Environmental Risk Factors Causing Falls

Environmental factors are perhaps the most recognizable and easy to change.
 

Examples of common environmental hazards: Objects that may be tripped over Poor lighting Slippery surfaces Stairs Unstable or inappropriately designed furniture

See our Are You In Jeopardy? Home Safety Checklist to check your environment for risks to your safety. This checklist also gives tips on how to correct these risk factors.

This checklist focuses on safety in and around the home including:

• living room
• kitchen
• bedroom
• bathroom
• basement
• outside your home
• medications, security, fire hazards and your level of physical activity.

Environmental reorganization, as in one’s home, must include the cooperation of the person it is meant to benefit.  An abrupt change in personal environment can be confusing, as well as damaging to a sense of well-being.  Attempts to modify an environment must keep in mind the dignity of the individual and the desire to maintain control and independence.

Source: Community Action and Injury Prevention - Ontario Public Health Association