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Whether you actually hurt yourself or just suffer from a bruised ego, slipping and falling is always a nasty shock. At your own home, you can usually just dust yourself off and forget about it, but if you own a rental unit or apartment complex, slips and falls suddenly become much more serious. Maintaining a safe property for your employees and tenants becomes paramount, both to give them a great experience, and to prevent any big insurance claims from knocking at your door. 

Reduce your rental property’s potential for hazardous slips and falls by implementing these safety tips: 

Secure Stairways and Ramps 

Stay up to date with your city’s local building codes, and install the proper handrails along every stairway and ramp. Even tiny platforms comprised of 1 or 2 steps should have some kind of banister in place. This gives stability to your pedestrians and helps protect you if someone falls in those areas and decides to pursue legal action against you. Also consider lining your stairs and ramps with a non-slip material. 

Maintain Walkways and Lawn Areas 

Remove obstructions from any walking paths that your employees or tenants have to use. It is also important to repair uneven, broken, or bumpy surfaces in the parking lot or on the sidewalk. In the winter, make sure your sprinkler systems are turned off and drained to prevent leaks and icy patches around your property. 

Keep Safety in Mind All the Time 

Aside from covering the basics to keep your rental units up to code, just make it a habit to look for potential slipping/falling hazards located all around your property.  

• Maintain adequate lighting in all areas where employees and tenants will be walking.  
• Keep “Wet Floor” signs in areas where your employees can conveniently access them to warn people away from spills. 
• Repair torn carpet, loose or missing floor tiles, and other flooring materials as soon as you can after they are damaged. 
• If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, establish a snow removal plan for parking lots, sidewalks, and dumpster areas.  
• Keep emergency phone numbers posted in areas where people can see them easily. 
• Stay stocked up on first-aid kits and keep them in plain sight. These emergency resources help you and your staff minimize the damage of a bad fall. 

When an employee or a tenant takes a fall at your business, the consequences have the potential to be dire. Prevent them as much as you can by keeping the area clean and maintained. People will be safer and your property will look better for your efforts! Overall, make sure you are protected by a trustworthy property management company that will ensure your property is in its best and safest shape for your tenants, employees, and visitors. Call MMC Properties located in Middle Tennessee today to learn about our professional property management services.