Preventing Slips and Falls through Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Findings from a Study of Limited-Service Restaurants

Abstract

Background/ObjectivePhysical activity has been shown to be beneficial at improving health in some medical conditions and in preventing injury. Epidemiologic studies suggest that physical activity is one factor associated with a decreased risk for slips and falls in the older (≥65 years) adult population. While the risk of slips and falls is generally lower in younger than in older adults; little is known of the relative contribution of physical activity in preventing slips and falls in younger adults. We examined whether engagement in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was protective of slips and falls among a younger/middle-aged (≤50 years old) working population.Methods475 workers from 36 limited-service restaurants in six states in the U.S. were recruited to participate in a prospective cohort study of workplace slipping. Information on LTPA was collected at the time of enrollment. Participants reported their slip experience and work hours weekly for up to 12 weeks. We investigated the association between the rate of slipping and the rate of major slipping (i.e., slips that resulted in a fall and/or injury) and LTPA for workers 50 years of age and younger (n = 433, range 18–50 years old) using a multivariable negative binomial generalized estimating equation model.ResultsThe rate of major slips among workers who engaged in moderate (Adjusted Rate Ratio (RR) = 0.65; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = [0.18–2.44]) and vigorous (RR = 0.64; 95%CI = [0.18–2.26]) LTPA, while non-significant, were approximately one-third lower than the rate of major slips among less active workers.ConclusionWhile not statistically significant, the results suggest a potential association between engagement in moderate and vigorous LTPA and the rate of major slips in younger adults. Additional studies that examine the role of occupational and non-occupational physical activity on the risk of slips, trips and falls among younger and middle aged adults appear warranted.

Prevalence and trends of leisure-time physical activity by occupation and industry in U.S. workers: the National Health Interview Survey 2004–2014

“…For example, workers in a blue-collar occupational group in this present study, Food Preparation and Serving Related, had the highest increase in prevalence of “sufficient” LTPA. A recent study indicated that LTPA could be protective of slips and falls among food service employees [12]. White-collar workers, such as those in Professional, Sciences, Education Services, and Public Administration, had the highest prevalence of “sufficient” LTPA.…”

“…A Canadian report was released stating that white-collar workers were more motivated to participate in sports or physical recreation for health reasons, enjoyment, and so forth, and that blue-collar workers were satisfied with their present exercise levels and had less awareness of the health benefits of physical activity [32]. LTPA has been shown to be associated with better health [7–12,15,29–31]. The demographic groups that are more likely to experience poorer health tend to be those used in blue-collar jobs [24–27].…”

“…In general, LTPA is positively associated with health, whereas the evidence between occupational physical activity and health is less clear. Some studies reported that LTPA reduced the risk of work-site injury in physically demanding occupations [11,12]. Caban-Martinez et al [12] found that LTPA was protective of slips and falls among a younger/middle-aged group of workers, and Poplin et al [11] revealed that fire fighters with a high level of aerobic fitness were significantly less likely to sustain injury, especially sprains and strains.…”

“…Some studies reported that LTPA reduced the risk of work-site injury in physically demanding occupations [11,12]. Caban-Martinez et al [12] found that LTPA was protective of slips and falls among a younger/middle-aged group of workers, and Poplin et al [11] revealed that fire fighters with a high level of aerobic fitness were significantly less likely to sustain injury, especially sprains and strains. The types of U.S. occupations and industries have changed dramatically over the past half century, moving from labor-related jobs to office or white-collar jobs.…”

State of science: occupational slips, trips and falls on the same level

“…Thus, time required and time imposed for the action (i.e. workload as well as work-pace), mistakes made (Chassaing 2005, 2010), tiredness, pain (Gaudart 2000; Derosier et al 2008), previous work experience, life outside work (Chassaing 2005; Derosier et al 2008; Caban-Martinez et al 2014) and past experiences (Daniellou et al 2008) are a few factors influencing our movement/motor patterns relevant to occupational fall risks. Moreover, production-safety arbitrations, which relate particularly to organisational activities implemented by the company, should be considered.…”