How To Avoid Summer Slip And Falls
When thinking of slips and falls, most people conjure images of ice, snow and slippery wet surfaces. But the truth is 
The Slip Fall Summer Phenomenon
According to data from the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls accounted for more than 1 million emergency hospital visits. Hip fractures are the most common and serious injuries caused because of a fall and lead to the largest number of long-term health issues.
Every year nearly 250,000 people suffer from hip fractures and are hospitalized based on information provided by the CDC. When summer approaches, many things can occur if you’re not vigilant about where you step.
A barbecue pit, exceptionally soft beach sand, and a broken branch can all cause slip and fall accidents when you least expect it and can end up becoming a major nightmare for you to deal with. Heat brings issues like dehydration and dizziness to the forefront, which can increase your risk of slipping and falling in summer. Some likely surfaces where you can fall in summer include:
- Public and private parks
- Beaches
- Walking and jogging trails
- Backyards, porches, and front yards
- Public and private swimming pool decks
Slip and fall mishaps can also result in loss of balance because of elements that were not properly maintained by property owners. For example:
- Poor lighting in walking spaces at night causing obscured vision
- Clutter along walking paths
- Slippery floor materials
- Faulty carpeting
- Wet floors with no caution signage
- Loose carpeting
- Uneven surfaces
Avoiding Summertime Slip Falls
While you may be able to claim some compensation for your slip and fall accident, you’ll likely want to avoid the mishap completely. Follow these tips to avoid slipping and falling during summer.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration and other heat-related issues can result in summer falls. Seniors are at the most risk of slipping and falling because they may feel dizzy or disoriented when dealing with intense heat. Prevent this from happening by drinking sufficient water to stay as hydrated as possible, especially when planning outdoor activities.
Stay Attentive During Rainy Periods
Summer isn’t always about the sunshine. Sometimes you’re going to have to deal with mud and rain – leading to slippery surfaces where you walk. Heavy rains and winds can cause branches and shrubs to fall over walking paths, which may increase your risk of slipping and falling.
Pay Attention To Outdoor Spaces
You’re most likely familiar with the spaces around your home, but when you’re outside, everything is different. When summer arrives, you probably want to spend as much time as possible outside, so pay attention to spaces and look for tripping hazards that may increase your chances of falling.
Be Vigilant When Undertaking Water-Related Activities
When you’re around water, your chances of slipping are higher. Tiled floors around the gym or swimming pool decks can turn into falling hazards when you least expect it. If it rains heavily, you better look down when walking into places like your local grocery store or supermarket to prevent a slip and fall accident.
Wear Proper Shoes
During winter, you generally wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes. But in summer, you’re probably wearing flip-flops, sandals and other open shoes that may increase your risk of falling. Wear shoes with proper sole grips to prevent an accidental fall.
Summer comes with its own set of safety hazards, so you shouldn’t take the season for granted. Some proactive measures will help reduce the risk of tremendous pain and suffering. Make sure you follow these strategies for avoiding slips and falls when the mercury rises. If you suffer a slip and fall accident because of negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.