What are the common causes of “slip & fall” or “fall down” accidents?
The scientific cause of a true “slip & fall” would be the lack of sufficient friction between the shoe or foot of the victim and the floor. When the coefficient of friction is too low a slippery condition exists and a fall is likely. This can occur when an improper floor surface has been installed, such as a slick marble floor in a home for the elderly. It can also occur when an improper wax or sealer has been applied to the floor surface. Or, it can occur when a liquid or other material is on the floor surface. Another possible cause is the smoothness of the sole of a shoe. Still another possibility is a small mat or rug that easily slides on the floor surface when walked upon. A “trip & fall” can be caused by any small or low object that extends into a walking area, an unmarked step-up, a poor match of surface heights where carpet joins tile, or an open carpet seam. Any situation that would allow a foot to even momentarily “catch” can throw a person off balance and cause a fall. Miss
