Is Your Shopping Mall a Safe Place to Shop? -

Details for Is Your Shopping Mall a Safe Place to Shop?

ID:	8605
Author:	Gerard Malouf Solicitor
Title:	Is Your Shopping Mall a Safe Place to Shop?
Article:	Even under the best of conditions, accidents occur in shopping malls. Shoppers slip on floors, hit their heads on racks, sustain injuries from escalators, or become injured in other ways at a mall. Young children are especially at risk. Therefore, it is important for safety precautions and procedures to be implemented at malls and stores. Types of Injuries Injuries sustained at a mall can vary, but shoppers can incur personal injuries and property damage. Although shoppers may break a bone or body part, they also commonly incur soft tissue injuries which can affect their back, shoulder, or neck. Sometimes shopping carts can damage cars. Additionally, shoppers can have property stolen at a mall or be physically attacked. Steps for Avoiding Injuries Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to promote a safe mall environment. Consider whether these steps have been taken in your mall. • The visibility of patrolling security guards inside the mall may reduce theft to customers and stores. Additionally, if an accident occurs, mall security will be able to take a statement, photograph the area, and obtain contact information from the people involved. • Appropriates signage is very important because it warns shoppers to be careful and may reduce liability. Common signage that may help reduce accidents or limit liability are: 1. Signs advising of wet floors. 2. Signs cautioning not to leave children unattended in carts or strollers. 3. Signs restricting food and drinks on store premises. 4. Signs requesting that customers ask for assistance with certain goods. 5. Signs cautioning riders to hold escalator rails while riding. • Mall personnel should maintain floors so they are clean and free of debris. Cleaning should be done before customers enter the mall and after they leave to minimize slipping. Nevertheless, it is also important to advise employees to report any spills or debris that occur during the work day so the areas can be promptly cleaned or roped off until they can be cleaned. • Stores should be well lit. • There should be clear procedures for unloading merchandise in the store and placing racks where they are easily visible. In particular, goods on high shelves should be carefully stacked to prevent falling. • When goods are being unloaded, store personnel should make sure that customers are not in danger. • The mall and stores should employ sufficient help so customers can safely receive assistance. • Mall bathrooms should be checked regularly to ensure that there is no flooding. Exterior Safety • Security guards should patrol the parking areas. • Adequate lighting minimizes theft and ensures ease of locating vehicles in parking areas. • Cart returns should be conveniently located and stores should have sufficient employees to remove shopping carts from the lot, including those that are not properly returned. Furthermore, video camera surveillance can be used to ensure that mall areas are properly maintained. They will also help alert mall personnel about accidents so they are handled expediently. Keeping malls and stores safe and properly maintained protects customers and shopkeepers. Customers are more likely to shop in a mall where they feel safe. Additionally, money spent to maintain a safe environment in malls and stores may improve sales, reduce lawsuits, and protect against liability claims. About the author of this article: gerard malouf is a leading accident compensation lawyer with over 26 years experience in slip fall injury compensation claims
Category:	Society
Date:	July 31, 2010 12:02:58 AM

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