YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE IN A MOMENT. You can slip when you lose your footing, you can trip when you catch your foot on or in something, and you fall when you come down suddenly. Spills, ice, snow, rain, loose mats, rugs, alcohol abuse and stepladders are some of the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls. In addition, poor lighting and clutter can cause injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, bumps, fractures, scratches, and cuts. Such injuries caused by something which could have been easily avoided can take weeks or months to recover and in some cases leave the injured person with a lifetime disability.

LOOK, AVOID – TIDY – CLEAN – SEEK ASSISTANCE

Tips to Stay Safe

– If you see something you might slip or trip on, avoid it, tidy it away & make safe.

– Clean up spills and anything slippery. Be aware of wet surfaces especially tiled terraces and floors. Choose, correct nonslip foot ware.

– Be aware of uneven pavements and when stepping off or on the kerbside. 

– Clear walkways, stairs, and lobbies of anything that might be a tripping hazard, such as cords, wires, toys, clothing, empty boxes, and unnecessary clutter.

– Make sure that floor mats lay flat rather than wrinkled or bunched.

– Use handrails when you walk up and down steps and stairs.

– Avoid using an improvised step ladder such as a chair, stools etc.

– Before using any ladder or step ladder, make sure it opens fully.

– Check that ladder extensions are fully locked and that the ladder legs are stable on a flat, non-slippery surface.

– Whenever possible have another person to hold the ladder or step ladder.

– Clean off any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet of a ladder before you use it. 

– If possible secure the head of the ladder, avoiding it to slide sideways.

– Don’t go over the load limit which should be noted on the ladder.

– If you are unsteady on your feet or suffer from dizziness, do not climb a ladder or step ladder, always arrange someone else to undertake the work.

Facts

Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injuries in the home and other places.

THINK FIRST –  ACT SECOND – KEEP SAFE