The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in our homes because of slip and fall injuries. Construction companies even work with Building Information Modeling (BIM) services to ensure the best building design and construction.
To reduce the risks of bathroom-related injuries, we’ll talk about ways to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom while keeping it stylish.
Divide the bathroom into separate areas
If there’s one place in the bathroom where accidents often happen, it would be the shower area. Some traditional bathrooms have an open layout style, where the toilet, sink, and shower area are next to each other. As a result, the entire bathroom floor becomes wet and slippery after every use.
Dividing the bathroom into separate sections can prevent the issue of having a slippery bathroom all day. Separating the tub or shower area using balustrades or glass cubicles is an effective way to avoid slip and fall injuries caused by wet and slippery falls. Most designers opt to surround the shower area with glass walls to prevent the water from spilling into other areas of the bathroom. For added value and beauty, you can replace the glass partition with a water-friendly stone material in contrasting hues.
Install handles or grab-on bars
If you’re living with a senior family member at home or someone with mobility issues, proper installation of handles or bars is crucial. It’s easy to move into a wet bathroom if there’s something to hold on to. This is why accident-prone areas, such as the tub or shower area, require study installations. Strategic placement of bathroom handles around the bathroom provides sufficient support to balance and lift yourself.
The best areas to install them should be near the toilet, shower, and bathtub since these areas often get wet easily and involve a lot of movement. Grab rails and bars are available in different lengths, styles, and textures, so you can choose based on your preference and bathroom style. For added functionality, choose handlebars that double as a towel hanger or other bathroom essentials.
Keep it well-lighted
With proper lighting, it’s easy to spot slippery areas, thus preventing slips and falls. Designers recommend using a layered technique when installing lighting, including accent lighting, overhead lighting, and nightlights, to allow you to move confidently and carefully. You can also include pendant lights above the toilet seat for added illumination during darker hours.
Consider installing a small window to invite natural light in and improve ventilation. Natural light increases visibility and allows you to see hidden pools of water all over the bathroom floor. It also saves more energy since you don’t have to turn on lighting fixtures during the day.
Go for anti-slip bathroom solutions
One of the biggest causes of bathroom falls is the smooth, slippery surface of the flooring, bathtub, or shower tray. These areas can get even more slippery if you leave behind soap residues. This is why experts recommend tackling these surfaces with an anti-slip solution.
There are plenty of ways to minimize the slippery surfaces in your bathroom. For polished bathroom tiles, consider replacing them with tiles made of pebble or any material that provides friction and a strong grip. Remove scatter rugs and replace them with bath mats made of vinyl, PVC, or plastic. Whatever style you choose, make sure it has enough texture and provides a good level of protection. You can also try non-slip shower trays that reduce water pooling and offer a wider surface area to grip your feet to the floor.
Styling your bathroom with textured concrete provides added protection and design if you’re looking to redecorate. You can also opt for a slatted wooden floor for the shower for good traction.
Look for matte and honed finishes
Polished tiles are a big no for the bathroom. A shiny surface may look clean and polished, but it has a higher risk for accidents.
When installing tiles on the bathroom floor, go for a matte or honed finish. These materials allow you to choose any style and color while ensuring a strong grip underfoot. A great tip is to perform a test on a sample tile by wetting its surface and allowing your hand to move up and down. If your hand moves easily, this means the tile doesn’t have enough grip to hold your foot down.
The bathroom is one of the most unforgiving places at home because of its wet surfaces. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep your bathroom slip-free and safe for your family and guests. In the end, having a non-slip bathroom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice its design. You can find a lot of bathroom supplies that combine the right protection and aesthetics.
