Floor Mat Causes Slip and Fall in Supermarket

This occupational analysis, case involves a man who slipped on a floor mat when entering a grocery store located in Mississippi. The floor mat had a rubber edge- about ½ to ¾ of an inch wide all around. The man slipped and fell when he stepped on the mat, landing on the hard surface of the floor. As a result of his fall, the man sustained various injuries to multiple parts of his body.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have knowledge of supermarket safety and the steps that should be taken to ensure customer safety, specifically with floor mats?

Expert Witness Response E-008325

I am a licensed occupational therapist with 30 years of experience. I also have a Masters of Science and Technology in Ergonomics. My past work experience includes working at WorkSafeBC as a vocational evaluator in the Functional Evaluation Unit, a clinical specialist OT in Special care Services and vocational rehabilitation consultant. A significant proportion of my work involves preparing ergonomic technical risk analyses some of which involves falls in the workplace. My reports are also used at the Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal or at the final level of appeal with a high success rate. I use the principles of safety risk management as my framework.