending to such a situation, typically they have little control over these incidents. However, one thing they can do is insist that their clients install effective matting systems at all key building entries as well as in areas that are prone to being slippery. Slips occur where there is too little fric-tion or traction between footwear and a Photo courtesy of Tornado Make sure equipment is in good working order. Faulty squeegees on auto scrubbers, for example, can result in streaking and an increase in danger. 38 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • March 2009
CMM – Archives Mar 2009: 38
