NOVEMBER IS FALL PREVENTION MONTH
WHY DO PEOPLE FALL?
Professionals who study why people fall on or from stairs have identified three main contributing factors:
- Environmental factors including poor design, construction and maintenance of stairs, non-existent or dysfunctional handrails, poor lighting and other features such as poor tread surfaces.
- Health factors including reduced vision, weakness, drowsiness, loss of balance or an inactive lifestyle.
- Behavioural factors including lack of concentration, carrying something while using stairs, running, unsuitable footwear, unfamiliarity with the stairs (although most stair-related injuries occur on stairs that are familiar to the fall victim) and decisions whether or not (and how) to modify or maintain the stairway environment.
Learn more about stair safety at home!
