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 300 million to employers and 800 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 falls and examines the causes from 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. The book also considers different types of falls, namely slips and trips on the level, falls on stairs, falls from height, falls in the workplace, and falls during entry/egress from vehicles. This volume discusses methods for prevention, drawing on the latest research. The case is made for an ergonomics 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 factors, such as risk-taking behavior and organizational influences, including job design and implementation and maintenance of effective housekeeping procedures.

Readable and authoritative, Understanding and Preventing Falls provides a guide to the nature and extent of the problem of falls. Drawing on the latest research, the authors outline the combination of environmental factors that commonly lead to falls and explore how to prevent them. The case is made for a multifaceted approach to falls prevention, taking account of the complex interplay that exists between individuals and the environment. Broad in scope, the book is divided into two parts. The first part examines the current state of knowledge and understanding of the causes and prevention of falls, with chapters on human ambulation and balance on level surfaces and on steps and stairs followed by chapters exploring vision and the effects of aging. Rounding out the coverage, the second part contains a series of case studies illustrating how falls occur in different circumstances and varying approaches to their prevention. While there have been reductions in the number and severity of injuries from other causes over recent decades, the incidence of injuries from falling has remained consistently high. However, many falls are preventable. This unique resource supplies a concise overview of how to minimize the occurrences of slips, trips, and falls in a variety of situations and conditions.