Falling Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Falling Accidents are the number one leading cause of home injury deaths. Falling people account for an average of 5.1 million injuries and nearly 6,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Children are at a great risk for falls, due to their natural activity level. Falling downstairs, falling out of bed and other types of falls are the leading cause of injury in the home for children and the leading cause of hospital visits.

People over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk for falling accidents. Some of the common injuries happening to senior's falling are fractures of the hip, vertebrae, pelvis and brain injuries.

When our mother, Sophie, was in her 70's, she fell and broke her wrist. We noticed she was having trouble with her balance and realized it was time to get her a walker. We wanted to make sure she had the best walker on the market. She absolutely loved it and her friend's called it her "Cadillac walker". When she got older and was less mobile she realized that it was finally time for that electric scooter we had been talking about. She was a proud woman and keeping her mobility and independence was important to her.

One of the most common places for seniors to slip and fall is in the bathroom. So you might want to consider installing bathroom safety aids for you or your loved one to keep your bathroom safe from falling accidents.

• Stairways should have secure banisters or handrails on both sides going from top to bottom.
  
  
• All stairways, porches and hallways should be well lit.
  
  
• All stairways, porches and hallways should be kept clear.
  
• Small area rugs should have a non-skid back or pad to keep them securely in place.
  
  
• In bathtubs and showers place non-slip mats, adhesive safety strips or decals to keep from slipping. Bath mats on the floor should have non-skid bottoms.
  
  
• Install grab bars in the tub and shower.
  
  
• Spills should be wiped up immediately.
  
  
• To prevent children from falling out of second story windows, install window guards with emergency release devices.
  
  
• Install night lights in all hallways and bathrooms.
  
  
• Telephone and electrical cords should be tucked out of the way of walk areas.
  
  
• Make sure toys and games are put away and not left out near hallways, steps or landings.
  
  
• Install child safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairways when very young children are present.
  
  
• A sturdy step stool with hand rails should be used when reaching up for out of reach items.
  
  
• Follow the dosage instructions on medications closely to avoid, dizziness, weakness or other side effects which may lead to someone falling.

• Make sure that your ladder is sturdy.
  
  
• Make sure the ladder is on level ground and secure.
  
  
• The ladder should be opened completely and locked in place.
  
  
• When using a ladder outdoors, make sure the location is away from power lines.
  
  
• When using extension ladders, use the 4-to-1 rule. For each four feet of distance between the ground and upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof) move the base of the ladder out one foot.
  
  
• When climbing the ladder, always face the ladder.
  
  
• Shoes should have slip resistant soles, such as rubber soles.
  
  
• Gauge your safety on a ladder by your belt buckle. Center your body on the ladder and if your buckle goes beyond the ladder's rail you can risk falling due to over reaching.
  
  
• Rungs should always be dry when using a ladder.
  
  
• On a step ladder, the second rung from the top is the highest safe level you should use. For an extension ladder, the fourth rung from the top is the highest safe level you should use (check with the manufacturers recommendations for your particular ladder).
  
  
  See The Following Video On Ladder Safety:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For More Safety and First Aid Information:
  Adult First Aid
  Back Pain
  Child First Aid
  Sprains and Strains
  Treating Broken Bones
  
  
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