Safety and Injury Prevention

Preventing Falls

Did you know?

• Falls are the second leading cause of injury- related deaths to seniors aged 65 and older.
• Falls are the second leading cause of head injury in children.
• Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization in Alberta.

Who is involved in serious fall injuries?

• Children, workers and elderly are most at risk for fall injuries, although falls occur at any age.

Prevent falls by following these 3 steps:

1. Spot the hazard
   Anything that can cause someone to lose their footing or balance can be a potential hazard. In children this may be playground equipment or stairs. In elderly hazards could be a loose rug, ice on sidewalk, or improper walker/cane use. Some examples of worker hazards are inappropriate footwear, improper training, or faulty equipment.
   
   
2. Assess the risk
   Determine who is at risk from the hazards, how you can remove or alter the hazard to make it safe and how you can make others aware of the problem.
   
   
3. Make the change quickly
   Don't delay in making a hazardous situation safer. Make the necessary changes before someone gets hurt. For children a safety gate should be installed at the top of the stairs. Make sure playground equipment meets CSA standards and always supervise children. For elderly remove loose rugs, install hand rails in bathroom, and clear sidewalks of ice and debris are changes that can be made. For workers make sure ladders and scaffolding is in proper working condition, use safety harnesses, and safety training should be priority in the work place.

Referenced

Note: This information is not a substitute for medical advice given by a physician. Please discuss the information presented on this website with your physician.