HHSRS Hazard 20 - Falls on the Level

Hazard 20 - Falls on the Level

This hazard covers falling on any level surface such as floors, yards, and paths. It also includes falls associated with trip steps, thresholds, or ramps, where the change in level is less than 300mm.

The construction, evenness, inherent slip resistance, drainage (for outdoor path surfaces), and maintenance of the floor or path surface, all affect the likelihood of an occurrence and the severity of the outcome. Other factors such as lighting, temperature and distracting noise also have an affect

Vulnerable Group: All persons 60 or more years of age

Defects & Justifications

• Lack of floor surface - no properly constructed floor, path, or yard where needed.
• Excessive slope - to the floor, path or yard.
• Uneven surface - to the floor, path, or yard.
• Trip steps/threshold - the presence of such steps or projecting thresholds.
• Disrepair - to the structure and surface of the floor, path or yard.
• Poor slip resistance - to the surface of the floor, path or yard.
• Inadequate drainage - of surface water from the path or yard.
• Inadequate space - for the carrying out of appropriate tasks and manoeuvres.
• Poor lighting or glare - both artificial and natural.
• Thermal efficiency - inadequate heating and insulation at the dwelling.
• Hard surfaces - unforgiving or abrasive surface to the floor, path or yard.
• Projections etc - the presence of sharp edges, heat producing appliances, or glass, in the area where a fall might occur.
• Nature of area - and of the activities which will be undertaken in the area where a fall might occur.
• Thermal efficiency - inadequate heating and insulation at the dwelling.

Index of HHSRS Hazards