Falling – A Common Injury That Happens More Often Than You Think

The number one domestic injury is falling. This category also includes tripping, and slipping.

Statistic Canada states that falls occur to approximately 15% of the population.

“An estimated 4.27 million Canadians aged 12 or older suffered an injury severe enough to limit their usual activities in 2009–2010. This represents 15% of the population, an increase from 13% in 2001.
Overall, falls were the leading cause of injury. About 63% of seniors and one-half of adolescents were injured in falls, as were 35% of working-age adults.

Young people aged 12 to 19 had the highest likelihood of injury. More than one-quarter (27%) of this age group suffered an injury, almost twice the proportion of adults (14%) and three times the proportion of seniors (9%).

Two out of three (66%) injuries among adolescents were linked to sports. Among working-age adults (20 to 64), sports and work were related to almost half (47%) of injuries. Over half (55%) of seniors’ injuries occurred while walking or doing household chores. “

Stairs, step ladders, polished floors and extension cords are just some of the ways that an injury can happen at home.

Try these strategies to prevent falls at home:

• De-clutter! Instead of placing items on the floor, place them in storage rooms, bins or closets
• Remove accent rugs – If you must have them make sure they are taped down or place a non-skid mat under throw rugs.
• Wear slippers with rubber soles or go barefoot – wearing socks = slipping
• Use a anti-slip wax
• Remove all items from the stair well and install hand rails
• Use a night light in the hallway, bathroom or kitchen area (places that you or your family frequent during the night)
• Install non- slip mats to the tub or shower area
• Check your home for uneven surfaces – the transition from flooring to carpeting can be an area of concern
• Clean spills from floors, tiles  and entry ways immediately
• Refrain from standing on a chair to get items out of the cupboards – use a proper non-skid, sturdy stepladder

While statistics about home injury are high, preventing them is easy.