How to Prevent a Slip and Fall at Home

A fall can happen in seconds and result in severe injuries, disability or even death. Older adults are more vulnerable to these accidents, their reflexes are not as fast and their bodies can’t withstand the impact of a fall, this oftentimes results in broken bones and other serious injuries. A few simple precautions at home and in the workplace can prevent an accident and keep everyone safe.

Injuries From a Fall

Depending on the age of the injured person, the height of the fall and the position the victim fell on could all determine how serious a fall injury is. Common injuries resulting from falls include broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries. Older adults are at a higher risk of suffering a serious injury such as a hip fracture or a traumatic brain injury. According to data from the CDC, 300,000 seniors are hospitalized each year for hip fractures. People of every age should take the necessary safety precautions to prevent a fall, especially older citizens who can suffer greater injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the victim doesn’t feel injured, they may have a brain concussion or a broken bone that they are not aware of. It’s especially important for seniors to seek medical attention as the injuries from the first fall could lead to other falls in the future.

Safety Tips for Older Adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and death for older adults. We tend to think that falls can only happen from a ladder or while working on a high surface but slipping and tripping can happen on any type of surface and from any height. To prevent a senior from falling at home certain safety precautions should be taken, such as the following:

• Keeping floors clean, dry and clear of clutter or objects that they could trip on.
• Keep electrical cords and cables away from hallways or areas with high traffic.
• Install handrails on stairways and bathrooms.
• Don’t place furniture blocking pathways or areas with high traffic.
• Maintain good lighting both indoors and outdoors.
• Avoid using chairs or furniture with wheels that could slip when someone tries to sit on them.

Preventing a Fall at Home

Fall hazards are common in the workplace such as construction sites, but risky projects at home could potentially cause an accident too. Do it yourself projects such as fixing a roof, installing siding, putting up Christmas lights, if not done carefully and following all the necessary safety precautions could result in a fall. To prevent a fall at home, follow these safety measures:

• Look at the area you are going to work in and detect any potential hazards before working.
• If you’re going to work outside, check the weather forecast and never work in rain, snow, extreme wind or heat.
• Place a ladder on a solid surface and have someone support the bottom.
• Wear the appropriate clothing and shoes for the job.
• Make sure you know how to safely use your equipment and that they’re the right tools for the job.

Protect every member of your family by following these safety measures. If you or someone you love has fallen at home or at their workplace, seek medical assistance immediately. If the fall was caused by a negligent party such as an employer who didn’t follow safety regulations, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you with a personal injury claim. You could recover financial compensation for the accident to cover for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs incurred.