Whether you are shopping at the mall, working in the office or attending a night concert, a simple slipping accident can cause you to lose your balance and fall to the floor. When this happens, your wrists, knees, head or back will often take the fall’s impact the hardest.
To prevent these incidents from occurring, you must learn about the usual places where these accidents tend to occur and take necessary precautions that can help you avoid such slipping hazards.
Wet and slippery surfaces
The most common cause of slipping accidents are wet and slippery surfaces. When a specific indoor area or public space has traces of water spillage, grease, oil, mud or snow, it turns the surface into a slipping hazard.
To help prevent accidents in these types of spaces, property owners must use ‘caution’ or ‘wet floor’ signs to warn their visitors not to go over the specific area until it has been fully mopped and dried.
Tripping hazards
Almost any type of clutter on the floor can turn a regular walkway into a tripping hazard. Depending on the kind of establishment (e.g., office, warehouse, outdoor events), five common examples of these hazards can include curled carpets, loose cables and cords, uncovered wirings, open cabinet doors and heavy items left on the floor.
To avoid tripping while walking, you must stay cautious of your surroundings and minimize distractions such as talking on the phone or scrolling through social media as you walk.
Loose or missing handrails
Handrails are an essential safety feature on staircases, helping people use the stairs while they maintain their balance. When an establishment has loose or missing handrails, they increase the chances of their visitors getting into slip-and-fall accidents.
For example, an elderly woman is trying to go down the stairs under low-light conditions. Since the handrail is loose, their stability becomes affected, causing them to miss a step and fall down the stairs.
Stay mindful and cautious, always
While not all forms of slipping accidents can be avoided, there are safety measures you can practice that can help you recognize potential hazards on your path. This action not only helps protect you from injuries but also influences your brain and body’s conscious awareness.