How Your HOA Can Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents This Winter

Cold weather is starting to set in here in the Carolinas, and throughout the country winter has made itself known. Of course winter brings with it many good things, like Christmas and a break from the lawn-mowing season, but it also brings with it some not-so-good things—like the potential for slip and fall accidents.

This is something every HOA should prepare for and would be considered a community preventative maintenance and liability best practice. Slick surfaces in common areas, like sidewalks and the entrances to community buildings, can lead to potentially serious tumbles. This is a major problem in the HOA world, and slip and fall cases represent some of the most common lawsuits brought against HOAs. The reason for this is simple: Completely preventing slip and falls is close to impossible, at least during seasons that bring with them frost, snow, and ice.

With that said, there are a few steps that HOAs can take to keep their communities as safe as possible.

Use No-Slip Tape on Steps

No-slip tape can be purchased in large quantities for low prices; just check your commercial supply vendor. When the tape is placed on the leading edge of stairs that are prone to slickness, it adds an extra level of safety. Better yet, get some no-slip tape that glows in the dark, which will lead to altogether safer nighttime conditions.

Routinely Spread Ice Melt

Many HOA communities spread ice-melting salt when the weatherman calls for adverse weather—but of course, snow and ice can come at any time, whether it’s in the official forecast or not. It’s prudent to spread ice melt on a regular basis, especially in areas known for accumulating ice and snow.

Install Anti-Slip Surfaces in Entryways

A final recommendation is to put permanent slip-resistant installations in the vestibules of common buildings. These installations are comprised of interlocking metal panels, and they have absorbent layers of material on tip that can deter issues causes by adverse weather and slip shoes.

Bottom line: Winter weather opens the doors for many potential accidents—so make sure you’re adequately prepared with a good Community Preventative Maintenance or Preventative Liability Program! Contact Us today to learn how we can help!

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.