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SafeTips
Falls
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Year in and year out, falls remain a major source of injuries at home and at
work. There are several high-hazard areas that require extra attention.
1. Stairs
- Make sure stairways are well-lit. It is easier to lose your balance in
the dark.
- Make sure that handrails are installed and sturdy. Wooden handrails
are easy to install.
- If the surface of the steps is slippery, you can install different
sorts of safety treads. A common sort is self-sticking and waterproof,
and is made from a non-skid material.
- Try to keep one hand free so that you can hold the handrail as you
ascend or descend. If you are carrying something heavy or unwieldy, get
help.
- Dont store things on steps or allow stuff to accumulate on them.
2. Kitchen
- Clean spills of food, water or other liquids right away.
- As in the bathroom, throw rugs should have a slip-resistant back or
mat beneath.
3. Bathroom
- Showers and tubs are obvious places for painful slips that can be
prevented with non-skid strips and rubber bath mats.
- If you have rugs on your bathroom floor, make sure they have a
non-skid backing or put a slip-resistant mat beneath.
4. Outdoor walkways
- If the surface gets icy, keep sand or rock salt on hand to spread
where people walk.
- Never run an extension cord where someone might walk.
- Keep furniture and other objects out of common paths of travel.
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