A smooth, even, flat surface is ideal for walking because it reduces the likelihood of twisted ankles or loss of balance which can lead to falls and other painful mishaps. In fact, guidelines require that parking areas be level and even, with cracks, holes and lumps not exceeding 1 cm. However, heavy use by both pedestrians and vehicle traffic both cause a parking surface to deteriorate. Figure 1 shows examples of damage to look for: broken pavement, and gratings. Leaks and spills of engine oil or antifreeze, which commonly occur wherever cars are parked, can further add to risks of slips and falls. In outdoor parking lots, severe weather conditions additionally aggravate even slight damage to the parking surface. As a consequence the risk for falls due to slips and trips is relatively high in this environment.

Figure 1

Are speed bumps a fall hazard?

Speed bumps and tire stops are usually not necessary in a well-designed parking lot. Besides potentially causing damage to vehicles, they create a yet another hazard for tripping - see Figure 2. The layout of the parking area should make it impossible to drive unsafely or fast. Otherwise, if speed bumps or tire stops are absolutely necessary: locate them away from pedestrian traffic (such as at entrance and exit areas). use a speed bump sign and post the recommended speed wherever such bumps have to be used speed bumps should be designed according to the provisions of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards

Figure 2

Are tire stops hazardous?

Tire stops are serious tripping hazards particularly when parking slots are occupied. When tire stops are present, a few precautions are advised:

• they should no wider than the width of the vehicle
• they should be marked with a contrasting colour
• special attention should be paid to their regular maintenance because they deteriorate faster than other elements of the parking area - see Figures 3 and 4

Figure 3	Figure 4

How can you prevent falls?

Falls can be prevented through a number of steps: good lighting good housekeeping good quality walking surface in the parking area appropriate walking pace: walk, don't run paying attention to where you are going selection of proper footwear - see Figure 5

Figure 5

What does good housekeeping mean in terms of parking lots?

Good housekeeping includes: cleaning all spills and oily spots immediately marking oily or icy spots and wet areas - see Figure 6 clearing ice or snow as soon as possible removing clutter, debris and any obstacles from walkways

Figure 6

What responsibilities do workers have?

Safety is everybody's duty, so workers as much as employers should:

• clean or report spills right away
• clear away clutter and debris, if they can
• report hazardous conditions to their supervisors
• remain aware that falls can happen anywhere, anytime