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Tag: falls

Falls Prevention at Beatitudes

Sun, July 8, 2018 Published by

Success Matters is holding a summer session of the SAFER Stepping falls prevention program, which is not offered anywhere else in the country. The SAFER Stepping acronym stands for Surefooted Aging with Falls-related Education and Resources, and the workshop was carefully designed for Beatitudes Campus residents.  When many older adults think about falls risks, they consider balance and the obvious trip hazards, but few consider the many other components that combine to contribute to an overall increased risk of falls.  The SAFER Stepping workshop was developed to address all of these factors.  SAFER Stepping meets twice weekly for an hour and divides time between developing strength, coordination, and balance through exercises, AND systematically addressing the following falls-related factors: fear of falling, vision and hearing related falls risks, brain health and nutrition, medications related to falls, advocacy and how to discuss falls with health professionals, friends, and family, as well as home and environmental risks and adaptations.

The next SAFER Stepping workshop will begin again on Tuesday, August 7th at 3:00PM and will meet every Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks through September 13th. Call Jessica Meyer at x16110 to reserve a spot or be put on the waiting list for the next available course.*

Healthcare Worker Falls

Wed, October 19, 2016 Published by

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says slips, trips and falls are the second most common cause of lost-workday injuries in hospitals.

The top 10 slips, trips, and falls hazards are contaminants on the floor, poor drainage of pipes and drains, indoor walking surface irregularities, outdoor walking surface irregularities, ice or snow, inadequate lighting, stairs and handrails, step-stools and ladders, clutter, loose cords, hoses, wires and medical tubing, and improper use of floor mats and runners.

Research shows that among injured heathcare workers who filed workers compensation injury claims, knees, ankles and feet were the body parts most commonly injured from slips, trips and falls; most often these actions resulted in sprains, strains, dislocations and tears. These workers also are more likely to suffer fractures and multiple injuries than when they suffered other types of injuries.

Here are some helpful steps for injury prevention:

  • Follow the housekeeping program.
  • Watch for changes in walkway elevation, including where handrails and stairways occur. Watch out for yellow safety lines that warn you of these changes.
  • Use proper cleaning procedures for floors such as a two step mopping process rather than damp mopping.
  • Stay away from wet areas or go around.
  • Wear proper footwear for your are of work such as slip resistant shoes.
  • Keep the walkways clear of debris if you see any.
  • Make sure mats are placed properly in areas where the floor is routinely wet.
  • Report loose or warped carpeting or buckled or broken tile so it can be replaced.
  • Make sure to use ladders and stepladders properly.
  • Eliminate clutter from your work area.

For more tips on how to maintain a safe work environment visit www.copperpoint.com