External surfaces car parks, paths and patio areas are a leading cause of resident, visitor and staff trips and falls at care home premises. Annual formal inspection of external hard surfaces is recommended, with a documented risk assessment for any defects found.
Why this matters
A trip and fall on a defective external surface at a care home creates personal injury liability. If the defect was known about and not acted upon as evidenced by a previous inspection report the liability exposure is very serious. Document and remediate promptly.
What to do
- 1Carry out an annual formal external surface inspection with a photographic record of any defects.
- 2Classify defects: trip hazards greater than 20mm should be remediated within 28 days; lesser defects within 90 days.
- 3Retain inspection records for a minimum of six years this is the limitation period for personal injury claims.
Primary source
HSE Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers
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