In a typical case of “do as I say, not as I do,” I slipped and fell outside and hurt my shoulder. It’s mending but given it’s been two weeks, I thought that maybe this could have been avoided by following some practices we’ve been teaching our clients.
Preventative medicine should have been in the forefront of my mind. I had warm, trendy boots designed for people in California – warm and fuzzy inside but no grips for icy conditions. Additionally, I had my hands shoved into my pockets for warmth and my mind was somewhere on a sunny beach instead of looking where I was stepping.
Picture this scenario and what do we see here? This was the perfect set up for an accident. Common causes of slips, trips and falls include the condition of the ground surface, improper footwear, and human factors. An explanation of risks:
Environmental: weather, including rain, snow and ice, can cause slippery surfaces and dim light or bright light (glare) results in poor visibility – which can lead to a fall if you can’t see what’s in front of you.
Contamination: obstacles (broom, paint bucket) or spilled substances, general clutter and hidden objectus under the snow can caue a nasty fall.
Flooring: this includes the floor type (i.e. hardwood) that is not slip resistant, uneven surfaces like shifted sidewalk blocks, or rugs and mats that are in poor condition. Stairs with variations in step height or width or without handrails are a hazard.
Human factors: distractions and fatigue or daydreaming keeps your mind off the task and can lead to a slip or trip. Other risks include poor housekeeping, carrying too much or walking too fast. Don’t rush – take your time and use shorter steps. Get your eyes examined regularly if vision is an issue. If you have a poor sense of balance or you are walking on a narrow, hazardous surface, hang on to something – don’t shove your hands in your pockets!
Next blog, I’ll tell you the secrets of falling properly if it can’t be avoided.