Don’t Fall Down

--Virginia Morgan

When I traveled to a meeting in Texas, I needed a ride to the hotel. After obtaining a shuttle service, I was trying to hand one of my bags to the driver as I stepped forward. I missed the curb and landed on my backside in the road.  Lucky for me I didn’t hurt much but my pride. 

Falls that could be avoided happen to people every day.  What can you do to prevent falls around the office and at home? Eliminate obstacles where possible. Use this list of questions as a starting point to identify obstacles that need to be removed.

•  Are boxes, bags, stacks of paper, or other items placed in office or home pathways?
• Are toys, shoes, planters, or packages sitting on inside or outside stairs?
• Do extension cords, telephone cords, or computer cables run through walkways?
• Is the floor carpet or rug torn, frayed, or curled where someone may trip?
• Are stair rails or banisters loose or missing parts?
• Are stair treads worn or have loose coverings (carpet, boards, tile, steel caps, or other covering)?
• Are work areas, hallways, stairs, basements, and other areas poorly lit or need new light bulbs?
• Are outside walkways uneven or do they have cracks or loose sections?

You can also reduce your risk of falling by

• Watching where you walk.
• Carrying loads that don’t obstruct your view.
• Using handrails when going up or down stairs.
• Using a step stool or ladder instead of a chair when you want to reach something on a high shelf.
• Using caution when walking outdoors in inclement weather.
• Having your eyesight periodically checked.
• Using extra caution while taking medications that affect your eyesight or balance.

I could have avoided my spill in the Dallas airport’s front drive if I had not let a bypassing car divert my attention. Don’t be like me—stay upright!

For more information about preventing falls, check the following resources.

AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University. Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Falls from Elevation

Colorado State University Extension. Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Home Safety Council.  Safe Steps to Reduce Falls

Ohio State University. Improve Balance: Prevent Falls

Ohio State University. Preventing Falls

University of Florida, IFAS Extension. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

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