Falls

In our age of the spectacular and the exotic, the simple and the ordinary are still major causes of injury and death. In many countries, falls are the number one killer in the home. For example, in the United States, after automobile accidents, falls are the leading cause of facial fractures and result in about 14 million injuries and 15,000 deaths a year. And in New Zealand, falls cause injury to 28,000 people (close to 1 percent of the population) each year and run up a 12-million-dollar tab for the insurance companies to pay.

Who are most susceptible to injury or death by falls? The young and the elderly. The danger areas where most falls occur are: steps, ice, rugs, and bathtubs. The vast majority of falls are not from some towering height, such as occasionally makes the news, but just to the floor or ground immediately beneath one’s feet. Good housekeeping is the key to prevention of this type of accident. By keeping the house or workplace clean and orderly, the main cause of accidents is removed.

[Box on page 5]

Safety Checklist​—Falls

• Are all stairways well lighted?

• Do all stairways have sturdy handrails?

• Are all small rugs tacked down or do they have nonskid backing, including those on stairs?

• Are all outdoor steps and walkways in good repair?

• Do bedrooms have lamps within reach of bed, or do they have night-lights?

• Are pieces of furniture arranged so they are not obstacles?

• Does bathroom have grab bars next to tub or shower and nonskid mats or strips in the tub?

• Are shower-curtain rods, towel bars, and soap dishes firmly anchored to bathroom wall?

• Are water spills (or grease) promptly wiped up from bathroom and kitchen floors?

• Are cabinet doors and drawers closed when not in use?

• Do children promptly pick up and put away toys after playing?

• Is a sturdy ladder or step stool used instead of a wobbly chair to reach high places?