Are step stools a liability?

Started by AK6 • 15 replies • 884 views

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AK6 (Washington)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Our HOA recently installed new vertically stacked laundry machines. One of the residents is saying that they can't reach the dryers because of their height. Can the HOA put a removable step stool in the laundry room or is this a liability and the resident should be asked to bring their own step stool?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Interesting question.

The laundry room is common area as are the washer/dryers. We aren't allowed to keep any personal property in our common areas. I also think it's too much to ask a resident to bring a stool to the laundry room every time she wants to use the room.

I think the HOA should provide it and maybe it should be low and sizable. Don't know how you'll keep someone from taking it home.

Liability. We have a lot of gym equipment on which someone could get hurt, including a step device.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Whether or not they bring their own, it's still a "liability". You can trip over your own equipment right? I wouldn't go so crazy over a simple step stool... I am short.

Former HOA President

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By AK6 on 07/17/2018 12:10 PM
Our HOA recently installed new vertically stacked laundry machines. One of the residents is saying that they can't reach the dryers because of their height. Can the HOA put a removable step stool in the laundry room or is this a liability and the resident should be asked to bring their own step stool?

Personally I would not provide due to potential “liability”. If an owner brings their own ... without the HOA stating or posting that option. If something happens it could potentially be the owner’s liability. However, there is still a slight chance they might go after the HOA. The alternative would be to NOT have vertically stacked laundry machines accessible to everyone.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

I don't have an answer to the question, but I do think it was shortsighted of whoever installed the vertically stacked machines to not ask, "Will everyone be able to reach the machines on top?"

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

It's too late to say what AK's HOA shoulda done.

I still maintain that a low, 2" high broad single "platform" is a safe solution. No one should have to make a accomodations for themselves to use the common areas.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 07/17/2018 3:52 PM
Whether or not they bring their own, it's still a "liability".

Anything could be considered a liability, and you can't avoid all of them, that's why you carry insurance. Check with your carrier to make sure you would be covered for any problems with an association provided step stool.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

JenniferG11 (Texas)
Posts: 667

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 07/18/2018 9:16 AM
It's too late to say what AK's HOA shoulda done.

I still maintain that a low, 2" high broad single "platform" is a safe solution. No one should have to make a accomodations for themselves to use the common areas.

Yeah I would think something more stable than a step stool.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

I say the HOA should provide nothing. Let the resident bring what they need like a step stool.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

You don't agree, John, that common area improvements should be accessible to all adults?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 07/19/2018 7:52 AM
You don't agree, John, that common area improvements should be accessible to all adults?

I would be concerned if someone fell/tripped on an HOA provided step stool from a liability point of view.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Many HOAs have items that folks must step up to reach. their front doors for instance, various gym & playground equipment, etc., etc.

I don't think shorter adults should have to schlepp their own platform back & forth to use common area amenities.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

IMHO is a step stool a liability, YES!!!!! from a OSHA standpoint and insurance standpoint.. I would honestly seek input from BOTH your insurance carrier and
your association attorney.. You say you have stacked dryers, yes? is it a lawsuit from the short person you are worried about? I'm no attorney, but since you
said there are stacked dryers, the short person simply needs to use the lower dryers.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LetA on 07/19/2018 11:16 AM
IMHO is a step stool a liability, YES!!!!! from a OSHA standpoint and insurance standpoint.. I would honestly seek input from BOTH your insurance carrier and
your association attorney.. You say you have stacked dryers, yes? is it a lawsuit from the short person you are worried about? I'm no attorney, but since you
said there are stacked dryers, the short person simply needs to use the lower dryers.

I wouldn't bother with the association attorney, if they have one, just the insurance carrier, as if a problem did arise, their attorney would be representing the association.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

LetA, in my condo and in many others "stacked" means thee dryer is on top of the washer. There would be no lower dryer.

I honestly don't think OSHA has any problem with, say, a 24" square platform raised a couple of inches off the ground.

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Sounds scary ...

I’m thinking about a stool with warning flags and get everyone to sign a waiver. 🙂

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