Slip and fall prevention
Keep everyday items within safe reach
Store daily cookware, clothes, medicine boxes, and personal items in fixed positions around waist-to-shoulder height to avoid climbing or deep bending.
Why it matters
Standing on a folding chair, reaching too high, or bending very low can cause loss of balance, especially for older people or anyone with limited mobility.
Wrong action
Keeping daily items on top shelves or at floor level and standing on a folding chair or tiptoes to reach them.
Correct action
Arrange storage for the actual user's ability and ask a suitable person to help with high or heavy items.
What to do
- List the items used every day and who uses them.
- Place them where they can be reached without climbing or deep bending.
- Ask a suitable person with stable equipment to handle high or heavy items.
If something happens
After a fall while reaching or climbing, do not rush to stand. Call 999 for a possible head, neck, back, or hip injury or if the person cannot stand.
Sources and review
- Hospital Authority — Home Care
Source checked: 2026-08-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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