National Falls Awareness Week

Learn how employers can use National Falls Awareness Week to raise awareness that falls are preventable and find ways to support older employees at work.

The importance of supporting National Falls Awareness Week at work

People are living longer and working later, and more older employees are in the Welsh workforce.

As we get older, maintaining physical activity and improving activity levels are a key part of healthy ageing and reducing the risk of falls.

The benefits of supporting National Falls Awareness week at work include:

• Reduced absences – less falls lead to fewer sick days
• Supporting older adults – many employees may be older adults themselves, may be carers or have older family members or friends
• Corporate Social Responsibility – supporting this week reflects positively on your organisation, showing that you care about the wellbeing of your employees and the wider community

Getting involved in National Falls Awareness Week at work

By supporting National Falls Awareness Week, you help spread valuable information that can benefit everyone.

Here are some ways you can take part in National Falls Awareness Week:

Organise an event or activities

Hold a staff event like a lunchtime talk, workshop, or webinar on falls and falls prevention. You can find information about falls on the NHS 111 Wales website.

Offer activities like balance and strength training sessions. Tai chi taster sessions could be offered or pair up with a local group who can come into the workplace and do demonstrations.

Partner with local organisations

Partner up with your local Age Cymru branch and fundraise or take part in any events they are organising during the week.

Share information and resources

Promote your older person, carer and other family-friendly policies in staff newsletters, on your intranet and in your job adverts.

Share a safe space for information sharing and confidential discussions.

Older employees in the workplace

Creating a workplace where older employees feel valued and supported benefits both workers and businesses.

There are lots of ways you can support older employees in the workplace, including promoting workplace wellness initiatives, offering reasonable adjustments and ensuring access to occupational health services.

Find out more on our older employees in the workplace topic page.

Find out more

To find out how your workplace can get involved in National Falls Awareness Week and get resources to use, visit the Care and Repair Cymru website.

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