Reducing slips, trips and falls in communal areas | Tenant news

A stray shoe by the door, a wet patch on the floor, a bag left on the stairs - none of it seems important until someone takes a tumble. 

The good news is that most slips, trips and falls in communal areas are easy to prevent, and with a bit of teamwork, we can keep these spaces safe for everyone. Here’s how.

What to watch out for

Keeping communal areas free from clutter is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Corridors, entrances and stairwells shouldn’t be used to store personal belongings, mobility equipment or children's toys, as these can quickly become obstacles for other tenants and visitors.

Fire exits and escape routes should also be kept clear at all times. If storage areas are available on your scheme, use these instead of leaving items in shared spaces.

It's also worth taking a bit of extra care when moving through communal areas. Use handrails where they're available and make sure you can see clearly where you're going.

What to do if you fall

If you have a fall in a communal area, the NHS advises that you:

• Dial 999 if you have a severe injury or need urgent medical assistance
• Stay calm and take a moment to assess whether you are injured
• If you feel able to get up, do so slowly and carefully
• Call for help if you’re injured or unable to get up safely
• Speak to a healthcare professional after a fall if you’re concerned, especially if you’ve fallen more than once or feel unsteady on your feet.

For more advice, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls.

Spot it, report it

Keeping walkways and corridors clear is important, but clutter isn't the only thing that can cause an accident.

A ragged doormat, uneven paving and damaged handrails can all increase the risk of slips, trips and falls, so it’s important to report potential hazards to Habinteg.

If you notice something that doesn’t look right, please let us know. Reporting it early means we can check it out and sort it before someone gets hurt.

If you want to report a problem in a communal area on your scheme, contact our Customer Service Team on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk.

For more information on staying safe in communal areas, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/lifts.

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