Any wet patch of floor could be dangerous if left for too long. Make sure to clean up wet floors as soon as you notice them. Use the right type of cleaner — some cleaning products can make the floor more slippery so you’ll want to avoid those. Use clear signage to alert people to wet floors.

Be on the lookout for anything that could potentially cause someone to trip. Make sure furniture and equipment are situated out of walkways so that everyone on the worksite has a clear path. Keep an eye out for any stray objects and clutter such as boxes, tools, and cables that could cause issues if undetected. Move anything out of the way that is blocking a walkway.

Clear lines of sight are crucial, particularly around heavy machinery and tools. Make sure all walkways, stairwells, and work areas are fully and clearly lit.

Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy for anyone to become lax with their workplace safety protocol. Provide regular safety training sessions to keep every employee up to speed and knowledgeable on how to maintain a safe work space. Depending on the specific risk, regular training may be required by state or federal regulations.

If your workplace contains sudden changes in floor height that can’t be quickly corrected, be sure to use signage to notify workers and clients of the change. This might include signs alerting people to watch out for a sudden step or drop, or a raised door threshold.

Some industries have regular water and oil spills, creating a high risk of slips. Make sure your employees have appropriate, slip-resistant shoes to avoid a catastrophe.

How to Protect Your Business from Slip and Fall Claims

Q: Consistent housekeeping

Good housekeeping is not limited to cleaning up spills. It includes maintaining a clean and functional workplace. Be sure to keep storage drawers closed when they’re not in use. Cover or tape down cables that lay across walkways. Tape down any rugs or mats to ensure they lay flat.

Small Business information you can trust.

Updated August 2025 by Ed Grasso

Insuring 1 million small businesses worldwide.

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According to information from a Simply Business blog, some of the most common injury claims risks for small business owners are slip and fall accidents. This guide can help you better understand these risks and be prepared in the event they occur.

Why Your Business Needs Protection Against Slip and Fall Accidents

Imagine someone slips and falls in your store or at your place of business. It could involve an ambulance trip to the ER, medical treatment, and even rehabilitation. Now imagine they file a lawsuit and claim you’re responsible for the cost of all of that. That could be thousands of dollars, plus any legal fees if the case goes to court.

General liability insurance can help cover medical costs like those, along with the legal expenses (up to your policy’s limit). And protection like that doesn’t have to be expensive. Simply Business customers pay less than $25 a month for GL coverage with most paying less than $95 a month.¹

¹ Data from Simply Business customers who purchased a GL policy from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024.

It could cost you more than just money.

Along with the money you might have to pay out, you may also want to consider the potential damage to your reputation. Lawsuits and media coverage surrounding slip and fall accidents can create negative publicity — even if you’re found not liable.

Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Slip and Fall Accidents?

In most cases, no. A typical homeowner’s insurance policy is unlikely to cover slip and fall accidents related to your business, even if your business operates from your property. Homeowner’s insurance primarily covers personal liability for injuries on the property, but it generally doesn’t include business-related activities. To confirm, check the terms of your Homeowner’s insurance policy or speak with your agent.

Does General Liability Insurance Cover Employee Injuries?

While work-related slip and fall accidents can happen to both customers and employees, general liability insurance does not cover people who work for you. Workers’ compensation insurance is specifically designed to cover employees who get hurt or become sick on the job.

Workers’ comp premiums depend on a number of factors, including: your industry, location, number of employees, and how much coverage you choose. Most Simply Business customers pay less than $150 per month.²

² Data from Simply Business customers who purchased a GL policy between July 1st, 2024 and December 31st, 2024.

Ways to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

While there is no singular way to avoid workplace mishaps entirely, we pulled some tips from our blog, Slips and Falls: How To Prevent Them From Happening in Your Business.

Address Spills

Keep walkways clear

Use protective floor mats.

Floor mats can serve a number of purposes in the workplace. If you have areas that regularly get slippery or where extra traction is needed, consider a floor mat to add tread.

Peel-and-stick floor mats can prevent the mats from bunching up and causing an additional hazard.

Additionally, it’s good practice to have mats available during inclement weather. Having mats at your entryway or anywhere water or slush could get tracked in can prevent slick floors.

Consistent housekeeping

Good lighting

Safety training

Signage

Proper attire

Practice Prevention and Invest in Protection

A safe workplace can benefit customers, employees, vendors, and business owners like you. General liability insurance goes even further and helps protect your business in case the unexpected and unforeseen happens.

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We make small business insurance simple — so you can get covered without the hassle. We’re a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers. With one easy form, you can compare quotes from top-rated insurers and choose coverage that fits your business, your risks, and your budget.

No hidden costs. No guesswork. Just clear, affordable options built for small business owners like you — so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re not overpaying.

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*Actual savings may vary based on the nature of your business, its location, and insurance provider appetite. Savings percentage is calculated using the average price difference of quotes from SB’s panel of insurance providers.