How to Prevent Home Trip Hazards

Introduction:

Millions of people every year are injured from slips and falls at home that could have been prevented by removing home trip hazards. Falls caused by trip hazards at home is the leading cause of home injury and home injuries related deaths. Unfortunately not all homeowners take any action at all to make their homes free of trip and fall hazards. Because of their negligence their family's is at risk for enjuries.

The most vulnerable family members are children and older adults. Every homeowner should eliminate home trip hazards to protect their family and guests against falls.  Here are a few suggestions on how to prevent home trip hazards in your home.

Stairways and walkways:

• All stairs and steps should be protected with a banister or hand-rails on each side that extends the full length of the stairs.

 • Insure that all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit with a bright light at the top and bottom of stairs.

 • Use nightlights to help light hallways, stairwells and bathrooms during night-time hours.

 • Keep stairs, steps and landings clear of obstacles that can cause tripping. Eliminate all clutter from stairs and landings.  Insure that telephone and electrical cords do not cause a trip hazard.

Bathrooms:

•        Use a non-slip mat on the floor and install adhesive safety strips in bathtubs and showers to prevent falls.  

•        Install grab bars in the bath and shower. Do not use towel racks or wall mounted soap dishes as grab bars. They can come loose causing a fall.

•        Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry. Promptly clean up water 

Using a ladder or step stool:

•        Always use sturdy step stools with hand rails.

•        When climbing on a ladder always stand at or below the highest safe standing level. For all step ladders the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for extension ladders it's the fourth rung from the top.

Nurseries:

•        Install specially designed window guards on upper floor windows with quick release latches so that they can be easily opened by an adult in the event of a fire.

•        Never leave young children unattended near open windows.

•        Move furniture away from all windows in children's rooms to prevent them from reaching windows.

•        Always use the safety straps on high chairs, changing tables and strollers.

Stairways and walkways:

•        Use safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs to prevent children from falling.

•        Make sure children’s toys and games are not left on steps or landings.

•        Never allow children to play on stairs, balconies or landings.

Children play areas:

•        Cover areas under and around play equipment with soft materials such as wood chips, mulch, pea gravel or sand.  

•        Check equipment for deterioration or corrosion including rust, chipped paint, splitting or cracked plastic or loose splinters.

•        Avoid putting play area equipment close together.  A fall zone of at least six feet in all directions should be maintained between equipment.

•        Climbing equipment should not exceed heights of six feet.

•        Eliminate tripping hazards such as rocks and roots.

You can eliminate home trip hazards by performing a home safety inspection of your home and take action to correct any trip hazards. Remember, your family’s safety is at stake.

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