Supermarkets and the need for consumer safety

Many people think of a trip to the supermarket in California as something efficient and enjoyable. What many may not consider is the chance of getting hurt because staff failed to mitigate hazards.

Slipping, tripping and falling can have detrimental consequences, particularly for vulnerable individuals. As such, supermarkets must take responsibility to provide a safe and functional shopping environment.

Life-changing consequences

A customer trips on a worn mat and falls. What might not sound like a serious situation can cause life-changing consequences. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serious injuries including head trauma and broken bones happen in one out of every five falls. Equally as jarring falls are to blame for causing the most TBIs.

Even if a fall results in a relatively minor injury, it can still cause emotional distress. People who experience an unexpected injury of any kind may develop irrational fears, as well as anxiety. Sometimes, fall-related injuries may impact mobility which could affect a person’s ability to work and participate in everyday activities.

Proactive responsibility

Supermarkets can and should do everything in their power to make their premises safe and inviting. This includes proper maintenance of both indoor and outdoor areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest some helpful tips including the following:

• Responding to spills right away
• Replacing and straightening worn or crinkled floor mats
• Removing hazards in walking areas
• Providing adequate signage warning of wet floors
• Restocking product cautiously
• Installing handrails where needed

Patrons can also minimize their risks. They can wear proper footwear and pay attention to their surroundings. If they notice a potential hazard, they should report it to store staff immediately. If people suffer a debilitating injury because of a supermarket’s negligence, they may take legal action to offset the compensatory damages they sustained.