Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities

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Parking lots are more than just first impressions

Your parking lot greets residents and visitors as they approach your facility—its condition and appearance giving them some insight as to the quality of care and professionalism you put into the rest of your operations.

Still, far more than first impressions, parking lot and sidewalk maintenance is an important part of your overall safety plan. Slips, trips and falls account for almost one-fourth of all injuries to employees, residents and guests at senior living facilities each year. Whether it is slipping on ice or tripping in a pothole, parking lots and sidewalks are among the most prevalent places for injuries to your residents and visitors.

• In Illinois, a housekeeper slipped and fell on ice, bruising her lower back, while taking out the trash.
• In Minnesota, a health aide was on her way into work when she slipped and fell on ice, fracturing her left wrist. She is expected to be away from work for several weeks.

From ice to cracks and debris, proper maintenance is key

Take the proper steps to keep the grounds clean, attractive and safe.

• Clear snow/ice – Whenever snow accumulates, immediately clear the snow and ice. Melt the ice with an ice melt throw or, at minimum, use a sand-based cover.
• Walk through lot – Periodically, walk through the parking lot looking for potential hazards, such as loose debris, water or ice.
• Sweep it up – Keep the parking lot and the sidewalk swept of sand and other potential slip hazards in the spring and summertime. This also will help keep your lot clean and attractive.
• Check for cracks – Routinely check the parking lot and sidewalks for cracks and other imperfections. Immediately take steps to fix any problems. If cracks and imperfections are discovered early, applying a rubberized sealant can cost as little as 5 cents per square foot. This type of maintenance can extend the life of a parking lot by seven years.
• Drive-up area – Have a drive-up area close to the main doors for those who have difficulty walking on uneven and slippery surfaces. Sturdy handrails need to be installed on all ramps near the entryway.<p>
• Keep painted lines visible – Keep painted parking space lines, crosswalks, drive-up areas and change in elevation lines maintained. Recoat faded or chipped painted areas.

In Illinois, a housekeeper slipped and fell on ice, bruising her lower back, while taking out the trash.
• In Minnesota, a health aide was on her way into work when she slipped and fell on ice, fracturing her left wrist. She is expected to be away from work for several weeks.

From ice to cracks and debris, proper maintenance is key

Clear snow/ice – Whenever snow accumulates, immediately clear the snow and ice. Melt the ice with an ice melt throw or, at minimum, use a sand-based cover.
• Walk through lot – Periodically, walk through the parking lot looking for potential hazards, such as loose debris, water or ice.

• Sweep it up – Keep the parking lot and the sidewalk swept of sand and other potential slip hazards in the spring and summertime. This also will help keep your lot clean and attractive.

Check for cracks – Routinely check the parking lot and sidewalks for cracks and other imperfections. Immediately take steps to fix any problems. If cracks and imperfections are discovered early, applying a rubberized sealant can cost as little as 5 cents per square foot. This type of maintenance can extend the life of a parking lot by seven years.
• Drive-up area – Have a drive-up area close to the main doors for those who have difficulty walking on uneven and slippery surfaces. Sturdy handrails need to be installed on all ramps near the entryway.

• Keep painted lines visible – Keep painted parking space lines, crosswalks, drive-up areas and change in elevation lines maintained. Recoat faded or chipped painted areas.

For a complete collection of the Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities series, click here.