Slips, Trips, and Falls

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Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for nearly 8.6 million visits to the emergency room. Adults 55 and older are more prone to being victims of falls, and the resulting injuries can diminish the ability to lead active, independent lives. The number of fall deaths among adults 65 or older is four times the number of fall deaths among all other age groups.

Most common locations for falls:

  • Doorways
  • Ramps
  • Cluttered hallways
  • Areas with heavy traffic
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Areas prone to wetness or spills
  • Most common locations for falls to another level:
  • Unguarded heights
  • Unstable work surfaces
  • Ladders
  • Stairs

Falls can be prevented – Ladder Safety

  • Always keep at least three points of contact with the ladder (i.e., two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand)
  • Place the base on a firm, solid surface
  • A straight or extension ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the surface it rests against for every 4 feet of ladder height. When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs, not the side rails
  • Climb down a ladder one rung at a time
  • Do not climb with tools in hand – use a tool belt
  • Keep your body between the ladder side rails when climbing. Do not lean or overreach – reposition the ladder closer to the work instead
  • Do not use ladders outdoors in windy or inclement weather