Safety at Home: How to Prevent Falls

Many aspects of home safety depend on our own actions. That is why it is worth reviewing safety in your home and taking steps to improve it when needed.

You can reduce the risk of falling

Here are some simple tips that can help reduce the risk of falling and slipping.

Clear walkways

• Remove extra items and cords from walkways so that no one trips over them.
• Check that rugs do not curl up and that the corners do not turn up easily, as this can cause someone to trip.

Anti-slip aids

• Slippers and anti-slip socks are a smart choice. Regular socks can be slippery.
• If rugs slide on the floor, place an anti-slip underlay underneath them.

Dry floors

• Always dry the bathroom floor with a floor squeegee after a shower. Wet and damp floors are slippery.
• You can also use an anti-slip mat in the bathroom.

Adequate lighting

• Make sure your home has enough light so that you can move around safely and spot possible obstacles.
• It is a good idea to use a night light if you get up at night, for example to go to the toilet. You can also keep a torch or a phone with a torch function on your bedside table.

Safe ladders

• If you need to reach items stored high up or clean high surfaces, use sturdy ladders or a step stool suitable for the purpose. Do not use unstable stools or chairs to reach high places.

Please remember that if you need to install fixed assistive devices in your home, you will need written permission from Espoon Asunnot for most alterations to the apartment. Read more.  

A safety walk through your home

Do you, for example, sometimes leave a bag on the floor where someone could trip over its straps?

An easy and effective way to check safety in your home is to do a safety walk. It helps you identify which safety matters are already in good order at home and where there may be possible hazards or a need for improvement.

The kotitapaturma.fi website provides safety checklists for residents of different ages as well as instructions for a safety walk. They help you review the safety of your home room by room.

Visit kotitapaturma.fi