There is an increased risk of slips, trips and falls if the house design and construction is inadequate. Consider:

• lack of light fittings that lead to rooms that are poorly lit
• poorly located light fittings that can make working in a kitchen with hot water, a stove and hot oil more dangerous
• steps that are poorly lit
• floor surfaces and grading that if not well designed and constructed combine to become slippery when wet
• pathways that become slippery when poorly drained
• poorly located power points in rooms, requiring extension cords that cross main paths in the house

Lack of maintenance can also lead to increased trips and falls from hazards such as

• loose steps
• missing floorboards or
• tears in flooring materials.

Data showed that 67 per cent of houses had more than 75 per cent of lights working at the time of survey. This is a significant rise of 14% since 2006.

Survey data show that, on average, surveyed houses only have one light fitting for every 10 square metres. In addition, this average includes external lights and hallway lights, therefore light fittings in the main rooms of the house could be required to light up to 15 square metres (a room 5 x 3 metres) or more of floor area and the room will have a poor level of light.

The data shows that house area per light fitting and average light fittings per house have stayed consistent with the 2006 figures. This suggests that despite an improvement in light function, houses still lack sufficient lighting, which could contribute to falls or accidents.  To increase the available light in the house, residents sometimes place high wattage bulbs (100 watts) into light fittings that are designed to take a maximum 60 watt to 75 watt bulbs. This can increase the likelihood of damage to the light fitting and could lead to a greater risk of fire. Data show that incandescent lights increased in use by 8%, despite being more expensive to run and more prone to failure, with a reduction in fluorescent lights and only a 1% increase in energy saving lights. Increasing power costs will increase the impact of lighting choice on residents.

Slips, trips and falls caused by wet, slippery and uneven floors can cause abrasions, dislocated joints or broken bones. Older people and people with diabetes or renal failure can take longer to recover from these injuries and can sustain permanent loss of mobility.

Data related to the wet area floors inside the house – such as the shower, toilet and laundry – show an overall improvement, since 2006, in floor finish and grading to floor drains that make the floors drier and safer.

Data show that 38% of houses had no carpets or rugs. This increased slightly (3%) since 2006, reducing a common cause of trips and falls.

• Uneven floor surface after a house has been poorly renovated creates a trip and fall hazard

Ensure

• B9.3 .1.

  non-slip floor finishes are specified for all wet areas and external verandahs and paths

• B9.3 .2.

  steps and changes in floor level are clearly marked with a change of colour or texture

• B9.3 .3.

  two-way light switches are specified at entries, in stairwells and under high set houses

• B9.3 .4.

  lighting is designed and located in and around the house to illuminate, and provide safe access to, all areas

• B9.3 .5.

  light globes and tubes in all light fittings can be easily accessed for replacement

• B9.3 .6.

  power points are located to accommodate likely walking paths and possible furniture layout and to reduce the use of extension cords

• B9.3 .7.

  stair and ramp hand rails are structurally sound, protected from the weather, have a non-slip finish, and are designed to suit the needs of children, the frail aged and people with a disability.

Consider

• providing an awning or porch at all external doorways to keep the landing and threshold dry
• providing child proof gates at the top of stairs and ramps
• fitting energy-saving globes or tubes, or fluorescent fittings and tubes, that will last longer than incandescent bulbs (remember to check that replacement lamps will be available from a nearby store)
• providing sensor lights at entries
• using slip-resistant flooring in kitchens, living areas and hall ways
• using concrete paths externally, rather than pavers which can move and become a trip hazard
• providing hooks or reels for storing hoses
• providing external weather-protected power points to reduce the use of extension cords.

• floors have non-slip finishes in wet areas and external areas
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• lights and switches have been fitted where shown on drawings and are working
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

• power points have been fitted where shown on drawings and are working
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

• stairs, ramps and hand rails are stable and firmly attached
  

  When: DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• steps and changes in floor heights are clearly marked
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• all floor surfaces have a level finish
  

  When: DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• there are no trenches, holes or uncovered pits in the yard area.
  

  When: AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

As part of cyclical maintenance:

• check that external and sensor lights are working and replace bulbs if necessary;
  

  Who : Electrician, Local Maintenance Team

  When : 6 Months

• check that hand rails are secure
  

  Who : Carpenter, Local Maintenance Team

  When : 12 Months

• replace incandescent globes with long life globes or fluorescent fittings.
  

  Who : Electrician, Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 24 Months

AS/NZ 3661.2:1994, Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces—Guide to the reduction of slip hazards.

Livable Housing Australia - Livable Housing Design Guidelines, Edition 4 2017: The 15 Livable Housing Design Elements