Trips and falls

Winter time, when it is dark, icy or there are wet, slippery surfaces, can make it easy to fall. Top tips to minimize the risk of falls are:

Outdoors

• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear with a good grip
• Walk slowly and carefully on icy or wet surfaces—take shorter steps
• Use handrails when available, especially on steps and ramps
• Clear the paths around your home of any ice, snow and leaves, and use grit or salt
• Keep outdoor lights on or install motion-sensor lighting to improve visibility

Indoors

• Keep floors dry and clutter-free, especially near entrances
• If you have to use mats or rugs, ensure you use non-slip mats especially at doorways and in bathrooms
• Secure rugs with tape or non-slip backing
• Ensure that you have good lighting, especially in hallways and staircases
• Avoid trailing cables or objects that could be tripped over