Stepping into a Safe Summer: Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls at Restaurants and Bars

Stepping into a Safe Summer: Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls at Restaurants and Bars

With summer in full swing, guests are looking forward to dining out and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of their favorite restaurants and bars. Owners must not forget that summer also brings unique safety challenges, including slips, trips and falls. As we observe National Safety Month in June, we raise awareness about preventing these accidents and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The following explores five effective ways to help prevent summer slips, trips and falls at restaurants and bars.

Maintain Clean and Dry Surfaces
Preventing slips starts with maintaining clean and dry surfaces. Restaurants and bars should implement regular cleaning schedules to remove spills, debris and any potential hazards promptly. Adequate signage indicating wet floors or caution areas also is essential to alert customers to potential dangers.

Adequate Lighting for Visibility
Proper illumination helps customers and staff navigate the premises safely, especially during evening hours. Check and replace any burned-out bulbs, install additional lighting in dimly lit areas and pay attention to outdoor pathways to reduce accidents caused by poor visibility.

Clear Pathways and Remove Obstacles
Busy restaurants and bars can become cluttered quickly, increasing the risk of trips and falls. Staff should regularly assess the layout, ensuring that tables, chairs and other objects are arranged in a way that allows customers and fellow team members to move freely without obstruction.

Proper Training for Staff
Training employees to be attentive to potential hazards, encouraging them to promptly address spills or obstructions and teaching proper lifting and carrying techniques can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Utilize Slip-Resistant Flooring and Mats
These materials provide an additional layer of protection against slips, especially in high-risk areas such as entrances, kitchens and restrooms. Slip-resistant mats can absorb moisture and increase traction, significantly reducing the chances of accidents occurring.

National Safety Month raises awareness that it’s essential to prioritize the prevention of slips, trips and falls during the summer season and throughout the year. By maintaining clean and dry surfaces, ensuring adequate lighting, keeping pathways clear, training staff and utilizing slip-resistant flooring and mats, establishments can create a safer environment for both customers and employees.

Society Insurance is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in providing superior restaurant and bar insurance, custom-tailored to fit each operation's unique needs. To learn more, visit societyinsurance.com/georgia.

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.