Around 17,000 people die in the US annually because of slips, trips, and falls, and another one million suffer injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although slips, trips, and falls may sound like the everyday occurrences, they have the potential to cause serious injuries that can leave you hospitalized or permanently disabled.

Slips occur when there is poor traction between your footwear and the walking surface, causing you to slide. Tripping happens when your foot collides with an object causing you to lose balance and fall. Falls on the same level are brought about by slips and trips. Learning about these accidents can help you identify potential hazards, eliminate the risk factors, and keep yourself and everyone around safe. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Places that Slips and Trips Occur

Slips and trips can occur in all kinds of places ranging from private places to public areas. Unfortunately, the majority of these accidents happen in places that we are familiar with. They are most likely to occur at home, the workplace, school, or along the usual road, sidewalk, or pavement.

Some specific industries have high levels of slip, trip, and fall cases such as construction, catering, and nursing care. Industries where liquid spillage frequently occurs also have high chances of slipcases. When you find yourself injured after tripping or slipping at work or in public, first seek medical attention and then consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Main Causes

There are many conditions that can make you slip, trip, or fall. When there is a combination of multiple risk factors, then the higher the chances of an accident occurring. Slipping mostly happens on surfaces that are oily, icy, smooth, or wet. Other slip factors are wearing shoes that have poor traction. Tripping occurs when there are changes in the walking surface or when you fail to see or anticipate an object that is lying on the way.

Other factors that contribute to trips are cracked or poorly maintained floors and pavements,  sudden slants or elevations of walking surfaces, and carrying objects that obstruct views or foot placements. Poor housekeeping, such as cluttering and littering on the floor can lead to tripping. Low unseen objects like uncovered electrical cords and cables can also cause you to stumble and fall.

Other Risk Factors

The amount of light in a room plays an essential role when it comes to safety. Light can help you identify a wet surface, an object lying on the ground, or a recent change in the walking surface. Poor lighting can make it difficult for you to see where you are stepping, and excess light on a shiny light may cause glare, which may obstruct your view.

Your mental state is an essential factor when it comes to slips, trips, and falls. When people are exhausted, frustrated, in a hurry, under strong medication or under the influence, they are more likely to make judgment errors that can increase the chances of an accident. Advanced age, weight, and disability can also contribute to accidents.

Prevention

Slips, trips, and falls are accidents that can result in bruises, twists, broken bones, head and backbone injury, long-term medical issues, and even death. The best way to prevent these accidents at home is by keeping your floors clear, fixing any damaged walking surface, using cord protectors, and utilizing handrails.

At work, start by performing a risk assessment, use warning signs for hazardous floors, clean any spillage immediately, install proper lighting, provide the right footwear, and remove any obstacles on the floors. In public, keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

Summary

Slips, trips, and falls are serious problems that can cause long-lasting repercussions. As simple as they may seem, they have the potential to affect your mental, physical, and financial health. To stay safe, always be aware of your environment.