Understanding and Preventing Falls: An Ergonomics Approach

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.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION, R. Haslam and D. Stubbs Background Book Structure References WALKING ON THE LEVEL: FOOTWEAR AND THE WALKING SURFACE, R. Grönqvist Introduction Walking on the Level Biomechanics of Slips, Trips, and Falls Frictional Mechanisms in Walking Basic Safety Criteria for Walking Methods for Slipperiness Measurement Implications for Falling Accidents and Guidance for Prevention Conclusions Acknowledgments References STEPS AND STAIRS, M. Roys Introduction The Extent of the Problem Gait on Stairs Inconsistent Step Dimensions Inappropriate Step Sizes Inadequate Handrails Poor Step Visibility Conclusions References ROLE OF VISION IN FALLS, P. Howarth Introduction Vision and Conspicuity Visual Ability Static and Dynamic Situations Behaviour and the Environment Interaction between the Visual and Vestibular Systems Summary References AGEING AND FALLS, S. Lord, C. Sherrington, and H. Menz Introduction Epidemiology of Falls in Older People Physical Risk Factors for Falls Environmental Risk Factors Interventions to Prevent Falls Conclusion References EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO INVESTIGATING CAUSES OF OCCUPATIONAL FALLS, T. Bentley and R. Haslam Introduction Epidemiological Approaches: Archival Data Analysis Prospective Epidemiological Methods for Investigating STF Methods and Techniques Complimentary to Descriptive Epidemiology Conclusions References INVESTIGATION OF INDIVIDUAL FALL INCIDENTS, P. Lehane and D. Stubbs Introduction STF and Their Investigation Manager and Fall Victim Perceptions Social Psychology and Falls Conclusions References THE ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION OF PEDESTRIAN SLIP ACCIDENTS, S. Thorpe, P. Lemon, and S. Taylor Introduction The Assessment of Slipperiness Contamination of Flooring The Designer's Dilemma Case Studies Conclusions References OCCUPATIONAL FALLS OUTDOORS: UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING FALLS IN THE NEW ZEALAND LOGGING INDUSTRY, T. Bentley, R. Parker, and L. Ashby Introduction Epidemiological Analysis of Logging Injury Data The Effect of Spiked-Soled Boots on Logger Safety, Productivity, and Workload Conclusion Acknowledgments References FALLS DURING ENTRY/EGRESS FROM VEHICLES, F. Fathallah Introduction Cost and Prevalence Risks of Improper Entry/Egress Impact Forces and Slip Potential during Vehicle Egress Approaches to Preventing Vehicle-Related Falls Summary Acknowledgment References BEHAVIOUR AND THE SAFETY OF OLDER PEOPLE ON STAIRS, R. Haslam, D. Hill, J. Sloane, P. Howarth, and K.B. Wavell Introduction Preliminary Focus Groups Home Interview Survey Home Interview Survey Results Discussion Concluding Discussion Acknowledgments References PREVENTING FALLS, R. Haslam and D. Stubbs Overview The Politics of Falls Understanding Falls Preventing Falls Concluding Remarks Index