Preventing Employee Falls

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, injuries from falls in the healthcare workplace are 90% higher than the average rate for all other private industries combined.

FIVE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1. Whether you work in a facility or in client homes, simply by working in the healthcare field, your risk for falls on the job is much greater than in any other career. 
2. The most common injuries from workplace falls affect the knees, ankles, and feet as a result of sprains, strains, dislocations, and tears. 
3. The most common hazards that lead to workplace falls in healthcare include spills, trip hazards, weather conditions, inadequate lighting, and problems with stairs and stair rails.
4. Another hazard is the “perfect storm” of an aging workforce and an increase in obesity. 
5. You take measures every day to protect your clients.  Now it’s time to take some of those same measures—and a few more—to protect YOURSELF!

RISK FACTORS:

• Age-related changes like loss of muscle mass, slower reaction time, and lack of flexibility.
• Obesity
• Fatigue
• Stress

IMPORTANT POINT:

Working with clients who are at risk for falls places YOU at risk too! It’s important to practice your transfer technique and be informed about how to protect yourself while also keeping clients safe.

IF YOU FALL:

1. Follow workplace procedure.
2. Report it!
3. File an Incident Report.
4. Get medical help.
5. Be honest with your doctor.
6. Follow doctor’s orders.
7. Don’t do any job, task, or body movement that causes discomfort or pain.