The environment

Environmental (or extrinsic) factors refer to all the potential hazards in our surroundings that may contribute to you falling. This could be a loose rug, a cable running across the room or an uneven paving slab.

Environmental factors are very seldom the only reason for a fall. However, they can trigger a fall if, for example, a person has one or more medical conditions that can represent a latent risk factor.

The surroundings can also influence how secure and confident we feel. At home we feel safe because we know every corner. This makes us become careless when carrying out our daily activities. When we are out and about and are unfamiliar with the surroundings, we may not be aware of some potential hazards.

Minimise the risk of falling in and around the house.- Find out more...