Sliptember: How slips and trips in care homes can be avoided

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is taking place this year between the 22^nd and the 26^th of September, and as the autumn months approach, the weather is beginning to change, making it important to address the types of hazards that are now more likely to occur.

Things like snow, ice and fallen leaves can cause serious accidents for both residents and colleagues and Falls Prevention Awareness Week looks to raise awareness of these hazards to protect those who may be affected.

 

In 2024, the Health and Safety Executive estimated the cost of slips and trips in the workplace to the UK economy was £500 million in terms of employee absence, lost production, and other costs to business.  

Slips and trips in the workplace were also estimated to have cost the NHS over £800 million in 2024 hospital admission and treatment costs.

Phil Clarke, Head of Health and Safety at Care UK, says: “It’s important that we are proactive in helping our colleagues through the winter months. By reducing the number of slips and trips we can make sure everyone is safe when they’re moving around within the homes which, most importantly, helps colleagues to ensure that residents can lead fulfilling lives.”

As part of Phil’s plans to help Care UK-run homes with their awareness of hazards posed during the winter months, he has launched Sliptember, a campaign that aims to keep people safe and aware during the month of September and beyond.

Phil says: “The main thing we can do is plan to deal with these potential issues ahead of time.   This includes stocking up on grit or salt and clearing up fallen leaves regularly.  A combination of rotting leaves and frozen ground provides a dangerous slip and trip hazard to both residents and colleagues.”

As part of this campaign, Phil is using the acronym CHIMES to create an easy way for people to remember what we can be doing to prevent slips and trips.

CHIMES:

C – Contamination. A clean and dry floor is a safe floor. Avoid trip hazards such as trailing cables.

H – Heel. For a slip to occur, a foot is involved. The heel of your footwear is key.  Wear footwear with a non-slip sole.

I – Individual. Don’t rush, don’t be distracted, watch where you walk.

M – Maintenance. Keep floors well-maintained, report defects, and check for wear and tear.

E – Environment. Ensure adequate lighting, minimise distractions, and be prepared for rain, snow, and ice.

S – Surface. Are your floors slip-resistant?  Provide mats at entrances.

Passionate about health and safety, Phil is appearing on an episode of the Safety and Risk Podcast with Christian Harris, CEO of Slip Safety Services. The episode will be available from Friday 3^rd October.