Slip and Fall Prevention - Mouths of Mums

Approximately one in three people over 65 have a fall at least once a year* at the other end of the scale, according to a 2013 survey, falls are the most common cause of injury in every age group for children.**

With these statistics in mind, First Aid For You is presenting their safety tips and advice for slip and fall prevention.

For many people, especially during colder, wetter months, when the ground is slippery, slips and falls can occur more frequently.

For most, their initial reaction is to try and get back up as soon as possible. You should keep still for a few moments before moving.

Should you find that you can’t get up, call out for assistance. If you are able to get up, make sure you notify someone of your fall, as you may suffer some consequences at a later stage, which may include delayed concussion, nausea and vomiting.

Children are much less likely to receive injuries that lead to long-term health conditions or disability as a result of a fall.

However, if you’re at all concerned your doctor or pediatrician is the best person to ensure that everything is okay but for serious falls, always call triple 0.

If you should slip and fall with a child or baby in your arms, remain calm.

It’s important that should you fall while carrying your baby or child, do NOT panic. Firstly make sure you’re okay.

Then check on the welfare of your child. The two of you may be rattled and may even have a few cuts or bruises. The most important thing is to remain calm so your child is calm, then to take appropriate steps, including seeking medical assistance.

Tips for fall prevention:

Remove any trip hazards, these include children’s toys from the ground, rugs that could move suddenly and extension cords.
Have bright lighting, inside and outside your home especially during winter months, when it becomes darker sooner. We all think we know the way around our homes – this is when serious accidents can occur.
Remove any moss from driveways, balconies and play areas.
Have “grab bars” and non-slip mats installed in your bathroom.
If you’re out exercising, ensure your laces are tied up tightly. Take care on downhill descents and keep your head up at all times – so you can see what’s ahead of you.
For the elderly a personal alarm system is highly recommended especially for those living on their own.

More information can be found at First Aid For You.

*Source
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18 Comments

- - june11 said
  - 04 Mar 2015
    10:34 pm
When children have their toys or books in cubes make sure they haven’t moved them without you being aware of it. Look at the floor when walking. I literally fell over one last weekend because I was looking straight ahead not at the floor. Fortunately I landed on my knees, not on top of one of the children.
- mom94125 replied
  
  18 Oct 2015 , 4:13 pm
  ooh be careful. i try to keep the floor clean
- - taynik46 said
  - 02 Nov 2014
    3:25 pm
I’m always cautious especially when carrying my daughter, my youngest always falls over her own feet so I fear she maybe destined to be accident prone

- - mom93821 said
  - 24 Sep 2014
    7:11 am
Thank you for these important tips.

- - mom57522 said
  - 15 Sep 2014
    3:20 pm
Simple things we all can do.

- - curlytops said
  - 10 Sep 2014
    9:30 pm
some good tips to bear in mind

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 04 Sep 2014
    5:59 pm
falling can cause a lot of damage, I have had a bad shoulder for 2 years due to a fall

- - buggeritliz said
  - 04 Sep 2014
    12:45 pm
Great article we all need to look ahead and watch out for others. I saw a old lady fall over bikes left on a pathway at the park. The kids and their parents did not even move to help her until I picked up their kids bikes and threw then aside of the pathway.

- - Kate Sander said
  - 04 Sep 2014
    12:41 pm
Thanks for this useful information for kids and elderly so that they are safe.

- - cloverstorm said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    10:47 pm
I’m surprised I don’t fall frequently actually & I’m still in my 30s!
Between having arthritis in my knee & slipping most times I step in the shower, I think I should take notice of this article.
- june11 replied
  
  28 Sep 2014 , 9:55 pm
  Apparently some flooring companies will apply a treatment to tiles to prevent them being so slippery when wet. I have also noticed that the other tiles in the bathroom get damp and a little slippery from the moisture in the air even if you use an exhaust fan. A non-slip mat near the shower door is essential as your feet are wet when you step out. Tiles on verandahs outside can be slippery when wet. If you have pot plants on your verandah you may spill water or your pots drain excess water and you not notice it. If your cement paths are floated too smoothly they can also be very slippery when wet.
  I have noticed that sometimes the shoe laces supplied with shoes are too long. I have a pair that are too long even when I double knot them when I do them up. I have noticed the same with childrens shoes too, including lace up school shoes.
  I once had a fall and hurt my shoulder. I didn’t break it but I bruised the bone and the tissue around it and it was sore for a few weeks.
  Depending on the weather conditions you can also get moss in your lawns which will stay slippery even when the surface of lawn itself dries. Sometimes it isn’t very noticable.
- - deangunna said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    10:12 pm
A friend of mine fell over while pregnant and broke both her wrists, while protecting her tummy. The bub was fine, but it was very difficult for a while for her when bub was born.

- - damish70 said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    7:41 pm
Some helpful tips for young & old.

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    3:06 pm
I am extra careful as I get older as slipping and falling can really do damage

- - meedee said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    2:55 pm
I have problems with my knees so i find that i worry about falling. If i fall im concerned that I wouldnt be able to get back up. i think thats going to be a nightmare for me when im old…eck.

- - sambii said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    2:50 pm
My husband is on health and safety so our life is one big risk assessment — he’s forever scanning the area for trip hazards!
- mom93821 replied
  
  31 Jan 2016 , 7:53 am
  Lucky you! It is good to have someone that looks for possible hazards.
- - sisterhood27 said
  - 03 Sep 2014
    9:53 am
Thanks for these essential tips you do not realise how easy it is to have a fall when things are laying around that should have been put away