Slips, Trips, & Falls

Battalion Chief Clark Allred

By-Weekly Fire Prevention Post

Slips, trips, and falls are accidents that can happen to anyone. There are many things we can do in and around our home to help prevent this.

SLIPS

Slips happen because of a lack of friction or traction between the

footwear we are wearing and the walking surface. Some common

causes of slips are:

Spills, leaking water, and dirty floors.

Clean up any spills immediately.

Check your appliances to see where water is leaking from.

Keep floors clean of dust and dirt.

TRIPS
Over time the edges of rugs can start to stick up. 

Use double sided tape to hold rug edges down.  Tape down the edges. 

             

Unprotected extension cords can cause trips.

Use cord protectors.

Uneven walking surfaces (e.g., concrete walkways, sidewalks, carpeting, steps, thresholds)

Consider painting edges so they are highly visible

Clutter on the floor and steps. This can be especially hazardous at night when it is dark.

Take the time to always clean up.

If your steps or hallways are dark, you can get motion sensor lights for dark areas. 

Housekeeping Tips

Good housekeeping is very important to prevent falls due to slips and trips. Without having good housekeeping practices, preventive measures will not be fully effective. Good housekeeping includes:

• Provide housekeeping standards 
• Clean up any spills immediately and investigate its cause to prevent re-occurrence
• Immediately correct any hazard that might cause a fall or report it to 
• Keep walkways and floors clear of boxes, extension cords and litter 
• Sweep debris from floors 
• Move anything that is stored on or near stairways
• Mark any temporarily made wet areas with signs or limit access 
• Secure mats, rugs, and carpets to prevent slippage and overlaps

FALLS

Working on the Same Level

• Take your time and pay attention to where you are going 
• Adjust your pace to suit the walking surface (e.g., wet, rough, icy, sloped or cluttered) 
• Make wide turns at corners 
• Use a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light 
• When carrying a load, be sure that there is clear visibility over or around the load 
• Close cabinet doors and drawers 
• Hold handrail when going up or down stairs 
• Walk when using stairways – don’t run 
• Open, exposed stairways should have a railing – be sure to use it 
• Closed stairways should have at least one handrail 
• Keep stairways uncluttered 
• Keep platforms or steps on machinery clean and dry

There are many other ways to protect yourself from Slips, Trips, and Falls. 

Reach out to your local fire department for more information.