Property owners and managers, especially the owners and managers of commercial properties, must help ensure the safety of visitors to their properties. They must:
Identify potential hazards. Commercial properties, in particular, should receive regular inspections to help identify any potential dangers on the property, including:
Slip and fall hazards
Chemicals
Items that could fall on visitors heads, especially on construction sites
Features, including elevators and swimming pools, that require additional maintenance or upkeep
Take care of any needed repairs or maintenance. Premises owners and managers should keep up with important maintenance that will help protect visitors to that property. Failure to conduct regular maintenance could result in additional hazards to visitors to the property, from mechanical failures to broken flooring or stairs.
Clearly label any hazards visitors need to know about. Premises owners and managers may not immediately remove all hazards upon identification. In some cases, premises owners may need time to conduct needed repairs. Conducting those repairs may also create temporary hazards in a building. Premises owners and managers should limit guest access to those areas and clearly label them to prevent accidents.
Provide emergency escape routes. if needed. Commercial properties, in particular, should have clearly marked fire escape routes that provide a clear means of exit in the event of an emergency.