This document provides information on preventing slips, trips, and falls. It discusses implications of falls such as reduced mobility, injury, loss of dignity, and even death for individuals, as well as implications for care providers like staff stress, poor reputation, and regulatory issues. The document outlines legislation around risk assessment and explains the risk assessment process, including identifying hazards related to tasks, individuals, and environmental factors. It also discusses fall risk assessment tools, methods for preventing falls like exercise programs and home modifications, and steps to take if a fall occurs like providing first aid, reporting the incident, and reviewing fall prevention efforts.

1. 1
Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
Level 2 Award
Advantage Accreditation / Version No V.2.2.B

2. Aim
To provide learners with the
knowledge and understanding
to prevent slips, trips and falls
within the care and support
setting

3. 01 Explain what a fall is and the implications
associated with slips, trips and falls
Describe the hazard analysis and risk
assessment process
Learning
Objectives 02
Have an understanding of the prevention of
falls and intervention methods
03

4. What is a Fall?
By definition a fall is described as:
To come or drop down suddenly to a lower position, to
leave a standing or erect position suddenly, whether
voluntarily or not or to fall on one’s knees

5. c
Confidence reduced
Implications
Reduced physical mobility
Injury
Loss of dignity
Loss of independence
Death
Nursing facilities
Pain
Have to move home
For the person who has slipped, tripped or fallen:
Lower self respect/esteem

6. Reporting and reviewing
Implications
Staffing ratios
Inspection from CQC
Family intervention
New equipment purchases
Repairs
Staff development
Insurance claims
For the care provider:
Staff stress Loss of or poor reputation

7. Legislation and
Risk Assessment

8. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Legislation
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Individual’s risk assessments
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
It is the duty of the employer / care manager to carry out a risk
assessment using the following related legislation and guidance:
The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation 2013
Including:

9. Stages of a Risk
Assessment
01 Looking for and identifying hazards
02 Decide who might be harmed and how
Evaluate the risk and put measures in place to
manage the risk
Report and record findings
Review and revise as necessary
03
04
05

10. Risk Assessment – ‘TIE’
Tasks
Individual
Environmental
‘Looking for hazards’ is where all risk assessments begin:

11. 01 Toileting
Going to bed
Hazard Analysis -
Task
02
03 Getting up
Bathing
04
Transfers from one place to another
05
Walking
06
Shopping / social visits / activities
07

12. c
Age
Hazard Analysis - Individual
Weight
Medical condition
Eyesight
Hearing
Gait analysis
Frequency of falls
Strength
Balance
Clothing/footwear
Posture
Mental capacity

13. c
Lighting
Hazard Analysis - Environment
Flooring
Floor levels
Walls and skirting
Rails
Space
Weather
Steps/stairs
Spillages
Obstacles

14. Example of a Fall Risk
Assessment Tool

15. 01
02
Known hazards that cannot be changed or improved
Unavoidable Hazards
Age
Chronic medical conditions
e.g. Osteoporosis
03
Irreversible visual or
hearing difficulties

16. Controllable Hazards
Hazards that can be changed or improved
 Physical strength and balance
 Medical condition
 Medications
 Incontinence
 Vision and hearing
 Footwear
 Foot care
 Fear of falling
 Nutritional intake
 Environment

17. Falls Management

18. Methods of Prevention 1
Falls prevention programmes
Education and information
Practical methods:
- Create a safe environment
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Encourage the use of aids
- Ensure correct lens

19. Methods of Prevention 2
Prescriptions incl. monitoring effects of medication
Consuming a balanced diet
Improve strength and balance with exercise

20. Vision / hearing assessment
Home hazard assessment
Strength and balance training
Interventions
Medication review
Multidisciplinary assessments
Individualised assessment

21. Know company policies and procedures
When an Incident Occurs
999/112 if required
Transfer using required method
Remove/replace defects
Report and record incident
Review
It may be reactive, but there is still a need for a plan if it does happen

22. Is there a risk assessment or personal handling
plan in place?
Assisting Individuals
After assessment, the individual can be
seated or positioned as required
Are they able to transfer themselves?
What assistance is required?
What equipment might be needed?
Checks to be made:

23. Summary
Slips, trips and falls need to be managed within the setting
Ensure company policy and procedures are understand and adhered to
Risk assessments help to minimise the chance of falls occurring
Record and report any concerns around an individual’s wellbeing