Preventing slips and falls in the library is essential to protecting yourself from liability and causing numerous issues. The library is your haven, but it can also become a dangerous place if you do not care for it. While most libraries do not allow food or drink in designated book area, accidents will happen. Likewise, people will bring food or drink into the building.
Preventing Slips and Falls
Here are some ways you can prevent slips and falls, and any other accidents in your library.
Routinely Check Floors
Some libraries have café areas where people can go and study or hang out. Likewise, these hangout areas also contain cafes. When there is a café, there will likely be coffee and food. While food is unlikely to harm anyone, a spilled coffee drink or messy water issue on the ground could cause chaos. The best way to prevent an accident is to routinely check the floors. Have someone inspect the area where food and drink might be, and ensure that there is no mess.
Weather Factor
Your area could have rain. Moreover, the library will not close because of the rain. If your library is operating during a rain storm, it is essential that you keep tabs on all areas of the library. People could walk into the building with wet shoes and thus, cause a mess on the floors. The weather could cause havoc for your library, and you need to prepare for the inevitable issues that may arise.
This could also serve important on the outside of your library. If a rainstorm happens, then you need to find ways to inform the public and prevent liabilities.
Warning Signs
Warning and caution signs are some of the options you can use to utilize safety inside and outside your library. Make sure you put up some caution signs in the event of bad weather or a spill. Thus, it is essential to put up warning signs to prevent people from falling. Doing this will at least prepare people in the event that the ground may be wet and give them ample warning time to avoid the area where there might be moisture on the ground.
Check the Foundations
This could involve checking cracks on the inside and outside. Your library could be on an older foundation, and that means that there might be an issue for people who do not notice it. Additionally, a crack that might have been from an old earthquake could create issues. People who go to the library do not expect to run into the uneven ground. Consequently, not checking the foundation could prove to be a big liability for you.
Safety First
Your patrons can enjoy the library and all the books you have to offer. Regardless, ensure that you have the best library insurance ready to offer the best protection possible. Doing all these things can go a long way toward helping you have the best and safest library possible.
About Regan Agency
A family-owned business, Long Island-based Regan Agency has more than 35 years of experience serving the library insurance and risk management needs of Tri-State residents and businesses. We have earned the trust of our clients based on our integrity and commitment to offering individuals and businesses quality library insurance products at competitive prices backed by unparalleled responsive service. Just give one of our professionals a call at (855) 272-1194.
