Circumstances of slips trips and falls among Hospital workers

Abstract

A case follow-back study was conducted to better describe the circumstances experienced by hospital workers who had slipped, tripped and/or fallen (STF). One hundred 53 healthcare workers, who reported a STF to the occupational health department in one of four private and three public US hospitals, were recruited and interviewed using a structured telephone questionnaire. Participants were predominantly female (86%) with a mean age (range) of 46 (19-67). One hundred and thirty-six workers (89%) fell: 55% after slipping, 32% after tripping. Liquid contaminants (eg, water, cleaning solutions) were involved in 35% of events. Fifty-eight percent of STF occurred at transitional areas, of these: 34% were dry/wet transitions, 18% one fl oor type to another (eg, carpet to tile), 14% uneven surfaces. Forty-fi ve percent of workers fell forward, 29% fell to the side and 23% fell backward. While the wrists/hands, knees and buttocks were most often the points of impact, the knees, back, ankles/feet were most frequently injured. For injured workers (93%), strains and sprains (28%), contusions (28%) and non-specifi c pain and soreness (24%) were typical. Fiftynine percent of workers who experienced STF were involved in direct patient care occupations (eg, nursing, therapy). Fortyon 10 May 2018 by guest. Protected by copyright.

Fatal work‐related falls in the United States, 2003‐2014

“…However, falls on the same level are more common and therefore more costly overall. Prevention efforts for this type of fall focus on a comprehensive work design approach, including improved lighting, walkway environment, and friction characteristics of flooring and footwear . Falls on the same level are usually associated with severe nonfatal injuries among older, female workers .…”

“…Fatal work‐related falls typically involve men, construction workers, and older workers . Certain work‐related activities are well‐established hazards for fall injuries, most notably working at heights on ladders, roofs and scaffolds, and working in areas with slippery surfaces . Specific hazards and fall characteristics are more common among certain worker groups, such as falls on the same level among healthcare workers, falls from roofs among residential construction workers, falls overboard from commercial fishing vessels, falls during tree care operations, or falls among older workers …”

Slip, trip, and fall prevention for healthcare workers.

“…Contaminants on the floor are the leading cause of STF incidents in healthcare facilities [Courtney et al 2006. Water, grease, and other fluids can make walking surfaces slippery.…”