How To Prevent Slips, Trips And Falls On Floors

Most people are very careful to avoid walking on wet, slippery surfaces. However, even what appears to be a perfectly clean floor can be the site of a nasty fall, if you’re not careful. That’s especially true for those of us who may have difficulty walking, such as very young children and the elderly. An overlooked footstool, loose rug corner, bare hardwood or tile floors can cause anyone to lose their footing.

Injuries from slips, trips and falls account for a significant portion of the emergency room visits in this country. Homeowners, workers and even pets deserve to be protected from joining those numbers.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take at home or on the job to prevent the majority of slip-and-fall accidents. In most cases, these incidents occur because the individual could not see where he or she was going and tripped over something unexpected.

Providing adequate lighting and clearing walkways of potential obstacles is helpful for preventing these kinds of accidents. Using slip-resistant strips or treatments to bare floors add traction — making it easier for people to walk with confidence. For these and many other tips, take a look at the accompanying checklist.

How to Prevent Slips, Trips & Falls On Floors created by Olde Wood