What are the main causes of falls in older adults. How can seniors prevent falls and maintain their independence. What role does exercise play in fall prevention for the elderly. How can home modifications reduce fall risk for older adults. Why are medication management and regular health check-ups crucial for fall prevention in seniors. How do vision and hearing impact fall risk in the elderly. What are some effective balance and strength training exercises for seniors.

Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Falls in Older Adults

Falls among older adults are a significant health concern, with more than one in four individuals aged 65 years or older experiencing a fall each year. As people age, the risk of falling and related complications increases substantially. These incidents can have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to broken bones, long-term disability, and a cascade of serious health problems.

The impact of falls extends beyond physical injuries. Many older adults develop a fear of falling, even if they haven’t experienced a fall before. This fear can lead to self-imposed restrictions on activities, including walking, shopping, and social engagement. However, it’s crucial to understand that staying active is key to maintaining overall health and actually plays a vital role in fall prevention.

Identifying the Root Causes of Falls in Seniors

To effectively prevent falls, it’s essential to understand the various factors that contribute to their occurrence. Falls in older adults are often the result of a combination of risk factors:

• Age-related changes in sensory perception (eyesight, hearing, and reflexes)
• Chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems)
• Neurological issues affecting balance and coordination
• Cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia
• Sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass)
• Postural hypotension (blood pressure drops upon standing)
• Foot problems and inappropriate footwear
• Medication side effects (dizziness, confusion)
• Environmental hazards in the home or community

By identifying these risk factors, seniors and their caregivers can take targeted steps to mitigate the likelihood of falls.

The Crucial Role of Physical Activity in Fall Prevention

Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the most effective strategies for preventing falls in older adults. Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits that directly contribute to fall prevention:

• Improved muscle strength and endurance
• Enhanced flexibility of joints, tendons, and ligaments
• Better balance and coordination
• Increased bone density, reducing fracture risk

How can seniors incorporate exercise into their daily routine? A well-rounded exercise program for older adults should include:

1. Mild weight-bearing activities (walking, stair climbing)
2. Balance training exercises
3. Strength training with weights or resistance bands
4. Flexibility exercises

Activities such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are particularly beneficial as they combine elements of balance, strength, and flexibility training. It’s important for seniors to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for their individual needs and health status.

Creating a Safe Home Environment to Reduce Fall Risk

Home safety modifications play a crucial role in fall prevention for older adults. By identifying and addressing potential hazards, seniors can significantly reduce their risk of falling within their living space. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Lighting

• Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and stairwells
• Install night lights or motion-sensor lights for nighttime visibility
• Place light switches at both ends of stairs and hallways

Flooring

• Remove or secure loose rugs and carpets
• Repair uneven floorboards or tiles
• Keep floors clean and dry, promptly cleaning up spills

Bathroom Safety

• Install grab bars near toilets and in showers/bathtubs
• Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and shower areas
• Consider a raised toilet seat for easier use

Stairways

• Ensure handrails are secure on both sides of staircases
• Mark the edges of steps with contrasting colors for better visibility
• Keep stairs free of clutter

These modifications can significantly enhance home safety and reduce the risk of falls for older adults.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups and Medication Management

Regular health assessments and proper medication management are crucial components of fall prevention for seniors. How do these factors impact fall risk?

Health Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups allow healthcare providers to:

• Assess overall health and identify potential risk factors for falls
• Monitor chronic conditions that may affect balance or mobility
• Evaluate medication regimens and their potential side effects
• Perform vision and hearing tests
• Assess bone density and risk of osteoporosis

Medication Management

Proper medication management is essential because:

• Some medications can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, increasing fall risk
• The more medications a person takes, the higher their risk of falling
• Regular medication reviews can help identify and address potential issues

Seniors should maintain an up-to-date list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and review this list with their healthcare provider regularly. Any new symptoms or side effects should be promptly reported to avoid potential complications.

Enhancing Sensory Perception: The Role of Vision and Hearing in Fall Prevention

Vision and hearing play crucial roles in maintaining balance and spatial awareness, directly impacting fall risk in older adults. How do these sensory functions affect fall prevention?

Vision

Good vision is essential for:

• Identifying potential hazards in the environment
• Maintaining balance and spatial orientation
• Safely navigating stairs and uneven surfaces

Seniors should have regular eye exams to detect and address vision problems promptly. When getting new eyeglasses or contact lenses, it’s important to take time to adjust to them and wear them as prescribed by the eye doctor.

Hearing

Proper hearing function contributes to fall prevention by:

• Enhancing awareness of the surrounding environment
• Improving balance through the vestibular system in the inner ear
• Facilitating better communication and response to potential hazards

Regular hearing tests are recommended for older adults. If hearing aids are prescribed, ensuring they fit well and are worn consistently is crucial for maximizing their benefits in fall prevention.

Effective Balance and Strength Training Exercises for Seniors

Incorporating specific balance and strength training exercises into a senior’s routine can significantly reduce fall risk. What are some effective exercises that older adults can safely perform?

Balance Exercises

1. Standing on One Foot: Hold onto a chair for support and stand on one foot for up to 30 seconds, then switch legs.
2. Heel-to-Toe Walk: Walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot.
3. Tai Chi: This gentle, flowing exercise form has been shown to improve balance and reduce fall risk.

Strength Training Exercises

1. Chair Squats: Stand in front of a chair, lower yourself as if sitting down, then stand back up without fully sitting.
2. Wall Push-ups: Stand facing a wall, place hands flat against it, then lean in and push back out.
3. Ankle Rotations: While seated, lift one foot off the ground and rotate the ankle in circles.

It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of these exercises. Seniors should always consult with a healthcare provider or certified fitness instructor before beginning a new exercise program to ensure safety and appropriateness for their individual needs.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Fall Risk in Older Adults

Beyond exercise and home safety, several lifestyle factors can significantly influence fall risk in seniors. How do these factors contribute to fall prevention?

Sleep Quality

Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. Fatigue can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of falls. Seniors should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and address any sleep disorders with their healthcare provider.

Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health and muscle function. Proper hydration is also essential for maintaining blood pressure and preventing dizziness.

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can impair balance and judgment, increasing fall risk. Seniors should limit alcohol consumption and be aware of potential interactions with medications.

Footwear

Proper footwear is crucial for maintaining stability. Shoes should fit well, have non-slip soles, and provide adequate support. Avoid backless shoes, high heels, and walking in socks or stockings on smooth surfaces.

Social Engagement

Maintaining social connections can help reduce the fear of falling and encourage physical activity. Participating in group exercise classes or community activities can provide both social and physical benefits.

By addressing these lifestyle factors, seniors can create a comprehensive approach to fall prevention that extends beyond physical exercise and home modifications.

Utilizing Assistive Devices for Enhanced Mobility and Safety

Assistive devices can play a crucial role in fall prevention for older adults by providing additional support and stability. How can seniors effectively use these tools to reduce fall risk?

Types of Assistive Devices

• Canes: Provide support for balance and can help redistribute weight to reduce stress on joints
• Walkers: Offer more stability than canes and are ideal for individuals with significant balance issues
• Rollators: Wheeled walkers that provide support while allowing for easier movement
• Grab bars: Can be installed in bathrooms and other areas of the home to provide support during transfers

Proper Use of Assistive Devices

To maximize the benefits of assistive devices:

1. Ensure the device is properly sized and fitted to the individual
2. Learn the correct technique for using the device from a healthcare professional
3. Regularly inspect the device for wear and tear, replacing parts as needed
4. Use the device consistently as recommended by a healthcare provider

It’s important to note that while assistive devices can greatly enhance safety, they should not be seen as a substitute for addressing underlying health issues or maintaining physical fitness. Regular assessments by healthcare providers can help determine the most appropriate assistive device for an individual’s needs and ensure it continues to provide adequate support as their condition changes over time.

By incorporating these various strategies – from regular exercise and home safety modifications to proper use of assistive devices and attention to lifestyle factors – older adults can significantly reduce their risk of falls and maintain their independence and quality of life. Fall prevention is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and adaptability, but with the right approach, seniors can confidently navigate their daily lives with reduced fear and increased safety.

Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention

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A simple accident like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, which thousands of older adults experience each year. For older people, a broken bone can also be the start of more serious health problems and can lead to long-term disability.

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If you or an older adult in your life has fallen, you’re not alone. More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises with age. However, many falls can be prevented. For example, exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your home safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Many older adults fear falling, even if they haven’t fallen before. This fear may lead them to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities. But staying active is important to keeping your body healthy and actually helps to prevent falls. So don’t let a fear of falling keep you from being active! Learn about what causes falls and how to lower your risk of falling so you can feel more comfortable with staying active.

What causes falls in older adults?

Many things can cause a fall.

• Your eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger.
• Certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance and lead to a fall.
• Conditions that cause rushed movement to the bathroom, such as incontinence, may also increase the chance of falling.
• Older adults with mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia are at higher risk of falling.
• Age-related loss of muscle mass (known as sarcopenia), problems with balance and gait, and blood pressure that drops too much when you get up from lying down or sitting (called postural hypotension) are all risk factors for falling.
• Foot problems that cause pain, and unsafe footwear such as backless shoes or high heels, can also increase your risk of falling.
• Some medications can increase a person’s risk of falling because they cause side effects such as dizziness or confusion. The more medications you take, the more likely you are to fall.
• Safety hazards in the home or community environment can also cause falls.

Steps to take to prevent falls

If you take care of your overall health, you may have a lower chance of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don’t just happen for no reason. Here are a few tips to help lessen your risk of falls and broken bones, also known as fractures:

Read and share this infographic and help spread the word about how to help prevent falls.

• Stay physically active. Plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. Exercise also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break
• Try balance and strength training exercises. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi can all improve balance and muscle strength. You can also try lifting weights or using resistance bands to build strength. Learn more about different types of exercises to improve balance and strength.
• Fall-proof your home. Check out these tips for changes you can make to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety.
• Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing are linked to an increased risk for falls. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, take time to get used to them. Wear your glasses or contacts as your eye doctor advises. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well and wear it.
• Find out about the side effects of any medicines you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• Get enough sleep. If you are tired, you are more likely to fall.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can lead to balance problems and falls, which can result in hip or arm fractures and other injuries.
• Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop. That can make you feel wobbly. Get your blood pressure checked when lying and standing.
• Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk. Using canes and walkers correctly can help prevent falls. If your doctor tells you to use a cane or walker, make sure it’s the right size for you. Walker wheels should roll smoothly. If you borrow walking support equipment from a friend, ask your health care provider to make sure the equipment is the correct size and is safe to use. This is exceptionally important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know well or where the walkways are uneven. A physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful and teach you how to use them safely.
• Take extra caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces. These can be very slippery! Use an ice melt product or sand to clear icy areas by your doors and walkways.
• Keep your hands free. Use a shoulder bag, fanny pack, or backpack to leave your hands free to hold on to railings.
• Choose the right footwear. To fully support your feet, wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.
• Consider staying inside when the weather is bad. Some community services provide 24-hour delivery of prescriptions and groceries, and many take orders over the phone.
• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last check-up, even if you did not feel pain when you fell. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or issues with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.

What to do if you fall

Whether you are at home or somewhere else, a sudden fall can be startling and upsetting. If you do fall, stay as calm as possible and take the following steps:

• Breathe. Take several deep breaths to try to relax. Remain still on the floor or ground for a few moments. This will help you get over the shock of falling.
• Decide if you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.
• Crawl to a sturdy chair. If you think you can get up safely without help, roll over onto your side. Rest again while your body and blood pressure adjust. Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.
• Slowly sit down in the chair. Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it’s flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor. From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.
• Get help. If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive. Prepare for a fall by keeping a well-charged cordless or mobile phone with you at all times and arrange for daily contact with a family member or friend. Emergency response systems are another option: These systems enable you to push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to call for help. Some smartwatches also have this feature.

Keep your bones strong to prevent fall-related fractures

Having healthy bones won’t necessarily prevent a fall, but if you do fall, healthy bones may help prevent serious injury, such as breaking a hip or other bone. Bone breaks and fracture can lead to a hospital or nursing home stay, long-term disability, or even death. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones strong. So can staying active. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity.

Other ways to maintain bone health include quitting smoking and avoiding or limiting alcohol use. Tobacco and alcohol use may decrease your bone mass and increase your chance of fractures. Additionally, try to maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss and broken bones.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them thin and brittle. For people with osteoporosis, even a minor fall may be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about osteoporosis.

Falls are a common reason for trips to the emergency room and for hospital stays among older adults. Many of these hospital visits are for fall-related fractures. You can help lower your risk of fractures by keeping your bones strong and following the tips above to avoid falls.

For more information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
888-232-6348 (TTY)
[email protected]
www.cdc.gov

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications
213-740-1364
homemods@usc. edu
www.homemods.org

Rebuilding Together
800-473-4229
[email protected]
www.rebuildingtogether.org

National Falls Prevention Resource Center
571-527-3900
www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/falls-resource-center/

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed:
September 12, 2022

Related Articles

Fall Prevention & Home Safety Tips

Falls are costly and can cause serious injury or death.

Falling, slipping or tripping around the house is a serious concern for seniors.

Each year, more than one out of four adults age 65 and older falls. These falls cause moderate to severe injuries such as cuts, broken hips or head traumas in 20 to 30 percent of people. Injuries from falls can make it hard to get around or live independently, and they can increase the risk of early death.

Facts About Falls

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
• Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury.
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
• Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.
• The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.
• The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.
• Men are more likely than women to die from a fall. After taking age into account, the fall death rate is approximately 40% higher for men than for women.

* According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Falls Prevention Resources

Falls Prevention Video

See small, inexpensive steps to take to make a home safer.

Falls Free CheckUp

Take this 2-minute Falls Free CheckUp to see what causes falls and how to prevent them.

Indiana Fall Prevention Coalition

Improving the well-being of Indiana older adults by raising awareness of fall prevention.

Help Prevent Fall Risks

This handout from INFPC offers exercises to reduce the risk of falls and a home assessment checklist.

6 Steps to Protect Your Loved One

If you have an aging parent, grandparent or neighbor in your life, help them reduce their risk of falling.

National Council on Aging: Falls Prevention

NCOA’s Resource Center supports the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs.

Home Safety Tips

• Don’t rush when doing a task. Accidents are more likely to occur when you are in a hurry.
• When changing positions, such as standing from a sitting position, count to 15 before starting to walk.
• Wear supportive shoes that have low heels and rubber soles: smooth-soled shoes, slippers or only wearing socks can increase your chances of falling.
• Make sure dresses, nightgowns and trousers are short enough in length to avoid tripping over them when walking. Also, be sure to roll back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins when cooking.
• Do you take four or more medications daily? Multiple medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness and balance problems. It is important to have all of your medications reviewed at least once a year by a pharmacist or doctor.
• Have your vision checked regularly/annually. Wear glasses as advised by your eye doctor.
• Have you or those around you noticed a change in your hearing? Dizziness can occur with hearing loss. Set up an appointment to have your hearing checked.
• Have daily contact with a family member, friend and/or neighbor. Also, consider having a home alert system installed.

Home Safety Modifications

BEDROOM

• Move bedside items/tables closer and arrange the room so that there is a direct path in/out and to the bathroom.
• Place night-lights in all bedrooms and bathrooms. Use night-lights that turn on automatically as the room becomes dark.
• Always keep a charged flashlight near your bed for emergencies.

BATHROOM

• Consider using a shower chair, tub-mounted grab bars and raised toilet seats with hand rails to assist with sitting and standing, hand-held shower attachment or wearing “aqua shoes.”
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floor.

KITCHEN

• Store commonly used items on shelves that are easy for you to reach. If you must reach overhead, keep a sturdy stool handy.
• Eliminate throw rugs, if possible. If necessary, use rugs with a nonskid backing or add double-sided carpet tape around edges.

STAIRS

• Install handrails on both sides of the steps. They should run the full length of the steps.
• Mark the top and bottom steps for better visibility with bright contrasting tape or paint.
• Be sure stairs are well-lit and light bulbs are checked regularly to be in working order. Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.

OUTSIDE

• Install sturdy handrails for all steps or, if necessary, a ramp with handrails.
• Also, make sure your porch has proper lighting and consider fixing uneven sideways/pathways.

Ready to reduce the risk of falls in your home?

We’re here to help. If you’re interested in home accessibility modifications and eligibility criteria, contact us today!

Safety measures in case of snow melting and icicles falling from the roofs of buildings

• Main
• Administration of the city of Norilsk
• Divisions
• Department of Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of Norilsk
• Useful information

In winter and spring, on the roofs of buildings,
accumulate a large amount of snow, and icicles may also form,
which reach a considerable size. Especially dangerous now
roofs and cornices decorated with “garlands” of ice icicles. Hanging from the rooftops, they
threaten human health and life.

The fall of a “sharp-nosed” ice on a person is fraught, at best
case, injuries of varying severity. It all depends on the altitude and
icicle size. There are cases when a dangerous “decoration” killed
passersby.
Every year, falling icicles claim the lives of dozens of Russians. There were cases that
icicles fell into a baby carriage left under a murderous “garland”.
It is clear that only a miracle saved the children from death. We just think that
icicles tightly “grow” to the roofs. In fact they are ready to fall in
any moment. Light thaw, wind and ice tend to fall on the heads
pedestrians.

To avoid accidents due to falling
icicles, you need to be careful, try not to move close to
walls of buildings, under balconies. It is worth avoiding the place of a possible fall
icicles or snow layers from the roof.

Being in the danger zone, a person can get hit by a falling
snow and icicles are very serious and dangerous injuries and even death.

To avoid this situation, you should:

• do not approach the roofs of buildings from which exit is possible
  snow, and not allow children to be in such places;

• warn children of danger. Playing under a dangerous roof
  may end sadly;

• in the presence of a fence, warning notices
  (signs) of a dangerous place, do not try to pass over the fence, go around
  dangerous place in another way;

• after falling snow, ice (icicles) from the edge of the roof, snow and
  ice can also come off the rest of the roof, so if you can see on the sidewalk
  traces of previously fallen snow, or ice fragments, this indicates a danger
  this place;

• if you heard upstairs while driving on the sidewalk
  suspicious noise – you can not stop, raise your head and look,
  what happened there. Perhaps this is the melting of snow or ice blocks. Run away from the building
  is also impossible, you need to snuggle up to the wall as quickly as possible, the roof peak will serve
  shelter;

• if an icicle or snow has fallen from the roof
  man, you need to call an ambulance.

Be alert and careful when near
buildings!

Prevention of falling objects when working at height

October 28, 2019

Tools

Safety

Accessories

Your employees may be perfectly safe when working at heights, but how do you protect their colleagues below? Falling tools and other objects are a big hazard that is not always given due attention. The following are clear guidelines for securing tools, preventing tools from falling, and improving workplace safety.

Problem:

Technicians in the metalworking and energy industries often work at heights. They have to climb to great heights to maintain a wind turbine or a high-rise building. Dropping even a small object in such a situation can cause serious injury. In the US alone, according to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), more than 50,000 people are injured each year as a result of falling objects.

From a legal point of view:

US law requires employers to educate and inform employees, both permanent and temporary, about workplace hazards. They are also required to take steps to prevent accidental dropping of equipment. If this is not possible, employers should provide a safe area under the work at height and keep people out of it. It is important to note that this approach should only be used as a last resort. The UK and other countries have similar laws. There is a conflict between traditional practice and legal requirements. Often the area under the work site is blocked off by fences, and people cannot walk there and be hit by falling objects. The main purpose of legislative measures, on the contrary, is to prevent the very fact of such falls.

When working at height, do not rely on the fenced area below to provide sufficient protection. The first step is to prevent the tools from falling.

Harald Odenman
,
Marketing Manager at Chicago Pneumatic

Tool Drop Prevention Measures

First of all, it is important to remember that wearing helmets is not enough. They should always be worn anyway, but they can only provide partial protection. Falling objects, except perhaps the smallest ones, can still cause injury. As we have said, fences should only be used in extreme cases. The correct solution is to implement special procedures and equipment designed to provide additional safety and prevent the tool from falling.

Essential tips for operators working at height

• Seek specialized training – employer must provide it
• Place items in securely closed containers or lifting bags and secure them to the attachment point at the top. Use hoists and cranes to lift equipment, not to move it. Do not climb ladders or other structures with tools in your pockets:
  • We recommend that you attach items weighing less than 2. 25 kg to your clothing using a tool belt, clips, cords or other means of attachment – or carry them in a secure case
  • We recommend securing equipment weighing more than 2.25 kg at a suitable attachment point on a stable structure, but do not attach to an employee!
  • This recommendation applies to phones, radios, tablets, laptops, tape measures and other devices.
• Be sure to bring all the correct tools, accessories and accessory changing equipment needed for the job (eg see our impact wrench bit recommendations). If necessary, replace accessories and consumables before lifting, but not at height.

General recommendations:

• Be sure to use all recommended protective equipment, including fall arrest devices, helmets, gloves and other PPE tools suitable for explosive atmospheres

Top Tips for Employers to Prevent Tool Drops

• Train operators first on agreed safety procedures
• Incorporate falling objects into safety training
• Consider falling objects as part of your workplace safety risk assessment
• Take action to address identified risks
• Provide operators with all the facilities listed in the previous list, including fixtures and anchor points, lifting gear and protective equipment
• Set up a safety net in a working area or fence off an area
• Keep up to date with new developments in safety equipment

Fall protection training must consider both the possibility of falling objects and the possibility of falling people.