According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury for older Americans.” If you’d like to learn more about falls and older Americans, click here.
Of course, falls aren’t limited to the elderly, they can happen to any one of us, especially during the cold, icy, and slippery winter months. One of the biggest fears of a fall, is a traumatic brain injury. Since it’s December, this is the time of year that New Yorkers begin to walk a little differently. They slow down a bit. They pay attention to the tread on their shoes more, and they reach for handrails when walking on icy surfaces.
Interesting facts from the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI):
- Each year, falls account for more than 8 million visits to the emergency room.
- The most serious consequences of falls are fractures.
- Slips and falls are the main reason why people miss days off work.
- The leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in the U.S. are slips and falls.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that floors and flooring materials are directly linked to over two million falls each year.
- Of all fractures sustained in falls, hip fractures are not only the most serious, they lead to the most fatalities.
What Can I Do to Avoid Slipping & Falling?
You know it’s extra slippery outside, at entrances of businesses, and on sidewalks, so what can you do to avoid slipping? You can’t avoid 100% of slips and falls, but there is a lot you can do to reduce the risk. Check out these tips for avoiding a slip and fall accident:
- Wear shoes with grip. During this time of year, women especially have to be careful about wearing heels and boots without any tread on the bottom. Sneakers, or at least shoes and boots with tread are safer than wearing shoes with little to no tread on the bottom. Much like tires on an automobile, shoes need tread to grip the ground.
- Whenever entering or exiting a building, be careful of ice. Remember, you may not “see” the ice at first, so walk slowly and carefully when it’s freezing outside.
- If there is snow on the ground, be careful when entering stores, restaurants and businesses, as there could be water on the floor. Not all businesses have sufficient mats and not all businesses are vigilant about keeping their floors dry. If you observe water at an entrance to a business, notify the manager right away.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Always be on guard for icy pavement, an icy sidewalk, or a wet floor inside a business.
- Avoid drinking heavily while in public. If the ground is icy, you could accidentally lose your balance and slip. Or, you can tumble down stairs.
- If you have small children, don’t let them run during icy or slippery conditions.
We hope this information serves you and your family well. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Saratoga Springs, contact DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, LLP today.