Preventing slip, trip and fall accidents

Slip, trip, and fall accidents make up a large proportion of industrial accidents, and cause serious injuries in homes across the country. While it may seem simple to just “watch where you’re going,” people living or working in areas with a high risk of slip, trip, and fall accidents can use other, more surefire measures to keep themselves safe.

Preventing injuries at work

Slips, trips, and falls make up 15% of all general industry workplace accidents, second only to motor vehicle crashes for accidents that cause sprains, strains, back injuries, fractures, and contusions. Besides the physical impact of these injuries, they can slow down work projects, cause stress at home, and are costly. The average slip, trip, or fall injury costs about $28,000 in medical expenses.

• Appropriate signage can be one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries. Knowing the type and location of hazards is vital to avoiding injuries.
• In addition, report all slips, trips, and falls whenever they occur, even if no-one was injured. This allows employers to make accurate safety audits and protect employees from future accidents.

Outfitting your home

Falls are one of the leading causes of accidental injury in the U.S. They cause an estimated 8.9 million emergency room visits annually. Unfortunately, older citizens (65 and above) are 5 times more likely to be treated for fall-related accidents. Two locations highly-associated with slips, trips, and falls are stairways and bathrooms.

• Keep your stairs free from clutter and maintain fresh treading. Many injuries can be prevented by installing ramps or handrails. You can also place slip-resistant rugs or treading on stairs. If you have carpeting on your stairway, make sure it’s attached firmly.
• Outfit your bathrooms with non-slip mats and handrails. The bathroom is a slippery environment with hard surfaces, so just one fall can cause severe injury.
• Keep bathrooms and stairways well lit at all times. Night and wall lights can reveal hazards and prevent someone from misjudging a step.

What if I do fall?

Things to do if you fall:

• Tuck in your chin and turn your head
• Twist or roll your body to the side
• Keep wrists, knees, and elbows bent
• Protect your head with your arm
• Land on as much of your body as possible to distribute the weight of the fall
• Never try to break or soften your fall with your hands

Check out this Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Quiz to test your knowledge and stay safe!

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