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

2. Non-occupational accidents in Switzerland, 2015
road traffic
sports
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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 This makes strength and balance exercises more effective.
Don‘t fall for carelessness
2018

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