Walkways need to be kept in a good condition at all times because otherwise people could be injured in a slip or fall. If people want to be able to move safely from A to B, any hazards should be dealt with as soon as possible by contacting a company to perform asphalting in Sydney.
Walkways are used both outside people’s homes and in public spaces. It is a homeowner’s responsibility to take care of their own walkway to make sure that they are completely safe. In public places, it is the responsibility of the local council to ensure that walkways won’t cause injuries to members of the general public. Injuries as a result of damaged walkways could lead to a lengthy case in civil court as people try to claim compensation after an accident has taken place.
Read this guide about the most common walkway hazard, and how they can be fixed.
Cracked Or Potholed Asphalt
Asphalt is another common material used for walkways because it is durable and expands in the heat to minimize the risk of cracking. However, asphalt could start to show signs of wear and tear if lots of people are using the walkway. Faults such as cracks and potholes can cause people to get their feet stuck in the surface and may cause them to fall over. One of the benefits of asphalt is that it can be filled in easily by any old paving company.
Loose Paving Stones
Many walkways are constructed out of paving stones because it makes the path extremely durable. The stones should be regularly inspected for cracks or looseness. If any problems are identified, the stones could need to be replaced or the grouting may need to be reapplied if it has been worn away by the elements.
Secure paving stones will allow people to walk steadily on the path without being in danger of stumbling on a loose stone.
Walkway Too Narrow
A walkway needs to be wide enough to accommodate a safe number of people. If a walkway is too narrow, this could cause a bottleneck to form. If too many people are on a walkway which is narrow and enclosed, there is a risk that people could be seriously injured or even killed in a crush. Members of the public should be vigilant about overcrowded walkways when they are in the city. Problems with overcrowding should be reported to the local council so that the pathway can be widened and any supporting walls can be moved further back.
Obstacles On The Path
Walkways should ideally be kept free of any obstacles. At home, this could mean removed potted plants from the side of the path so that people have enough room to move comfortably. In public spaces, this could mean removing concrete bollards which may restrict the flow of people.
Use this guide to identify common walkway problems.
