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There's Nothing Funny About Falls

By Mike Chaplin, Rock Island Arsenal-Garrison Safety OfficeSeptember 12, 2014

There's Nothing Funny About Falls
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILL. -- (Sept. 12, 2014) Slips, trips and falls have been a sure way to get a laugh in many cultures over the years. Human beings have been falling over their own feet ever since they first began to walk. However, except in slapstick comedy, falls are simply not funny. In fact, the subject of falls is extremely serious. Did you know that falls are one of the top leading causes of accidental death? In case you are thinking that falls are only a danger to people who work on scaffolds and steel girders up in the sky, think again. Most falls (67 percent) actually occur on the same level and are caused by just slipping on something or tripping over an obstacle.

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

• Wet or oily surfaces

• Occasional spills

• Weather hazards

• Loose, unanchored rugs or mats

• Flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have the same degree of traction in all areas

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose your balance and eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

• Obstructed view

• Poor lighting

• Clutter in your way

• Wrinkled carpeting

• Uncovered cables

• Bottom drawers not being closed

• Uneven walking surfaces (steps, thresholds)

To avoid falling, we must lessen the hazards of slipping and/or tripping. The risk of slipping can be reduced by the following actions:

• Adjust your walking speed and style to the surface you are traveling on. If the surface is slippery, you need to slow down and take small careful steps.

• Walk with your feet pointed slightly outward and make wide turns at corners.

We can reduce the risk of tripping by:

• Watching for obstructions in the walkways, such as boxes, cords and litter. Even objects such as pencils on the floor have caused serious falls.

• Close cabinet drawers and doors as soon as you are through with them.

• Ensure that the things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.

Furthermore, we must address two additional factors when we attempt to minimize our exposure to slips, trips and falls. These are footwear and human behavior.

• Wear proper shoes -- the shoes we wear can play a big part in preventing falls. The slickness of the soles and the type of heels worn need to be evaluated to avoid slips, trips and falls. Wear shoes with adequate tread, not flat or worn-our soles. The height and width of the heel also factor into the traction when walking, particularly in wet, slippery situations. Keep shoes in good repair. A defect such as a nail coming through the heel can cause a person to slip. Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the individual.

• Control individual behavior -- this factor is the toughest to control. It is human nature to let our guard down for two seconds and be distracted by random thoughts or by doing multiple activities. Being in a hurry will result in walking too fast or running which increases the chances of a slip, trip or fall. Taking shortcuts, not watching where one is going, using a cell phone, carrying materials which obstruct the vision; wearing sunglasses in low-light areas and not using designated walkways are common elements in many falling injuries. It's ultimately up to each of us to plan, stay alert and pay attention as we walk.

Falls aren't funny; they can cause serious injuries and even death. If you keep these fall prevention tips in mind, we will all be much safer. Watch your step to prevent falls.

Related Links:

Rock Island Arsenal

U.S. Army Garrison - Rock Island Arsenal

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center