Pedestrians typically scan ahead in the direction of their travel, not directly down in front of where their feet are walking. Trip hazards occur when unanticipated variations in walking surfaces interrupt a pedestrian’s footpath and cause a lack of balance. Studies have identified that even small changes in elevation (as low as 3/8”) are particularly dangerous because of the low probability that pedestrians will even detect them.
Some common trip hazards are cracked concrete and spalled areas, paver irregularities, tree roots, abrupt changes in walkway elevation, and heaved slabs to name a few.
Property managers are responsible for preventing and managing any trip hazards on site. They must eliminate hazards or apply visual warnings to prevent them. Maintaining safe premises includes regular inspections to identify hazards and correcting any that do arise. Any walkways that are in need of repair may include conditions in which the pavement is broken, depressed, raised, undermined, slippery, uneven, or cracked to the extent that pieces may be readily removed. Uneven walkways should be repaired or replaced when there is an abrupt change in elevation.
Freedom Restoration is prepared to help you repair any uneven surfaces you may have. We dig out the peaked slabs and add new concrete. The entire affected area is removed to bare ground, the surface is leveled and new concrete slabs are poured. Any spalled concrete can be repaired by removing the damaged section and filling it with fresh cement.
If you have any suspect areas that may need to be replaced before the winter, please contact us today at 410-451-7110 for a free estimate.
