While older adults have the highest likelihood of suffering a severe injury, anyone can get hurt in a fall. Tripping or slipping may only lead to mild bruising in some cases, but broken bones or head injuries can also occur. Falls result in thousands of hospital visits for Arizona citizens each year.
As you go about your day-to-day activities, stay aware of the following common hazards.
1. Wet areas
Most people have seen signs warning them of wet floors in stores and public spaces. However, if business owners fail to take the proper precautions, wet and slippery areas may not be easily visible, creating a serious risk.
2. Uneven spaces
Unexpected steps or edges in flooring can catch anyone by surprise. Ideally, these areas will be clearly marked, but this may not always be the case.
3. Floor mats or rugs
Wrinkled or folded floor coverings create the potential for falls. If you notice rugs or mats in an area, keep an eye out for areas where you might lose your footing.
4. Lack of lighting
Even if no other obstacles exist, a lack of lighting can make it easier to trip, slip or fall down. For anyone with trouble seeing well, this becomes even more of a hazard.
5. Items on the floor
Untidy areas naturally lead to a high risk of tripping, especially when paired with a lack of lighting or other issues. Common culprits for tripping include electrical cords or any kind of clutter or crowding of items on the floor.
You can help prevent falls by staying aware of your surroundings. Watch where you step and point out potential obstacles to others with you.
