Rural Ambulance Victoria paramedics are advising elderly members of the community to take care when lifting and moving heavy objects and containers, such as buckets of water, after noticing an increase in falls since the introduction of water restrictions.

“With water restrictions in force in many regions people are carting grey water outside, which is great for the garden but has resulted in a number of accidents and falls with elderly residents carrying more than they should,” said Acting Area Manager Peter Collins.

“The elderly are more susceptible to serious injury, such as fractures, through falls and carrying heavy buckets and containers from slippery areas such as bathrooms and laundries to the garden outside is proving hazardous for some.”

Safety tips include:

• Know your limits – don’t attempt to lift more than you can walk comfortably with.
• Pour collected water into smaller, more manageable containers before taking them outside.
• Don’t use glass or china containers to collect or transport water as these could break and cause serious injury should you fall on top of them.
  
• Bend knees when lifting to avoid back strain.
• Offer to help an elderly friend, relative or neighbour with their watering. Or if you are having trouble yourself ask for assistance.

Mr Collins reminded residents to call 000 (triple zero) to request an ambulance after a serious fall or in emergency.

www.rav.vic.gov.au