Don‘t fall for carelessness Company, event, date Name Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Non-occupational accidents in Switzerland, 2015 82 000 road traffic 418 000 sports 564 000 in and around the home Every year, more than one million people are injured on the roads, during sports and activities as well as in and around their homes. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Accidents caused by falls in Switzerland HOME/LEISURE Three and a half times as many accidents are caused by falls in the home and leisure sector as in road accidents (Source: bfu, Status 2018) TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS Around 1,200 of the approximately 280,000 accidents caused by falls are fatal (particularly among the elderly) Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Accidents caused by falls by accident circumstances (Ø 2011–2015) Falling on level ground (slipping, stumbling) is the most frequent type of falling accident. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Frequent causes of falls Tripping risks: stumbling hazards, inadequate lighting, slippery flooring, lack of banisters on stairs, etc. Unsuitable footwear and clothing Lack of storage space Using a cellphone while walking General state of health (illness) Changes due to age (decline of muscle strength, sense of hearing and vision loss; loss of balance, etc.) Taking medication and other substances (alcohol, drugs) Why do we fall? Due to tripping hazards such as cables or toys lying around, open drawers, inadequate lighting Distracted by telephoning while walking   .... Medications, alcohol and drugs can, of course, also influence our walking ability. And, of course, stress can also be behind some of these causes. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Video «Stürze können jeden treffen» Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Don’t let stairs become a hazard Provide adequate lighting. Use the handrail when climbing stairs. Apply self-adhesive anti-slip strips to the edges of smooth steps. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Eliminate tripping hazards Do not use paths, stairs, entrances or passageways as storage areas. Tidy away cables, toys, shoes and other stumbling blocks as much as possible. Secure loose carpets with anti-slip mats or attach double-sided, adhesive carpet tape to carpet edges.  Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Reach for the stars – in safety Use only stable ladders when working at a height! Buy a ladder with wide treads, anti-slip pads and a safety bar at least at knee height. Solid rubber feet ensure that the ladder will stand safely. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Pay attention Look where you’re walking – don’t look at the display on your mobile phone! No hustle and bustle! Focus on where you’re going, even if you are short of time . Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Training for strength and balance! Strong legs and well-trained balance will help prevent you from stumbling or slipping and prevent a fall. Everyone can include exercises in their everyday life: Stand on one leg while waiting for the coffee machine or when brushing your teeth. Stand on a rolled-up towel or the bfu’s balance disc (available at www.bfu.ch). This makes strength and balance exercises more effective. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018

Further information The following bfu brochures (available only in French, German and Italian) contain more on this subject: «Checkliste sicherer Haushalt» (Art.-Nr. 3.026) «Stürze – sicher auf Schritt und Tritt» (Art.-Nr. 3.004) Order them free of charge at www.bestellen.bfu.ch You can find even more accident prevention tips at www.bfu.ch. Don‘t fall for carelessness 2018