Whether you are at home, work or out having fun, it is important to ensure your safety by avoiding anything that can cause you to slip, trip or fall. Below are the top causes of slips, trips and falls, and tips for preventing them.

Slippery Floors

• If a floor was just mopped, it may be extremely slippery. If you are out in public, these areas often have signs that warn of slippery conditions. Take caution and try to walk around these areas to avoid the possibility of slipping.

• Accidentally spilling a drink is another common cause of slippery floors. When this happens, the person who spilled it should notify people around the area to watch their step, and try covering it with napkins to dry it.

Tripping Hazards

Tripping hazards can come in a variety of forms, whether it be computer wires, toys, a broken sidewalk or even tripping on one’s own feet. There are also many different ways to avoid them:

• Computer wires, and wires in general, should never be laid out on the floor where they would be in someone’s walking path.

• If positioning wires in a pathway is unavoidable and there is no other place to put them, tape them down so they don’t get caught on someone’s shoes.

• Toys and other objects should never be left on the floor for extended periods of time. Anyone could trip on them if they aren’t looking, or if visibility is low when the lights are turned down or off, or during a power outage.

• Rugs and mats can be a tripping hazard, particularly when loose or curled up at the edges, or if they have developed lumps. Try to get rid of rugs and mats where possible, or else make sure they are securely fixed and completely flat, including the edges.

Watch Your Step

To prevent any kind of slip, trip or fall, we must always be aware of our surroundings. Knowing the location of a potential slip or trip hazard can prevent most kinds of related accidents. Whether it’s walking in your home, across the street, down the hall at work or even catching the train, it is sometimes easy to forget — but always important — to watch your step to prevent accidents.

Remember, stay safe!