2.2 Remove or minimise hazards in the environment before a mobility activity

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Remove or minimise hazards in the environment before a mobility activity.

Before someone takes part in a mobility activity, it is important to remove or lessen any risks in the area. A mobility activity includes anything involving movement, such as walking, using a wheelchair or transferring between chairs. Hazards can lead to trips, slips, falls or other accidents that cause injury. Identifying and reducing dangers helps keep people safe and supports independence.

What are Hazards?

A hazard is anything that might cause harm. In the context of mobility, hazards can be anything that makes movement difficult, increases the chance of falling or creates another risk. Hazards can be physical objects, environmental features or even aspects of someone’s health.

Common environmental hazards include:

• Uneven flooring
• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Loose rugs and carpets
• Obstacles in walkways
• Unsecured furniture
• Cables and wires
• Clutter such as bags or bins
• Open windows or doors that swing
• Polished floors

Hazards are not only physical. For example, loud noises or crowds can make someone with cognitive or sensory issues feel confused or panicked. It is important to pay attention to whether the environment is suitable for the individual’s needs.

Checking the Environment

The first step before starting a mobility activity is a careful assessment of the area. Assessment means looking around and thinking about what might cause harm. Take your time and use all your senses:

• Look at the floor for spillages, cords, or objects.
• Listen for alarms, running water, or traffic that might distract someone or cause an emergency.
• Feel for temperature changes or draughts—cold or hot floors can cause slips or discomfort.

Use a checklist if your organisation provides one. This helps make sure nothing is missed. Think about the route. Follow it from start to end to spot risks along the way.

Involving the Individual

Always involve the person who will be moving. They may be aware of risks you have not noticed. For example, someone with dementia may be confused by patterns on a carpet, or someone with sight loss may find open cupboards hazardous.

Talk through the activity with the person:

• Ask them if they feel safe using a particular route or area.
• Listen to concerns about certain obstacles or risks.
• Explain what you are doing and why.

Empowering the individual helps them take some responsibility for their own safety and helps build trust and confidence.

Adapting for Different Mobility Needs

Different people have different needs and abilities. The hazards in the environment might affect them in different ways.

Some examples include:

• If the individual uses a walking frame, ensure there is enough space to manoeuvre and no rugs that could catch the frame legs.
• For people using wheelchairs, look out for uneven flooring, narrow doorways, or thresholds that wheelchairs cannot cross safely.
• If someone uses crutches, inspect for wet or highly polished floors, which might lead to slips.

Think about vision and hearing problems too. A person with poor sight may need extra lighting or tactile markers. Someone with poor hearing may not notice alarms or people calling out if something goes wrong.

Removing Hazards

Once the risks are identified, take steps to get rid of them if possible. Removing a hazard means making sure it is no longer present.

Common ways to remove hazards before a mobility activity include:

• Picking up any objects from the floor
• Moving loose rugs or mats out of the way
• Removing or tucking away trailing wires and cords
• Cleaning up spills straight away
• Ensuring all walkways and corridors are free of clutter
• Securing loose or wobbly furniture or moving it aside

If objects belong to the individual or another staff member, ask permission before moving them. Always let people know if you have changed something in their space.

Minimising Hazards

Sometimes it is not possible to remove a hazard completely. In these cases, the risk can be reduced by changing the environment or providing support.

Ways to minimise hazards:

• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens
• Place warning signs over wet floors
• Mop up spills but warn others about damp areas
• Add extra lighting or open curtains for better visibility
• Use handrails and grab rails in stairs, corridors, and bathrooms
• Rearrange furniture to create wider, clearer pathways
• Secure carpets with tape or grips
• Adjust the height of chairs or beds to ease sitting and standing
• Place walking aids within easy reach

Never attempt to solve environmental hazards by yourself if specialist help is required. For example, do not try to fix a broken step or loose floorboard. Report these issues to maintenance or your supervisor following your organisation’s procedures.

Supporting Safe Mobility

Sometimes, equipment is required to support safer mobility. You may need to:

• Set up walking frames, crutches, or wheelchairs close by before the individual stands
• Check that brakes on wheelchairs and beds are working and engaged
• Use slide sheets, hoists, or transfer boards if needed, according to your training

Make sure equipment is clean, in good condition, and suitable for the person’s needs.

Never use damaged or unfamiliar equipment. Report faults straight away.

Adapting to Weather and Outdoor Hazards

Mobility activities may take place outdoors. Weather and outside factors introduce more risks. When supporting people outdoors:

• Check for icy, snowy, or wet paths
• Watch out for leaves, mud, or loose gravel
• Avoid routes with significant slopes, potholes, or obstacles
• Make sure there is enough lighting outside at dusk or night
• Suggest using appropriate footwear or even shoe covers for extra grip
• Support the individual with an umbrella, or plan activities when the weather is good

If you cannot remove outdoor hazards, consider rearranging the activity for a safer time or place.

Communication and Teamwork

Good communication keeps everyone safe. If hazards are present and you cannot remove or minimise them immediately, tell the individual, colleagues and a manager.

Situations that need urgent reporting:

• Broken flooring
• Poor lighting that cannot be fixed
• Blocked fire exits
• Lack of grab rails in places of high risk

Record hazards following your organisation’s reporting systems. Sometimes this involves filling out a risk assessment or making a note in a care plan.

If more than one worker is involved in the activity, work together. One person can check the route while another supports movement. Agree on signals, directions, and any special instructions before starting.

Balancing Safety with Independence

It can be tempting to do everything for a person to keep them safe. But it is important to let people do as much as they can for themselves, even if it takes longer.

Encourage independence by:

• Giving clear instructions
• Allowing the individual to lead, with you close by to help
• Offering choices, such as different routes or support options
• Encouraging use of mobility aids
• Supervising, rather than doing

Let people know you are available if they need help. Respect their dignity and personal space.

Documentation and Legal Duties

Workers in health and social care must follow legal and organisational regulations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty to keep people safe. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 also apply.

Document every hazard you find and what you do about it. If the risk is serious or cannot be removed, involve someone senior.

Good records:

• Protect you and the organisation from legal problems
• Show that you have followed safe practice
• Help others who may support the individual later

Keeping accurate, up-to-date records is a key skill for all health and social care workers.

Supporting Different Settings

Hazards differ between environments. In a hospital or residential care home, floors may be regularly cleaned and staff on hand. In a person’s house, hazards may include pets, children’s toys, or uneven paving outside.

Approach each environment with a fresh eye. Do not assume it is safe because you have been there before. Always do a risk check before moving or supporting someone.

Responding to Changing Needs

A person’s mobility can change from day to day. Illness, fatigue, medication or emotional state can all affect someone’s strength, balance or awareness.

Before every mobility activity, check how the individual feels. Ask if they are feeling unwell, dizzy or unsure. If their needs or the environment have changed, review your plan and the area for risks.

If needed, adjust your support, offer aids or rearrange the activity for later.

Summary of Steps to Remove or Minimise Hazards

1. Walk through the route and check for risks.
2. Talk to the individual for their view.
3. Remove hazards where possible—clear floors, tidy wires, clean up.
4. Minimise risks that cannot be removed—add mats, rails, warning signs, improve lighting.
5. Prepare and check any mobility equipment.
6. Work with others and communicate well.
7. Support the individual to lead safely.
8. Record what you have done and report ongoing hazards.

By following these steps, you help to prevent accidents, promote safety, and support people to remain active and independent.

Everyday Examples

Let’s look at common situations and what you can do:

Situation 1: Moving from the bedroom to the bathroom

• Check for slippers or clothing on the floor.
• Move loose mats or towels.
• Wipe away water spills.
• Switch on lights.
• Place walking aid next to the bed.

Situation 2: Assisting someone in the living room

• Clear magazines and remote controls from the floor.
• Move coffee tables or chairs that block the path.
• Secure wires behind furniture.
• Check that chair arms are stable.

Situation 3: Going into the garden

• Check path for moss, wet leaves or stones.
• Make sure gates open easily.
• Inspect for cracks or steps.
• Suggest sturdy shoes or use of support handles.

Professional and Personal Responsibility

Keeping environments safe is part of your daily responsibility. You must act quickly and consistently, using your training and judgement. If unsure, seek advice from a supervisor or health and safety expert.

Take pride in making environments safe. Removing and minimising hazards does not only protect people from harm. It helps them to move freely, live well, and maintain their dignity.

Final Thoughts

Removing and minimising hazards in the environment before a mobility activity is a practical, ongoing task. It requires attention to detail, knowledge of individual needs, good communication, and the ability to act fast. By identifying risks and acting to prevent harm, you help to keep people safe and promote their independence.

Remember to keep checking, keep listening and keep records. Your work supports people’s wellbeing every day.