Liability with Slip and Fall Accidents at Work
Slip and Fall Accidents at Work – Who’s to Blame?
The phrase “Slip and Fall” is a legal term used to describe an accident that involves physical damage to an individual caused by someone else’s failure to maintain their property in a safe condition, or because the property was negligently designed or constructed. It does not have to involve an actual slip and fall, but can include injuries caused by falling furniture or shelves or items that are improperly stored.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website, “Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of injuries resulting in workers missing time at work in Ontario.”
The website goes on to say that “Preventing such injuries is a key goal of every safe and healthy workplace and employers must:
- Provide information and instruction to workers on slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Encourage workers to report slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Identify and assess the risk of job-specific slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Establish controls to eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure to slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Ensure the control measures are working.
Still, each year, thousands of people injured when they trip, or slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, an uneven floor, a flight of stairs, a rough patch of ground, wet surfaces, poor lighting, loose carpeting and such. Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, anytime.
In Ontario, it is the employer’s responsibility to keep floors clean, even and in good condition, clear the water, ice and snow from places where employees are likely to walk, keep the stairs in good repair, prevent leaks and floods, follow building codes and make sure furniture and shelving units are safely placed and used.
In Ontario, the key to a successful slip and fall claim lies in establishing the relation between the activity of the individual and where the fall took place. Also, in many cases, it is not required to prove negligence or carelessness on the part of a Defendant.
To maximize the success of your slip and fall claim, it is important to speak with an experienced legal team with proven competencies in this field.
The personal injury attorneys at Mackesy Smye are well trained to handle all workplace related slip and fall cases and can help you to discuss your rights and legal options.