{"id":4977,"date":"2021-12-10T01:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T01:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/301webdemo.com\/oegema\/?p=4977"},"modified":"2026-02-06T04:57:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T04:57:50","slug":"10-ways-to-prevent-personal-injury-on-your-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/blog\/10-ways-to-prevent-personal-injury-on-your-property\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Prevent Personal Injury on Your Property"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4977\" class=\"elementor elementor-4977\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-260ad659 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"260ad659\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4c7132 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e4c7132\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As a property owner, you have a basic responsibility to take reasonable care to protect people inside or outside your home. Whether it is a slip and fall accident on your driveway because you failed to shovel the snow, or someone falling down the stairs inside your home because you don\u2019t have proper banisters, if someone injures themselves on your property, you could be liable for damages. This can include not just medical bills, but also lost income and rehabilitation costs. With this in mind, not only should you make sure to have proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/home-insurance\/\">home insurance<\/a> including liability, but also make certain you are reducing risk for accidents. Here are 10 ways to prevent personal injury on your property.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c93d1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2c93d1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Keep an eye out for risks<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fde4baf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fde4baf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The first rule of thumb is to keep an eye on your property for risks. Something as simple as a fallen branch or uneven ground can put people at risk of accidents. Understand that even if someone is on your property uninvited, they can still sue you for damage if they are injured due to your negligence. Some things you might not notice include:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-094d0d8 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"094d0d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Sharp or jagged edges on rusted handrails<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Loose objects such as paving stones or concrete steps<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Broken glass<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Broken or blown-out light bulbs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Wasp nests<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Prickly weeds and poison ivy or oak<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ca6973 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3ca6973\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>All of these things are perfect examples of accidents waiting to happen.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf840b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf840b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Beware of uneven surfaces\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eee5a85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eee5a85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Uneven surfaces on your driveway and walkways can lead to accidents quicker than you might think. The slightest difference in levels on a pathway can make it easy for someone to trip. Thus, you should always repair the following as soon as possible:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f78900a elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"f78900a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Cracks in the walkway or driveway with a noticeable change in the surface level<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Uneven or missing paving stones<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Potholes in the driveway<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Areas dug up by animals<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Weeds growing between paved stones<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rotting wood on steps and decks<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55b5b96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55b5b96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you can\u2019t afford to make repairs, always flag the area using either caution tape or posting signs warning people of the issue.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b019c7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b019c7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. General landscaping\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b9b333 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b9b333\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you have trees or large shrubs and bushes on your property, check them frequently for hanging or fallen branches, especially after high winds and storms. If a branch from a tree on your property falls and injures someone, you are liable for their injuries. As well, if someone were to trip on fallen branches, they could seek damages. You should also ensure your property is free of fallen leaves, which can be very slippery when wet. Raking the leaves in the fall and clearing away debris in the spring helps keep your property safe.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-123241e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"123241e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Check outdoor stairways and ramps\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf25079 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cf25079\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Even a slightly uneven step can lead to accidents. As well, both stairs and ramps require handrails to hold onto outside. Stairs should be well-lit at night and be up to code to help reduce risk for accidents. Many homeowners are unaware that steps should be of one size and height, so people don\u2019t suddenly step further down or up than expected. The treads should all be the same depth and not so narrow that it makes it difficult to step on it. Also, if you do have railings for stairs, make sure the supporting posts are safely spaced to reduce the risk for a small child getting their head caught and choking.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-650133b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"650133b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Snow and ice\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fe89ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9fe89ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With the Canadian weather, we have to be diligent when it comes to clearing snow and ice. Depending on where you live, most areas have an 8-hour clearing law. Be sure you are following the laws in your area by shoveling snow, removing ice, and laying down some sort of slip-resistant material like road salt, ice-melt products, or sand.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79da8ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"79da8ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">6. Follow local pool laws\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-268dc67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"268dc67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most areas have a law that swimming pools must be fenced with a locking gate. This can protect you from people entering your pool illegally, or small children from wandering onto your property and falling in. If you have a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/blog\/water-safety-tips\/\">water feature or pond<\/a>, you should also have a locked gate to your yard to prevent possible accidents. As well, your pool should have a non-slip deck surface to reduce risk for falls.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54e38f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54e38f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">7. Keep your interior floors safe\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5224b2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5224b2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Floors are probably one of the riskiest areas for\u00a0slips and falls\u00a0in the home. When you have guests, be sure your floors are dry following mopping. Avoid using polishes that can make floors slick. Make sure your area rugs are secure with tape or non-slip backers. People can also trip due to uneven floors that transition from tile to wood, or carpet to hard surfaces, so make sure you point these dangers out. Also, buckles in wall-to-wall carpeting should be repaired so they are stretched and fitted properly. Clear away toys and other objects from the floor so nothing poses a risk for tripping.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc47605 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dc47605\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">8. Keep your interior stairs safe\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bc00d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5bc00d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The same rules we mentioned for outdoor stairs apply to stairs inside the home. Be sure all of your stairs, including single steps in sunken rooms, have a handrail or banister. Wood stairs can be very slippery, so it is best to install a runner, or apply a non-slip paint or finish to reduce the risk of slips.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42cca55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"42cca55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">9. Always hire fully insured home repair and renovation services\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b41192 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b41192\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are having any kind of work done in your home, whether it is new floors, painters, carpet cleaners, or contractors, always hire fully insured services. Insured companies cover injuries that occur on the job. Uninsured companies could sue you for on-the-job injuries, property damage they cause or that occurs to their equipment, and other perils that might occur in your home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45e130d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"45e130d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">10. Other possible home perils\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0efcd4a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0efcd4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Some other risks you should keep in mind include:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df4dfec elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"df4dfec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Cords for blinds and window treatments that could injure a visiting child or pet<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Toxic substances not stored safely<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Disposing of toxic substances improperly<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Fire risks such as not having smoke detectors<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Mould<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Unsafe toys in the home<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"27\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 27 26\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M25.025 14.4289C24.064 19.2336 20.4413 23.7577 15.3579 24.7687C12.8786 25.2624 10.3068 24.9614 8.00858 23.9084C5.71037 22.8554 3.80294 21.1043 2.5579 18.9042C1.31285 16.7041 0.79365 14.1673 1.07423 11.655C1.35481 9.14267 2.42086 6.78291 4.12059 4.91171C7.6069 1.07178 13.4936 0.0147454 18.2984 1.93663\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.68945 12.5069L13.4942 17.3116L25.0255 4.81934\" stroke=\"#E8792A\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Faulty electrical outlets that lead to shock<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-193eed0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"193eed0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"content blog col-md-8\"><article class=\"blog_posts listing\"><div class=\"cnt-wrapper\">Really, the list is endless. Therefore, the best way to avoid liability for injuries in your home or on your property is to ensure you have the proper\u00a0home insurance\u00a0that Ottawa homeowners require. For more information, speak to our team at Oegema, Nicholson &amp; Associates today. Call us at 613-704-7766 or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/contact-us\/\">contact us here<\/a>.<\/div><\/article><\/article><aside class=\"sidebar col-md-4\"><section class=\"widget-odd widget-last widget-first widget-1 tab-box\"><\/section><\/aside>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a property owner, you have a basic responsibility to take reasonable care to protect people inside or outside your home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-around-the-house"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4977"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12685,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4977\/revisions\/12685"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}