Staying safe in your home

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10. Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the home. Many accidents can be avoided by spotting risks early and taking simple precautions.

We check for safety risks when our staff or contractors visit your home. However, you know your home best, so it’s important to tell us if you notice anything that could cause an accident.

Common risks

  • wet, icy or uneven surfaces, including paths and paving
  • poor lighting
  • loose or damaged flooring
  • trailing cables or clutter
  • distractions such as using a phone while walking
  • unsuitable footwear

How you can reduce the risk

You can help keep yourself and others safe by:

  • keeping floors and walkways clear and tidy
  • cleaning up spills as soon as they happen
  • securing or repairing loose carpets and flooring
  • avoiding distractions when moving around your home
  • replacing blown light bulbs promptly
  • wearing suitable footwear for the surface and weather

What we can help with

Please report:

  • uneven flooring or paths
  • damaged or loose flooring
  • lighting faults in communal areas
  • any trip hazard you can’t fix yourself

We’ll arrange repairs as quickly as possible.

Report a problem

If you’re concerned about a slip, trip or fall risk in your home, contact us via our Report a council housing fault or repair page.