One of the most common general liability insurance claims charter schools experience is related to slips, trips, and falls on the school’s premises. Simple things like an uneven sidewalk have cost some of our charter school clients and their insurance companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance claims and litigation.

With that in mind, here are our top tips to help your charter school prevent claims related to slips, trips, and falls:

• When spills are noted on any walking surface, act immediately to wipe all liquids and food. If the spill requires more than a basic wipe, identify the spill area with a towel or other marker and have an employee stand there until the janitor can be notified and the spill is cleared.
• Be sure to mark any large spills or recently mopped the floor with a large “Wet Floor” sign. This also includes any entrances after events like a rainstorm.
• Make sure all stairs and steps have secure handrails.   Additionally, all steps should have a nonskid surface and be equipped with abrasive strips.
• If your charter school is located in an area with snow, remove all snow and ice promptly from all walkways and parking lots.
• Inspect all carpeted areas, mats, tiles, and wood floors for loose, torn, or damaged sections.
• Regularly inspect all bathrooms for leaking faucets or toilets.
• Regularly inspect all tables and chairs for wobbly or broken legs.
• Keep extension cords out of high-traffic areas.
• Conduct routine checks on parking lots and walkways to ensure a safe and level walking surface. Pay special attention to broken glass, loose pavement, and large cracks.