5 Common Slipping Hazards at a Spa
Spas and recreational health resorts pose risks for slipping hazards, ranging from spills to icy walkways. Slipping hazards left unattended can increase the risk of accidents, leading to the need for a slip and fall lawyer. Accidents can cause serious problems like head injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and back problems. Here are some common slipping hazards at a spa:
1. Poorly Maintained Floors
Spa operators must maintain their premises by properly maintaining the flooring before it leads to slip and fall accidents. Chipped or cracked floors or loose rugs could create a tripping hazard. Thresholds and floor level changes also pose risks. Water and humidity gather on slick floor surfaces, potentially causing slipping injuries.
To prevent slipping, spa operators may need to recoat or replace existing floors. Installing mats or abrasive strips in moisture-prone areas also helps mitigate risks. The insufficient training of spa staff on safety procedures, such as keeping surfaces dry or marking them when they are wet, may lead to injuries. Philly Slip and Fall Guys search for overlooked details like this that may be a liability for spa owners. When an injury occurs at a spa, a slip and fall lawyer determines if there is any negligence.
2. Spills and Wet Surfaces
Spilling water, shampoo, or other liquids creates slippery surfaces at a spa if they are not cleaned up quickly. Marking spills and wet areas with clearly visible warning signs helps reduce the likelihood of falls. Oily or greasy surfaces from liquid soaps should not be left to sit. Areas prone to wet, slippery surfaces include the following:
- Showers
- Pool
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Rinsing sink areas
- Concrete steps and walkways
- Polished tiles
A consistently followed wet floor policy helps prevent slips and falls due to slippery surfaces. Policies may include setting up cones and barriers to segregate wet areas or putting up a sign to notify guests. An adequately maintained spa should also have handlebars and grip treads installed to promote safety.
3. Poor Lighting
One overlooked area of safety at a business venue is proper lighting. Inadequate lighting creates difficulty for spa guests to see wet areas and obstacles, increasing the risk of slips. Stairways, walkways, and concrete areas, especially around pools and hot tubs, require sufficient lighting. Spa operators have a duty to evaluate if more lighting is needed in certain areas. This includes replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches so the lights work correctly. Fluorescent lights or inadequate lighting fixtures for large areas might also be blamed when a slip occurs. They may not provide enough light to see the reflection of a puddle on the floor, or when handrails gather beads of water and condensation.
4. Humidity and Biofilm
Good housekeeping is a key factor in preventing accidents at spas, and should include controlling humidity. In high moisture areas, humidity and biofilm can form, creating a slimy surface. Biofilm is produced when lotion, skin oils, and personal care products accumulate in the water. Natural oils and skin cells might also contribute to the buildup. Biofilm can evaporate and gather on handrails, steps, and other surfaces. A slippery handrail leads to injuries if it is not appropriately cleaned.
5. Icy Conditions
Pathways leading to spas can become icy and slippery during cold months. It becomes a safety issue if there is a lot of foot traffic. Most spa owners have a duty to maintain walkways on a business property during the winter. Icy steps are a significant factor that leads to slipping incidents, potentially causing severe injuries.
Spa owners should remove ice and snow from steps and walkways as soon as possible when the weather is not ideal. To prevent buildup, they may use de-icing products, such as salt and sand. Anti-slip mats or treads might also be used on outside steps for added traction if ice forms often. These preventative measures can lower the risk of slips. If a slip occurs on ice and leads to an injury, an attorney can help you decide who is responsible and if there is any negligence.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer for Spa Accidents
If a slip and fall accident occurs at a spa, find an attorney to help you file for adequate compensation. Duty of care is a spa owner’s responsibility to mitigate potential risks for slip and fall accidents, and failing to do so could amount to negligence. If negligence can be demonstrated on behalf of a spa owner, you may have a case. The attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys have helped injured clients by collecting relevant evidence, such as photographs and witness statements. Our team has obtained compensation for people who have experienced slips, including those injured in spas and health clubs. Book an appointment to learn more about whether you have a case for a slip and fall accident at a spa.
