Falls are a leading cause of injury and deaths in our homes, business and communities. In 2007 there were 20,600 fall related deaths in our homes and communities. The majority of these affected the older (65+) population. Fall proof your home as well as your work area and help others do the same. This can be done by:
- Keeping your floors clean and clutter free.
- Maintain good lighting throughout your home, work area and especially around stairways and congested locations.
- Use non-skid throw rugs in potentially slippery places, like bathrooms in the home and entranceways at work.
- Install handrails on stairways and porches.
- Have a sturdy stepstool or ladder to use when climbing or reaching for high places.
- Clean up or barricade around slip, trip hazards you have identified.
- Make sure that barricades and barriers are installed around your work areas to protect others from hazards.
- Wear fall protection equipment correctly and secure to an acceptable anchor point.
contributed by S Breeden.
