Understanding and Preventing Falls

Fall accidents are a major problem. In the workplace, falls are the largest category of accident leading to serious injury. In the UK, for example, estimates from the Health and Safety Executive suggest the cost of falls each year is in excess of GBP300 million to employers and GBP800 million to society. Away from work, as many as 2.5 million people each year may have serious enough injuries from falling in the home or during leisure activities to require a visit to hospital. While there have been reductions in numbers of accidents in other categories over recent decades, falls have remained at a consistent high level. Despite this, most falls are preventable. This book provides an authoritative guide to the nature and extent of the falls problem and explains that these incidents occur due to a combination of factors, such as the design and condition of the walking surface, cleaning and maintenance procedures, lighting, weather, and individual activity, fitness and vision. Attention is given to different types of fall, namely slips and trips on the level, falls on stairs, falls from height, falls in the workplace, and falls getting in and out of vehicles. Methods for prevention are discussed, drawing on the latest research. The case is made for an ergonomic approach, involving a holistic view of the complex interaction between people and the environment. While more obvious aspects such as the nature of footwear and the walking surface are important, prevention of falls also requires attention to other factors such as risk-taking behaviour and organisational influences, including job design and implementation and maintenance of effective housekeeping procedures. Haslam; Roger Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK,Stubbs; David University of Surrey, UK,