How can floor surfaces contribute to fall risks?

Floor surfaces significantly contribute to fall risks primarily by being slippery or uneven. Slippery surfaces, such as those that are wet, waxed, or made of smooth materials, can make it difficult for individuals to maintain their footing. This increases the likelihood of slipping and falling, especially for those who may already have mobility challenges.

Uneven surfaces, including those with cracks, bumps, or transitions between different types of flooring, can create tripping hazards. Individuals may misjudge the height or angle of these surfaces, leading to loss of balance and potential falls. Both slipperiness and unevenness directly affect the stability of individuals as they move, making it crucial to maintain safe, clean walking paths to reduce fall risk.

Other factors like color, thickness, or roughness of floor surfaces can affect visibility, comfort, or traction to a certain extent, but they do not pose the same immediate threat as slipperiness and unevenness do in relation to falls.