Georgia business owners know that safety challenges change with the seasons. As winter approaches, businesses should address several weather- and crowd-related safety hazards to ensure that employees and customers enjoy a safe holiday season.
Holiday shopping brings extra crowds to retailers and other businesses. That’s great for sales, but it can be dangerous if customers overwhelm a store’s safety capabilities. Management should make sure that all entryways, aisles and pathways are cleared of obstructions. Meanwhile, fully-stocked warehouses should be inspected to make sure pallets are properly stacked for worker and customer safety.
Wet winter weather makes slips, trips and falls more likely. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, businesses can promote safety by placing signs beside slick floors and quickly acting to dry wet surfaces. Providing floor-gripping footwear for employees and installing flooring pre-treated with grit for traction can also prevent dangerous and expensive tumbles. OSHA also recommends good lighting to reduce slips, trips and falls.
Freezing conditions can put outdoor and warehouse employees at risk for frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration and the common cold virus. To help protect employees, heat should be provided when at all possible. Workers subjected to cold conditions should also be encouraged to dress warmly, eat well and drink plenty of water.
Georgia residents who are injured due to dangerous conditions at an unsafe property may be left with steep medical bills. However, with the help of an attorney, it may be possible to file a premises liability lawsuit against a negligent property owner for damages. A successful complaint could bring needed financial compensation for medical expenses and more. Injured victims could learn more about their legal options by consulting with an attorney.