4 Tips to Preventing Falls in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are the #1 location in the home for a slip and fall accident.
In fact, a whopping 235,000 people 15 and up visit the emergency room each year because of bathroom related injuries according to The Center for Disease Control.
Why are bathrooms such big culprits for slip and fall accidents? A lot of this has to do with the hard bathroom surfaces paired with water and even heat from showers and tubs, which can cause added dizziness. Poor lighting or lack of proper traction can also play into the problem. This combination makes for a dangerous situation for toddlers, senior citizens, and just about anyone else in the family.
Top Ways to Prevent Bathroom Slip and Fall Accidents
By doing a quick bathroom assessment you can prevent future bathroom injuries. By implementing even a few of the tips mentioned below you are helping you and your family members stay safe and potentially out of the emergency room.
1. REVIEW YOUR FLOORING
The bathroom sees a constant stream of water from numerous places. From toilets, to faucets, showers, and tubs- the bathroom can quickly turn into a slippery place to walk. Oftentimes bathroom flooring consists of tile or vinyl, both of which can become slippery quick. Pair that with people walking bare feet and it is a slip and fall accident waiting to happen.
A great solution is to add additional traction on your bathroom flooring. With water splashing from the faucet and the sharp edges of the vanity, they can be very unforgiving. You might want something more discrete like a clear non-slip tread. Also, consider that many people will be barefoot in the bathroom. A product like Jessup Manufacturing’s Flex Track 4100 offers superior protection against a slip and fall in wet areas, while also being comfortable on bare feet. Don’t forget the toilet area. Adding non-slip tread to the floor around this area is also a smart idea.
Another common option is bath rugs outside the shower area. Use caution with rugs because they can actually become a tripping hazard! Make sure the rugs are secured to the ground with an anti-slip tape and remove them if they become overly wet.
2. BATHROOM LIGHTING
Often overlooked, but not to be underestimated is bathroom lighting. Dark spaces can commonly cause slip and fall accidents. A couple considerations when it comes to bathroom lighting:
● Nighttime bathroom visits top the list for slip and fall accidents. Bumping into the sink or tripping over a rug happens more often than you think. By adding photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark anti slip tape you can easily add traction and offer a light source in the dark. Glow-in-the-dark anti-slip tape doesn’t require electricity, it just absorbs ambient light and emits it when darkness hits, brightening up any space it is applied.
● When was the last time you took a look at your shower lighting? Or do you even have showe lighting? It could be worth a quick call to your electrician to add the addition of shower lighting.
3. SHOWERS AND BATHTUBS
Besides adding lighting to the shower and tub area, you will want to think about other ways to prevent slip and fall accidents in these spaces. Four simple and inexpensive options include:
● The addition of a shower seat. Overexertion due to heat is a common cause of bathroom falls and by having a shower seat you can safely sit down if needed. Amazon offers shower seats fairly inexpensively and they are easy to install.
● Handrails or updating your bathtub into a walk-in handicap accessible style can be a smart option, especially for senior citizens or those with less mobility. While this can be a little more expensive, it is a very smart and proven option to prevent slip and fall accidents.
● With the addition of a non-slip bath mat you can quickly and inexpensively add protection. With antimicrobial properties, Jessup Manufacturing’s non-slip bath mats are an excellent choice that require minimal maintenance. Coming in a variety of colors and comfortable on bare feet it is an excellent option to add protection.
● If you are highly prone to slip in the shower, you might also consider wearing shower specific shoes when bathing.
4. KEEP COMMON ITEMS ACCESSIBLE
Lastly, keep any commonly used products in the bathroom easily accessible. If you frequently use a product make sure it is not up to high, or consider adding a step stool if you must keep it up high. Anyway you can lessen the amount of movement in the bathroom will help to prevent a slip and fall.
Make Your Bathroom Safe
Slip and fall prevention starts with you. Small actions like adding non-slip tapes and updating lighting can be instrumental in avoiding bathroom injuries. With water all around the bathroom, it is important to incorporate the use of these types of products.
Jessup Manufacturing is a global leader in adhesive films and photoluminescent sheets. Our team of experts can help you choose the best non-slip bath mats, anti-slip tapes, and glow-in-the dark tapes to ensure your bathroom is safe. Contact our team to discuss our top recommendations to make your bathroom safer.
