Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries

We walk, run, play, enjoy and do every kind of activities, all of which have the risk of slip and fall injuries but this doesn't mean that we should stop everything and stay back at home just to avoid getting hurt. However, we can take few measures of preventing slip and fall injuries which can help you for sure. Slips occur when there is very less friction between your shoes and the surface on which you are walking. Whereas falls are associated with the off balance either from the elevated height or from the same surface. The falls are more dangerous than the slips as they can even cause death. So, let's check out some of the safety tips for avoiding such situations.

Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slips and falls are the part of our life we can't get rid of them but yes we can avoid them and prevent ourselves from getting into troubles. Following are some of the most common causes of slips and falls.

• Wet flooring is one of the most common cause of slips and falls. They can be dangerous and may result in severe head, back injury or other personal injury.
• Uneven flooring may also cause falls.
• Poor lighting creates problem in the visibility of the place which may result in slips and falls.
• Environmental factors like rains and snowfall may increase the risk of slip and fall.
• Change in the elevation or height may cause severe falls.
• Personal factors both physical or psychological may also lead to slip and fall injuries.
• Shoes with heels or with flat sole contributes a lot to slips and falls. Old shoes can also be included in this.
• Broken railing at the side of the stairways, weak or broken stairs, improper building up of the staircases etc. are some of the most common causes.

Slip and Fall Prevention

You never know when and what you are going to face in the next moment. The slip and fall injuries are a part of those unpredictable accidents. But if we take proper preventive measures then we can definitely avoid these circumstances. We can't take care of the whole world but we can at least take care of our surrounding and our workplaces. Following are some of the safety measures for preventing slip and fall injuries.

• The areas near your house and your workplace should be clean. The floor should be nicely wiped and dried off.
• Give instructions to the house keeping staff about the proper clean up of the place and take the responsibility of cleaning at least your work place by yourself.
• Do not buy the flooring which is very slippery at home as it can increase the risk of falls.
• Put some doormats at the entrance at the time of wet weather so that the person can clean the shoes before entering the house or the office.
• Sign boards are the best ways to avoid casualty. Try to make boards which indicate that the floor is wet or uneven and warn the person before accident takes place.
• Proper shoes can not only save you from slip and fall accidents but can also help you to walk comfortably. Avoid wearing heels and old shoes. Buy shoes which have a proper grip in their sole and wear them according to the weather.
• Proper lighting is one of the best solution for the falls which happen due to the darkness. Try to have mat finish paints in the house so that the light does not glare too much.
• In case of elevations or uneven surface of the floor put some safety caution tapes which can warn the walkers.
• Try to watch the surface and walk. Do not engage yourself in anything like writing, reading, etc. while walking. If the surface is wet, do not run over it. Try to be caution on wet surfaces and take small steps while walking over it.
• In case of snowy surface, be more alert, wear rubber sole shoes which have good gripping sole. Try to use railing if you have that facility.
• Watch your steps while walking on the stairs. Never run while climbing or getting down from the staircases. Always use the railing.

If you still come under such circumstances of slip and fall injury which is not caused due to your fault then under the slip and fall lawsuits you can ask for compensation from the mall, office or whoever owns the place or is responsible for it. You can make slip and fall settlements with the company through the proper procedure of the court and get the compensation. Take care of yourself and watch your steps where ever you go because accidents are always unpredictable.