Understanding and Preventing Falls: An Ergonomics Approach
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Summary
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
Editorial Reviews
"The book delivers a multifaceted approach to prevention, and covers in detail the complex interactions between people and their surroundings. …this book has got all that the practitioner needs, and a lot more. As a stimulus for both thought and the development of new ways of studying and tackling an old problem, this is well worth the money."
-Safety and Health Practitioner, June 2006
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