Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Hospitals

Hospitals are meant to be places of healing—but for thousands each year, they become the source of new injuries.

According to the National Safety Council, slip-and-fall accidents account for approximately 8.9 million emergency visits annually. In hospitals specifically, these unintentional falls are the second leading cause of accidental death, responsible for over 25,000 fatalities in 2009 alone.

The Everyday Risks Lurking Underfoot

Spilled liquids are unavoidable in clinical settings. From blood and urine to IV drips, stool, and even cleaning agents, hospitals have more fluid hazards than most environments. According to the CDC and OSHA:

• Slips happen frequently in high-traffic zones like hallways, patient rooms, and procedure areas.
• Slippery tile or vinyl flooring further increases fall risk, especially when wet.
• Nurses, aides, and transport staff face constant exposure, particularly during patient repositioning or when handling incontinence supplies.

The Department of Health and Human Services found that nurses are disproportionately affected—reporting the highest number of slip-and-fall injury claims across all professions.

The Cost of a Fall: It’s More Than Just a Bruise

A single slip can result in:

• Fractures, head trauma, or permanent disability
• Reduced patient satisfaction and trust
• Expensive worker compensation claims
• Staffing shortages due to injuries

And if a patient falls, the consequences can be catastrophic—especially in vulnerable populations like older adults or post-op surgical patients.

Technology That Helps Prevent Slips Before They Start

One of the biggest contributors to fluid spills is external catheter leakage; especially from outdated gravity-based external female catheter systems that often require frequent changes.

Enter CareDry®

CareDry® is a 360° urine management solution designed to absorb urine, increase patient dignity, lighten nurse workloads and prevent slips.

Why it works:

• 360-degree, hydrophilic absorbent sponge + ergonomic seal = leak prevention at the source
• No gravity dependence means better urine absorption no matter the orientation of the external female catheter
• Antimicrobial technology reduces potentially harmful bacterial growth between changes

With CareDry®, you eliminate the puddles—and the problems that come with them.

Reduce Falls. Improve Care. Free Up Staff Time.

Hospitals can’t afford preventable injuries—financially or ethically. Every slip prevented is time saved, harm avoided, and risk reduced for patients and staff alike.

CareDry® empowers care teams to:

• Maintain clean, dry floors
• Avoid preventable slip hazards
• Improve patient mobility without mess
• Eliminate catheter leaks at the source

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