There are instances where a seemingly simple fall could mark the beginning of a life of pain and misery. This is especially true with older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions among people aged over 65.
Each September, organizations like the CDC work together to raise awareness about falls, especially as summer transitions to autumn and winter, the seasons with the highest number of falls. This guide can help you create a strategy for fall prevention month as an individual or business, so keep reading to learn more.
Strategies for Fall Prevention
Exercise
Exercise proves its value when navigating hazardous conditions. During Fall Prevention Month, focus on exercises that build strength and flexibility, such as wall push-ups, heel lifts, sit-to-stands, and toe lifts.
The level of exercise may be limited to what you can do or what your therapist prescribes. Remember to start small and build up with time to reduce the risk of exercise-induced injury.
Invest In Anti-Slip Shoes and Assistive Devices
Invest in appropriate attire for the conditions. Most winter boots are designed to offer ankle support in the event of a slip and come equipped with cleats that help give traction in slippery conditions. Alternatively, you can use detachable cleats that can be added or removed based on the conditions.
If you need assistive devices for walking, Fall Prevention Month is an ideal time to choose the right equipment based on your needs and conditions. Consider consulting with your occupational therapist for guidance on which device would be best for you.
Get Rid of Tripping Hazards
You can avoid most slips and falls by eliminating obvious hazards at home, in the workplace, and on your business premises. These hazards include electrical cords running on the floor, broken staircases and pavements, inadequate lighting, debris on walkways and parking lots, etc.
For business people, eliminating hazards serves more than one purpose. Preventing harm to your invitees and reducing the risk of legal challenges arising from falls in your establishment.
Train Your Employees
Fall Prevention Month creates the perfect opportunity for offering refresher safety training for your employees in preparation for winter, where the risks of slips and falls increase exponentially.
You can leverage the clamor created by the many organizations sponsoring the month to access necessary resources for training. It is also the perfect time to create a safety plan for the entire year.
What to Do in an Accident
The best accident-preventative strategy cannot guarantee that an accident will not occur. In addition to knowing what to do to prevent one, it’s equally important to know what to do when you get into one.
If you are able, document the accident scene in pictures and video. When documenting, pay attention to the hazard that is the direct cause of the accident and ensure you capture details that can help pin the accident to a specific location. If you can’t do the documenting, ask an onlooker to help you as you guide them into what to focus on.
Also, ensure you get medical attention, preferably on the same day and not later than 72 hours if you intend to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The outcomes of a slip and fall lawsuit can improve significantly when you involve a slip and fall lawyer, so consider getting one for your case.
