Every day, our team at Solutions in Engineering walks through properties across Australia, inspecting for potential safety hazards. But here’s what we notice time and time again: the biggest problems often start with the smallest oversights commonly being an uneven pathway, a missing handrail or stairs without clear edge markings.

Individually, these might not seem serious. But in areas used daily by residents, guests, and tradespeople, even a small defect can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.

Unfortunately, it’s often only after someone has been injured that repairs are made. And by that point, the damage, whether it be physical, emotional or financial, has already been done. Here are a few recent cases to share.

Case 1: Common Property Stairs — A Costly Misstep

In one recent case, a guest tripped down a set of podium stairs in a shared access area. The individual claimed that the lack of stair delineation (no contrast strips or visible markings) made it difficult to see where each step began and ended. As a result, they stumbled and suffered a severe elbow injury.

The injury left lasting mobility issues and had a significant impact on their quality of life.

The outcome? A $290,000 compensation payout, all because of a hazard that could have been easily prevented with something as simple as high-visibility markings or anti-slip strips on the stair edges.

It’s a stark reminder that small details matter. A few dollars spent on proactive safety measures can save hundreds of thousands and protect the safety of residents.

Case 2: Common Property Crossing

In another recent case, a resident slipped while crossing a section of common property. The crossing lacked non-slip surfacing, despite being known to become slick in wet weather. The fall caused a serious knee injury that required surgery and rehabilitation.

The eventual compensation exceeded $400,000, covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income. A simple non-slip coating or high-visibility warning strip would likely have prevented the incident altogether.

Prevention Is Always Better Than Compensation

Both cases share a clear lesson: small hazards can lead to major consequences.
Unmarked stairs, untreated slippery paths, or uneven surfaces can all contribute to serious injuries and substantial financial loss for owners.

Regular inspections and timely maintenance are key to managing these risks. Identifying hazards early allows owners and managers to act before problems escalate into costly incidents.

Addressing Issues Early

Identifying hazards is only the first step. Acting on them promptly is just as important.
That’s why Solutions in Engineering works closely with maintenance professionals like TOL Property Services, who can carry out necessary repairs and improvements quickly and effectively.

Tasks such as installing non-slip strips, repainting faded markings, or levelling uneven surfaces may seem minor, but they play a major role in preventing accidents and maintaining compliance.

The Bottom Line

Every injury claim tells the same story, a preventable hazard that went unaddressed.
Early detection and simple maintenance can save lives, reduce costs, and protect communities.

When it comes to safety, proactivity always pays off.
Doing nothing isn’t just risky, it’s costly.