Slips, trips and falls can happen to anyone but as you get older the chance of it happening to you increases. With around half of all falls happening in and around the home it is important to make your home safer so you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.
Spot the Hazard will help you find and make the changes needed to make your home safer, use the Stay On Your Feet® Home Safety Checklist to find simple and low cost tips.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Adequate lighting
Grab bars in the shower, beside the tub and at the toilet.
Rubber backed non-slip mats
Appropriate shelving for toiletries
Hazard Spotted!
Frequently used items in hard to reach places
Have the soap holder or shower caddy within reaching distance. A shower chair may be useful. Store toiletries where they are easily accessible on shelves
Hazard Spotted!
Lighting
All rooms, passageways, stairwells and entrances to your home should be fitted with globes of at least 75 watts or 970-1100 lumens. Use a nightlight or motion-sensor lighting to ensure adequate light for night-time visits to the bathroom.
Hazard Spotted!
No grab rails in the bathroom
Grab rails are recommended in all positions around the bath, shower and toilet. Never use a towel rail to hold onto and don’t balance on one leg when washing or drying yourself – sit for these activities
Hazard Spotted!
Wrong height of the toilet seat or toilet seat not secure
Toilet seats should be at an adequate height to stand up and sit down safely. Grab rails or and a raised toilet seat are recommended for support.
Hazard Spotted!
Slippery surface in shower and bath
Take extra care in wet areas that are likely to be slippery. Use slip resistant treatments on the base of your bath or shower and grab rails or handles. Place non-slip mats on the bottom of baths and showers for grip.
Hazard Spotted!
Bathroom mat with no rubber back for grip
Rubber floor mats are designed to sit firm and flat on the floor to help prevent falls. Non-slip mats – rather than fluffy rugs – are recommended in front of the toilet and the sink.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Appropriate height and stable be
Accessible lighting
Non-slip rubber backed rug or mat
Hazard Spotted!
Clutter on the floor
Keep floors free of clutter in the bedroom.
Hazard Spotted!
Lights switches hard to access
Light switches should be in easy to reach places such as room entrances and both ends of hallways. If you do not have a light switch next to your bed, ensure there is an accessible bedside lamp from your bed.
Hazard Spotted!
Important items not nearby
Keep items such as your glasses, medication and walking aids in easy to reach places where they will not be in your way. Keep your telephone beside your bed in case of an emergency.
Hazard Spotted!
Hard to get in and out of bed as mattress is too soft or the bed is at the wrong height
Beds should be at a good height for easy movement on and off, a firm mattress may help. Get out of bed slowly; sit up before you stand up.
Hazard Spotted!
Throws hanging over the bed or bedspread/sheets that overhang
Remove throws that hang over the edge of your bed. Avoid using bedspreads with looped fringes and make sure bed covers do not hang loosely on the ground.
Hazard Spotted!
Rugs
Take up any loose mats or rugs and ensure floor surface is level. Only use a rubber backed mat that does not move.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Adequate lighting
Handrails for stairs
Contrasting colours to identify step edges
Hazard Spotted!
Patterned floor covering on stairs/steps
It’s recommended that you use colour contrast to identify step edges and you avoid using patterned floor coverings.
Hazard Spotted!
No rails on the stairs or rails are not sturdy and hard to grip
Ensure rails are accessible for all indoor and outdoor steps and stairs. Request an Occupational Therapy Home Assessment to find out what is best for your situation.
Hazard Spotted!
Furniture in hallways or walkways/ Items blocking doorways/doors
Clear all walkways and hallways of unnecessary furniture. Remove all clutter that blocks access to doors/doorways.
Hazard Spotted!
Hazards in the hallways and stairs
Objects and clutter can prevent you from moving through your walkways safely. Keep objects or clutter out of your path. If you have hard to see steps or stairs, consider non-slip contrast tape or paint for the edges.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Appropriate lighting
Mobile kitchen trolley can assist with mobility and moving frequently used items around the kitchen
Hazard Spotted!
Frequently used items in hard-to-reach places
Adjust shelving in your cupboards so you don’t have to reach high or bend low to use your items. Arrange your kitchen so that the most frequently used items are easy to reach.
Hazard Spotted!
Dim lighting
Install good lighting over work areas.
Hazard Spotted!
Items not stored away safely
Store heavy items and items you use regularly in easy to reach places above waist height.
Hazard Spotted!
Slippery floor surface
Use anti-slip products for cleaning the floor, or consider non-slip flooring. Wear rubber soled shoes and never walk around in socks.
Hazard Spotted!
Cords, clutter or furniture
Keep kitchen free of clutter and unnecessary furniture.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Appropriate seating with firm cushions
Bell for pets
Non-slip rubber backed mats or rug
Secured cords
Hazard Spotted!
Seating
Some furniture can be difficult to get in and out of. Ensure seating is the appropriate height, has firm supportive cushions and accessible arm supports. Consider aids which can assist or replace with furniture that better meets your needs.
Hazard Spotted!
Clutter on the floor
The easiest method for preventing falls is to keep your home neat and tidy. Remove all clutter that can cause you to trip, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines. If you use a walking aid you might need to widen your pathways to move safely.
Hazard Spotted!
Air-freshener sprays
Air-freshener sprays can leave a film on carpets or flooring making them slippery.
Hazard Spotted!
Loose cords and wires
Keep telephone and electrical cords clear of walkways and keep loose cords up against the wall.
Hazard Spotted!
Torn carpet, loose rugs/mats without non-slip backing
Torn carpet, mats without non-slip backing, polished floors and tiles can cause slips and trips. Repair damaged carpets, remove or secure mats and use slip resistant treatments on your walkways.
Hazard Spotted!
Pets
Pets can be a tripping hazard. Using a collar with a bell will help you know where they are at all times.
Hazard Spotted!
Items not in easy to reach places
Keep things like your telephone, remote, glasses, walking aid and medication in an easily accessible spot.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Hand-rails
Adequate lighting for pathways
Hazard Spotted!
Gardening tools and hose not stored away
Put away your garden items as soon as you have finished with them so they don’t become a hazard. Store your hose and garden tools safely and be aware of where your pets are when outside.
Hazard Spotted!
Overgrown plants, grasses or roots on paths
Have a friend, family or professional to come and remove overgrown plants and roots if you do not feel safe doing so yourself.
Hazard Spotted!
Unsafe pathways
Grass, pavers and other outdoor surfaces can become slippery in wet or dewy weather. Keep paths well swept. Clear pathways of objects that may obstruct or restrict your pathway. Treat slippery pathways with appropriate non-slip surfacing.
Hazard Spotted!
Outdoor stairs and paths not well lit
Ensure you have a bright light or a sensor light outside your house, especially near steps and access areas. Leave the light on when you go out at night or install a sensor light.
Hazard Spotted!
Damaged or loose pavers
Repair broken, uneven or cracked paths, patios and other walking surfaces.
