Environmental Factors
Physical & Health-Related Causes
Behavioral Causes
100

This common hazard includes cracked sidewalks, potholes, and loose rugs—all capable of catching a shoe and causing a fall.

What are uneven surfaces?

100

Weakness in this part of the body can make maintaining balance difficult and increase fall risk.

What is muscle weakness?

100

You increase your chance of falling when doing this—often because you’re in a hurry.

What is rushing or running?

200

This environmental condition makes it hard to spot dangers, turning simple steps into risky ones.

What is poor lighting?

200

This physical condition affects your ability to correctly judge depth, obstacles, and hazards.

What are vision problems?

200

Texting while walking is a perfect example of this fall-related behavior.

What is not paying attention?

300

Rain, spills, and polished smooth surfaces all create this fall risk that can send you sliding.

What are wet or slippery floors?

300

Conditions like Parkinson’s or post-stroke imbalance fall under this category of fall contributors.

What are neurological conditions?

300

Trying to move while carrying one of these heavy or awkward items can block vision, alter balance, and cause trips.

What is carrying heavy or awkward loads?