We read papers as we walk down the hall, look at someone else, or simply don't watch the path ahead or look down to see tripping hazards. The shoes we wear can play a big part in preventing falls. The slickness of the soles and the type of heels worn need to be evaluated if slips, trips, and falls are to be prevented. Whenever a fall-related injury is investigated, the footwear needs to be evaluated to see if it contributed to the incident. Conditions such as rain and ice are out of our hands, though we do have some control over whether we salt down walkways, use awnings at entryways, and in general deal with the elements.
Slippery surfaces are usually a matter of housekeeping.
An uneven surface is an injury waiting to occur. Behaviorally, we can usually avoid the problems posed by uneven surfaces by simply recognizing that they are a hazard and acting accordingly. Tripping hazards Hoses and cords strung across walkways in production areas are a continual hazard. Cords are also a problem in offices and conference rooms. Most tripping hazards are housekeeping items.