Your kitchen can be a bustling area, but it's crucial to maintain safety to minimise your risk of falling. Our easy-to-follow advice helps you identify hazards and enhance safety in the kitchen.
Your kitchen can be a bustling area, but it's crucial to maintain safety to minimise your risk of falling.
Here are some tips to help you identify hazards and enhance falls safety in your kitchen:
Wet flooring: Is there a chance of slipping on wet floors, especially near the sink and washing machine? To reduce the risk, use non-slip mats, fitted carpets, or carpet tiles in wet areas. Promptly mop up wet floor areas to prevent accidents.
Accessibility: Are your everyday items within easy reach, or do you find yourself stretching or climbing on chairs or stools? Ensure that frequently used items are placed on easily accessible shelves. And try to avoid reaching above head height, as it can lead to dizziness.
Steps and ladders: If you have to use steps, are they secure, with a handrail and a system to keep the legs locked? Never use chairs or stools to stand on. Properly designed steps with an effective handrail and leg-lock mechanism can be used safely if you are physically fit. Consider seeking assistance when using steps, especially for tasks that require reaching higher places.
Carrying items: Do you struggle to carry items from the kitchen to the dining area? If so, a kitchen trolley might be helpful. However, keep in mind that trolleys are not meant as walking aids but for transporting items. If you have concerns about your stability, consult with an expert to assess the safety of using a trolley.
For adaptations and other solutions, including handrails, consider speaking to organisations specialising in home modifications or social services. Their expertise can help ensure your kitchen is a safe and functional space.
Useful Links and Contacts
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Home Assessments
For further assessment, if you are struggling to manage around your home, contact North Yorkshire Council Adult Health and Social Care.
Chuck out your chip pan – they can be very dangerous and cause thousands of fires each year.
Stand by your pan – make sure you don't get distracted when cooking; if you need to leave the room turn it off.
Don't put metal in the microwave.
Don't wear loose clothing when cooking and keep tea towels away from the hob.
Washers and dryers can cause fires so only use when in the home and switch off when not in use.
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