Slip and fall injuries
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
Why Do They Occur?
Information on slip and fall injuries.
Slip and fall injuries usually occur when there is liquid or grease on a floor, or someone trips over part of the flooring that has come up or is damaged or missing. Seniors who may have imbalance or vertigo problems or children who are full of energy, are prone to these types of injuries. Bathrooms are a hard place for seniors as the stone or ceramic tiles there may lead to more falls for that age group. Slip and fall injuries can be drastically reduced if flooring surfaces are taken into consideration. Every now and then a homeowner should do an assessment of all of the floors in their home. Danger spots can be noted and remedies considered. This helps guests who may be totally unfamiliar with your space, or seniors who cannot see very well, or children that do not exercise enough care, when moving around the house.
Who Gets Them The Most?
Probably seniors or restaurant workers. Most restaurants have safety mats by cooking or washing stations. They are usually made from rubber, with holes in them so water cam go through and drain away, plus they can be washed and dried easier. If people are tired they can be subject to falls in the home or elsewhere. If the lighting is dim in a location then that doesn't help with prevention of slip and fall injuries. In a Winter climate, anyone can slip on patio or front walkway ice. There's not much to be done about that except to stay vigilant and remove dangerous ice as soon as you can. Inside, just watch out for any areas that could prove hazardous to anyone in your family. Even adults can get slip and fall injuries if your flooring is damaged. Make sure, every now and then, that carpets, rugs, vinyl flooring and hardwood floors are well glue, fastened, or nailed down. After all, there is nowhere to walk in a home, other than on the floors! Unless you are Spiderman, of course.
Floor Surfaces That Can Help Prevent Them
Rubber flooring or well-secured and rubber-backed mats on any surface will help. Wall to wall carpeting that is low pile and well stretched out may be the most secure for seniors. Anywhere that there is a change in level from one floor surface to another, would benefit from a railing attached to the wall so that people will be able to steady themselves as they go up or down levels or stairs. A cork floor that is well laid down would be a great surface for anyone prone to slip and fall injuries. It even has a little bounce to it and also a plus, in that the material is renewable and very eco-friendly
