Prevention of Slip and Fall Accidents: Risk Factors, Methods and Suggestions for Prevention

Abstract

Slips and falls are major causes of accidents and injuries at work, in public areas and at home. Studies have shown that the more risk factors an individual is exposed to, the higher risk for slips and falls. The aim of this paper is to describe risk factors for slips and falls, methods that can be used in prevention, and ideas on how physiotherapists can work with prevention of slip and fall accidents. A review of the literature has been done, searching for relevant literature published in English between 1985 and 2000, from the Medline catalogue. The result showed many different risk factors for slip and fall accidents: (a) transfer situations; (b) reduced postural control, i.e. disturbed balance together with reduced muscle strength in the lower extremity; (c) reduced mobility in the hips and feet; (d) dizziness and vestibular asymmetries; and (e) medication. The following diseases may increase the risk for slip and fall accidents: stroke, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and dementia. Preventive interventions have been described but more are needed. A standardized fall anamnesis has been described including patients' earlier fall accidents and relevant risk factors present. Walking ability, balance, medicine consumption can be registered. Preventive programmes concerning risk factors for slips and falls, physical activities for daily use, and preventive aids have been developed and can be recommended for use by patients visiting primary health care and occupational health care. Studies have shown that physical training can increase the number of activities in daily life, reduce the use of technical aids, increase balance and walking ability, which all reduce the risk for slip and fall accidents.