Objective To explore the effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) on nursing safety management in general geriatric wards. Methods The safety problems existing before CGA, including falls, pressure sores, falling down from bed, catheter slippage and aspiration, were analyzed retrospectively. CGA was performed for each patient. Individualized intervention and integrated safety management was given to the patients on the basis of assessment results, after which, safety data were collected and analyzed again. Results Based on the CGA for the incidence of adverse nursing safety events within 2 years before and after the intervention, the incidence of falls dropped from 2.46% to 0.56%, the incidence of pressure sores from 1.23% to 0, the incidence of falling down from bed from 0.92% to 0, the incidence of catheter slippage from 3.08% to 0.56%, and the incidence of aspiration from 1.54% to 0.56%. The incidence of adverse events after the CGA, including falls, falling down from bed and catheter slippage, was lower than that before the CGA (P<0.05) . Conclusions Early general assessment and intervention as well as ward safety management and assessment on the basis of CGA can reduce or eliminate adverse events in hospital, and enhance the effects of ward safety management. Key words: Comprehensive geriatric assessment; Nursing safety management; Adverse events; General geriatric ward