As you prepare a new facility, it is important to take extra precautions to prevent one of the most common forms of injury: slip and fall accidents. These can cause serious or even life-threatening problems for residents, sometimes requiring surgery or physical therapy. Accidents of this type also frequently lead to lawsuits. The drains should be inspected routinely for potential clogs or backup, with drainage planned maintenance provided annually
Here are three things you can do to help keep your facility residents safe.
Install Secure Drainage
In bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and basements, make sure there are adequate drains for rooms with a lot of moisture. If water pools on the floor, people can easily fall and get hurt. Install stainless steel drainage systems and grates, like those from Hydro Construction Products. They should be clearly visible and able to drain excess moisture from any source in the area, including drips, spills, and leaks. The drains should be inspected routinely for potential clogs or backup, with maintenance provided annually or more often as needed.
Use Non-Slip Flooring
For all areas of the building, install non-slip surfaces to protect everyone when floors get wet due to residents or guests tracking in rain, snow, or ice on their shoes and boots. Steps throughout the facility should be protected with non-slip treads or carpet. If carpeting is used in some areas, install a kind that does not become slick when damp. Special types of floor coverings are designed to prevent moisture buildup to keep them safe when water may be tracked in from outdoors or spilled by residents. Look for brands that offer a no-slip guarantee.
Add Handrails to Facilitate Mobility
Handrails come in all widths, styles, and materials, including wood or stainless steel. Depending on your expected resident demographic, choose handrails that provide a solid grip to help steady someone who might be at risk for dizziness, weakness, or other health problems that could leave them at risk of falling. Handrails are particularly useful in entryways or hallways when people might be carrying packages or umbrellas, or walking their pets. They are also vital on stairways, especially if they’re steep like those leading to parking areas often are. In residential units, handrails are often required for aging or ill residents to move along hallways as well as navigate areas where they are especially active, like the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room.
Although facility owners and managers can always find more ways to protect residents and visitors, these three steps will help to protect people who use the building from falling and possibly sustaining a major injury.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing.
