Most falls do not cause any injuries. However, some can cause serious injuries or even be fatal. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths (road accidents being the first).
Falls can cause more damage as we get older. This is because our bones become more brittle and can take longer to heal. That said, young people can still be at risk of fall injuries (especially when under the influence of alcohol).
We can all take small steps to avoid fall injuries. Below are some of the biggest ways to prevent falls.
Take care on slippery surfaces
From icy driveways to wet bathroom floors, slippery surfaces are one of the biggest causes of falls. It’s important to look out for slippery surfaces and tread carefully when you see them. Slippery floors in public buildings should be signposted. Lawyers such as John Foy personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation if you slip on a non-signposted floor and get injured.
Prevent slippery surfaces at home
It’s possible to reduce slippery surfaces around the home by taking the right precautions. A few ways to prevent slippery surfaces around the home including:
- Storing some grit to lay over you driveway in winter in case it gets icy
- Adding an anti-slip bath mat to your bathtub
- Using rugs and mats on laminate and tile floors
- Not using too much water when mopping – or using a dry mop to soak up the water afterwards
Many fall injuries happen at home and can be prevented by taking these measures.
Wear the right footwear
In certain situations, not wearing the right footwear could increase your risk of sustaining a fall injury. When going outdoors in wet or icy conditions, it’s important to wear shoes that have a lot of grip on their soles. High heeled shoes are some of the biggest causes of fall injuries and should ideally be worn solely indoors. A pair of flats is always worth bringing on a night out if you need to walk home or if you get too tipsy to walk properly in heels.
Keep floors free of clutter
Too much clutter on the floor can increase the risk of fall injuries. If you have kids, you could find that toys are a major trip hazard – make sure that toys are always cleared away after use. You should also try to avoid leaving boxes, bags and shoes in walkways. On top of this, avoid trailing cables and wires across floors – try to keep cables tidied away to the side of the room or attach them to walls with cable raceways.
Don’t ignore mobility issues as you get older
Mobility issues caused by injuries or degenerative conditions are more common as we get older and can increase the risk of a fall. Once you start having trouble steadying yourself, consider taking steps like walking with a stick or getting help when doing tasks like reaching high shelves. Eventually, it may even be worth making modifications to your home to reduce falls such as adding grab bars near beds or toilets and installing ramps or stairlifts. The sooner you start taking precautions, the less likely you are to experience a fall.
