“Clean-up on aisle five!” This is a common announcement grocery shoppers in New Jersey are likely to hear at one time or another. Even if clean-ups are handled fairly quickly, there’s always the risk of someone slipping, falling and sustaining a serious personal injury. In fact, the president of a leading underwriter of specialty insurance products considers fall injuries to be the number one cause of loss in the grocery world. There are many different types of things that people can slip and fall on, from split liquids to coupons that fell out of someone’s pocket.
To be fair, many grocery stores do regularly take steps to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents for both shoppers and employees. Such efforts typically include using slip-resistant floor treatments, replacing slip-resistant mats and consistently mopping floors. Even when steps like this are taken, there’s always the potential for unexpected variables, like an elderly shopper with poor eyesight or a rambunctious toddler knocking down canned goods.
Some major supermarket chains are using technology to draw on real-time data to make the grocery shopping experience safer. Tech-based solutions involve the use of sensors to track the movements of employees as they walk around the store. Potential hazards can also be identified with the data that’s collected, and that information can then be used to make appropriate adjustments with safety procedures. Some platforms also allow supermarkets to report incidents in real-time by submitting photographs of spills and identifying witnesses. Doing so may significantly reduce claim-related costs.
If possible negligent actions like not cleaning up slippery floors may have contributed to an injury sustained at a grocery store, a lawyer might speak with witnesses or review any evidence from cellphones or photos submitted by store employees or owners. If a grocery store utilizes technology that collects real-time data, this information may be reviewed to determine if identified risks were sufficiently addressed.