Measuring Slipperiness

Worldwide, falls represent the third leading cause of disability after the systemic conditions of depression and anaemia. Falls are also the second leading global cause, after motor vehicle collisions, of accidental death. In developed countries, slips, trips and falls (STF) contribute between 20 and 40 percent of disabling work injuries. One of the biggest challenges in STF is defining and measuring slipperiness. Measuring Slipperiness presents expert group perspectives on human-centred (biomechanical, locomotive, perceptual and cognitive) and surface-centred (roughness, friction) aspects and approaches. It also addresses the injury burden of slipperiness, globally reviews existing slipmeters, and summarizes areas of consensus in the field of slipperiness measurement. This volume is perhaps the most comprehensive treatment of the subject ever compiled with contributions from North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceana including the National Laboratories of Finland, France, the U.K. and the U.S. Students, professionals and researchers in ergonomics, health and safety, gait biomechanics, human locomotion, and wear and lubrication sciences will find it provides them a valuable, state-of-the-art reference. Flooring and floor product manufacturers, walking surface designers, footwear manufacturers, and standards organisations should also find the book informative. Chang; Wen-Ruey Liberty Mutual Research Institute, Hopkinton, Massachusetts,,Courtney; Theodore K. Liberty Mutual Research Center, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, US,Grongvist; Raoul Finnish Institute of