Slipping over can be prevented:

Slipping over can be a significant ordeal for some people, however after ‘You’ve been framed’ exploits these humiliating accidents, we can sometimes forget just how much of an impact slips can have on the person: even the slightest fall.

For every serious slip accident, there are another 40 minor trips that go unnoticed, which can be just as damaging, but are rather laughed at and then simply forgotten. For instance some UK swimming pools report having as many as 8 slip accidents per day, which seems rather high: however think about how people we see fall over on a day-to-day basis, and then add a highly slippery surface into the mix and then the figures don’t seem so extreme.

More worryingly every three minutes in the UK alone, there is a serious injury caused by a slip, this injury could be anything from a spinal break, to devastating brain damage. We were always reminded when we were young that we need to wear helmets and ride our bike carefully, and yet we tend to become careless when it comes to walking on a potentially slippery surface.

Not surprising most accidents that happen in the UK are completely preventable, by either clearing up spills or displaying wet floor signs, or even just by looking where you are going, walking slow and remembering not to run. Some employers teach staff to clean up spills immediately, however mopping up spills can make the floor more prone to slips.

40% of industrial accidents start with a slip, which is a particularly high number considering all the alternative accidents that can happen in the industrial workplace.

Whilst the majority of tumbles and falls are just a case of carelessness and humiliation for a few minutes, it is the older generation that need to worry the most when it comes to falling over, as even the smallest of falls can produce the worst of injuries.

One in three adults over the age of 65 falls once a year. Of those ages 65 and over who fall, 20-30% suffers severe injuries that increase the need for assisted-living care and chances of early death.

Shockingly falls are the leading cause of accidental death in older people, which makes it the most thought about problem for all elderly people. These kinds of accidents are the most common problems causing older people to lose their independence.

Fortunately there are measures that can reduce the risk of falling: these simple steps will not guarantee your safety, but rather reduce the risk of the accident occurring.

Exercise regularly: exercise strengthens muscle and can improve your overall balance and co-ordination. Do not be fooled, exercise takes many forms and mind/body practices such as yoga or tai chi as just as good for balance and co-ordination.

Fall-proof your home: almost half of all falls happen at home, which means de-cluttering your home is the biggest step to reducing your chance of slipping.

Simply removing clutter avoids have serious accidents at home, plus it makes your home look a lot neater. Make sure rugs and throws are slip resistant, or simply remove then off of the floor. Adding handrails are considered majorly important, as the injury could be much more devastating when falling from a greater height.

Applying non-slip pads or tape to showers and bathtubs is easily done, and reduces the chance of slipping significantly, as more of the slipping accidents in the home occur when the floor is wet.

Finally you can purchase slip-resistant systems for balconies, and terraces which can be bought in any colour; therefore the look of the building does not need to be compromised.