Slips and Falls are Huge Problems
In the U.S., more than 8.7 million people are injured from slip, trip and fall incidents every year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The most common injuries are joint injuries, typically to the wrist, elbow, shoulder and knee. Back injuries also occur often. Many factors contribute to slip, trip and fall incidents. Being aware of situations that could cause a fall is the best way to stay on your feet!
Why do people slip and fall?
Here are some common factors that lead to slip and fall accidents:
- Slippery Floors: Virtually any type of liquid can make a floor slippery. Examples are water, coffee, detergent, oil and grease. A dry floor can also be slippery. Floor wax, sand and powders (such as spilled flour) can reduce traction underfoot, causing a fall.
- The best defense for combating a slippery floor is to clean up a spill immediately after it happens.
- Bumpy, Lumpy or Loose Surfaces: Floors, parking areas and other walking areas can have small obstructions that can lead to trips and falls. Examples are frayed carpets, a buckled wood floor, a concrete parking block and a speed bump. Loose, uneven surfaces can also cause accidents. For instance, gravel, floor mats and area rugs can move underfoot, triggering a fall.
- Don’t let yourself become a victim of a slip, trip or fall on one of these surfaces. If you notice any bumpy, loose or unsafe floor surfaces on the property, contact the leasing office or put in a maintenance service request so it can be corrected.
- Poor Housekeeping: A messy apartment, garage or other cluttered area on property is an accident waiting to happen. Common trip and fall hazards in your apartment include loose electrical cords or cables, cluttered rooms and items being stored on floors.
- Stay on top of organization inside your apartment. Keeping it neat and organized can prevent a trip or a fall. If you ever notice an area on property with poor housekeeping, be proactive about it and contact the leasing office.
- Winter Conditions: If you live in a cold weather climate, snow and ice is inevitable. Unless otherwise specified in your lease, property management is responsible for snow removal from parking lots, exterior stairways, sidewalks and walkways around your apartment community.
- Be extra vigilant when walking outside after winter weather has hit. Don’t forget that you are also likely to track snow into buildings. Utilize floor mats and try to dry off your boots as much as possible before walking indoors on tile or wood surfaces, as these become extra slippery when wet.
Awareness is key when it comes to preventing slips, trips and falls.
Follow these common sense tips:
- Make sure your pathway is clear.
- Avoid walking on wet floors.
- Avoid running; take your time.
- Avoid lifting or carrying more than you can handle.
- Wear nonslip rubber-soled shoes.
- Report dangerous conditions to the leasing office so they can be fixed.
For a free consultation to help you look for ways to prevent slips and falls in your own home, call us at 410-525-3476 (410-LCL-FIRM).