Sooner or later we all fall – Stephen King

I fell in Target this week.  I was in a hurry, the floors glistened with a just waxed shine, it was wet outside and I had on new shoes.  I put my leg out to hustle along, my heel kept sliding forward and I landed in an awkward half split.  My knee hurt, my ankle twisted and my embarrassment hit an all time high.

I am sure I was not that graceful when I fell.

The average cost of a slip and fall is $28,000 including medical bills, physical therapy and missed wages according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Slip and falls are one of the most preventable accidents/injuries.  The preventative measures are inexpensive and some are free!  Free is my favorite price. 

In the winter or in wet conditions, change the way you walk.  I did this only in the opposite manner, which is why I fell.  If you are walking on ice, walk with your toes facing ever so slightly outwards and shuffle.  Hunch a little with your arms extended outwards.  This is where I missed the boat, take short steps so your shoes remain in contact with the ground or floor.  

The proper way to walk on ice.

Wear boots or flat shoes with rubber soles.  This type of shoe or boot is more capable of gripping the slippery surface than other shoes.  If you must walk on ice, as in the morning or late night walk with your dog, try ice grips.  I bought my grips in the south where ice was once more prevalent.  I have seen them in several stores in NEPA now that lately we get more ice than snow.  If you do wear slippery, smooth soled shoes or high heels, carry them in a bag and change into your shoes when you arrive at your destination.

I paid $10 for ice grips.

Treat walkways and shovel.  Use a combination of snow-melt and anti-skid material like sand or kitty litter in a pinch.  Use the appropriate amount so it is not dragged into the building causing another slip and fall hazard!  During a storm, this snow and ice management program will need to be performed periodically to handle the accumulating snow and ice.  Teach your family and employees to recognize and attempt to prevent any slip and falls.

Kitty litter as anti-skid.

Lighting on porches, walk ways and parking lots all need to be in working order.  Timers set for arriving and departing times assist those of us who sometimes forget to turn the lights on or off.  Automatic light sensors can turn lights on and off with the sun.  Sensors can also turn your lights on when there is a snowstorm to ensure visibility of any tricky walkways.  

It appears as night - it is 11:00 in the morning.

Luckily I am fine, no lasting injury just embarrassment.  I am glad I was not hurt.  I have another race in January and there is no time for an injury.  I have not worn those shoes again.  I am wearing rubber-soled shoes.   

My new shoes have terrific traction!

With a storm predicted in the next couple of days, I will also dig out my ice grips.  I hope that my next fall will be in the snow during sledding and not in a store.  

I expect to fall when I play in the snow.

source:  Employers Mutual Insurance Newsletter & Athens News