National Safety Month - Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

National Safety Month, an annual observance to educate and encourage safe behaviors around top causes of preventable injuries and deaths. This weeks theme focuses on Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls.

Did you know - Falls are by far the leading unintentional injury accounting for more than 8.7 million emergency room visits each year in the United States.

Most falls are preventable. Many people attribute falls to being clumsy or not paying
attention, but many risk factors exist. Risk factors include physical hazards in the
environment, age-related issues and health conditions. Reduce your risk and find fall hazards
in your workplace and home to prevent injuries and keep others safe round the clock.

Remove common fall hazards:
• Keep floors and stairs clean and clear of clutter
• Maintain good lighting both indoors and on outdoor walkways
• Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
• Use non-skid throw rugs in potentially slippery places, like bathrooms
• Install handrails on stairways, including porches
• Use a sturdy step stool when climbing or reaching for high places
• Clean up all spills immediately
• Wear sensible footwear
• Never stand on a chair, table or surface on wheels
• Arrange furniture to provide open pathways to walk through
• Periodically, check the condition of outdoor walkways and steps and repair as necessary
• Remove fallen leaves or snow from outdoor walkways
• Be aware that alcohol or other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter
medicine, can affect your balance and increase risk of falling.