Slip and Fall Hazards With Outdated Showers

Slipping and falling in the shower is the most common source of injury in the bathroom, especially in guest bathrooms and hotels. The elderly are more vulnerable to these accidents, especially if they’re wheelchair users or have mobility concerns. Unfortunately, traditional bathroom designs are outdated and far from accessible. Leaky pipes can gather unnecessary moisture on the floor, which may lack non-slip coating. Other than that, the lack of handrails in bathrooms can also make slips and falls more common. Here are some statistics to help you better understand slip and fall hazards in outdated showers:

Bathroom Injuries Statistics

Cornell University conducted a study on hotel accidents, finding that 42% of them were just slips and falls. In general, slips and falls make up for 81% of all bathroom incidents, but this type of accident mostly occurs in guest room bathtubs and showers. Of course, children are at a higher risk than teenagers and adults, but the elderly seem to be most vulnerable to serious injuries. A slip and fall in the shower for a 25-year-old man may only result in a bruise or two, while a 75-year-old woman could suffer from a broken hip. Hotel owners are recommended to invest in premises liability insurance policies to protect both parties in such cases financially. However, insured protection isn’t the only preventive measure to take in this case. It’s worth noting that 235,000 people over the age of 15 are taken to emergency care every year due to slips and falls in the bathroom. Over 14% of them are soon hospitalized. These injuries peak for individuals over 70, which is why the bathroom can be a dangerous place for the elderly. According to the CDC, older women are more vulnerable to these slips and falls than men. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) found similar results, stating that a third of seniors over the age of 65 experience these accidents every year, especially in the bathroom. These slips and falls can lead to fractures, concussions, or head trauma. Senior citizens may lose their independence and suffer from severe injuries, such as a broken hip. After such an injury, there’s a 25% chance of dying six months later. Hotels must take serious precautions to prevent slips and falls in the shower or bath. Not only does this protect their customers from injuries, but it also protects the hotel against a lawsuit. In Denver, a jury awarded $240,000 to a hotel guest after she slipped and fell in the shower, which had no slip-resistant surface or safety grab bar for protection. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, a lawsuit due to slips and falls can average $50,000.

How to Prevent Shower Slip and Fall Hazards

While the statistics for shower-related slips and falls are pretty shocking, they’re not impossible to prevent. Most traditional bathrooms have outdated fixtures, but upgrading them to completely accessible ones isn’t too hard when you have the right contractor. The easiest way to make a change is with rubber mats, which you can leave in various spots throughout your bathroom. They provide a better grip on slippery floors, especially after a shower. On the other hand, you could eliminate the slipping problem with the help of a permanently applied slip-resistant surface. Non-slip coats cover every surface of the bathroom, including the bathtub, so you can rely on their efficiency. You can also install grab bars near the shower and toilet to aid those with weak muscles and prevent falling. Aside from installing these slip- and fall-resistant fixtures, you must also maintain regular checks to ensure they’re securely placed. In case of an accident, they should be able to support an average person’s weight. If you’re not sure about your bathroom’s safety measures, you can consult a safety expert to confirm whether the placement of robe hooks, grab bars, and towel handles are correct. Low visibility can also increase the chances of risks, so you must ensure your lights are always working properly. People also tend to trip on shower curbs, so you may paint them to make them more visible. Finally, you may cover protruding fixtures, such as handles and faucets, to protect children’s heads when they fall.

Upgrade to a Safer Shower

Bathroom injuries are shockingly common, with 70% of them occurring in the bathtub or shower. A lack of grab bars, non-slip coating, and other accessible fixtures can increase the chances of these injuries. Most of the time, these accidents lead to injuries to the neck, head, and face and can even be life-threatening for seniors. Upgrading your shower with safe and fall-proof fixtures is crucial for a hotel owner or homeowner living with children or the elderly. However, even teens and adults aren’t safe from bathroom injuries, as 40,000 teens are rushed to the ER every year for such incidents. Consult a bathroom remodeling contractor to get the job done and ensure the safety of your family and visitors.