Tips for preventing slips, trips and falls

Keeping Things Safe and Sound at Home

As a homeowner, you are responsible for keeping your property and areas such as stairs, walkways and driveways reasonably safe for people who use them. You may be held liable for slips, trips and falls if you fail to keep your property free from hazards.

Before a courier, babysitter, delivery person or repair technician visits or you host an event at your home, address common hazards by:

1. Using salt, shovel and/or sand to keep walking surfaces clear of ice and snow within bylaw timeframes or best practices that dictate when snow clearing should be completed
2. Fixing unexpected elevation changes, surface cracks or gaps within your property line and/or report issues on municipally-owned property such as uneven sidewalks
3. Putting a non-slip covering over slippery surfaces such as wet floors or tile flooring
4. Repairing loose handrails on stairs or installing missing handrails
5. Removing any debris – such as slippery and wet fall leaves – on walking paths
6. Ensuring all areas are adequately lit

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada