By Robert Pater, SSA/MoveSMART Director
Nation's Business (December 1985)
It may come as no surprise that many people are falling down on the job and in their lives. Literally.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the approximately 400,000 yearly slips and falls as the 3rd leading cause of disabling occupational injury. And beyond the workplace? The National Safety Council reports falls as being the 2nd overall national cause of accidental death (motor vehicle fatalities are number one).
It seems that everyone falls. Children at play, adults at work and home, senior citizens frequently. With the understanding that falls among older people often precipitate a flood of medical problems, West Coast health maintenance organization Kaiser-Permanente recently received a Medicare grant to research ways of preventing falls among the elderly.
Dave M. was mentally preoccupied with his work when he took a spill onto his back. Six months of lost work time, doctors appointments and sleepless nights later, he still can't sit upright for more than 1 hour at a time.
Slips and falls usually occur from the same level, rather than from a height, according to safety statistics. Common resulting injuries are sprains, fractures (of ribs, joints, and bones), dislocations, bruises, cuts, and concussions. Sometimes people injure themselves in twisting to "catch" themselves from falling.
If there were ever a skill everybody needed through their lives, it is learning how to prevent and reduce falling injuries.
What can you do to reduce the chance of "falling onto bad times?"
Be aware of high risk areas: anywhere the walking surface changes (carpeted area ends and wood floor begins, plastic mat under office chair meets carpet), wet grass, gravel parking lots, snowy/icy pavement, stairs, bathtubs, curbs on sidewalks, windy areas, ladders and other elevated sites.
Pay close attention moving through these fall-hazard zones. During wintry weather, carry with you a pair of crampons that stretch over shoes or boots; these give excellent traction when walking through snow or ice. They are available at many sporting goods/mountaineering stores (one brand is dubbed "Foot Chains").
In a slippery area, walk like Groucho Marx; point your toes out, duck-footed (for improved lateral balance) and keep your knees well-bent. Don't push off from your rear foot or you will be in a state of continually falling forward. Walk like Groucho; pull your weight from the front foot.
Use your head properly. It is a heavy body part; moving it slightly can influence your balance. Tilting your head back to gaze at the top of a staircase shifts your balance to the rear, making backwards falls more likely. Instead, look up with your eyes, while keeping the crown of the head the highest point of your body ("Walk with you head high but don't put your nose in the air.")
Use common sense. Don't carry objects up and down stairs. Take the elevator. Bulky objects can block vision, raise center of gravity, and prevent using your hands to ward off a fall.
Don't wear high heels if you climb stair frequently. Avoid leather soles in wet weather.
Keep your walking surfaces clear. Paper, tools, machinery, or children's toys can be fall-inviters.
Some chemicals can counteract slipperiness. Western Slipstop (PO Box 288 Anaheim CA 92805, 714-991-5923) manufactures one guaranteed to make wet or dry areas safe for a minimum of 5 years. Something like this could be applied to building plazas, tiled areas, kitchens, pool decks, etc.
Protect your most vulnerable areas first, then safely spread the force of the fall.
Better to break your back than your head, wiser to fracture an arm than crack your spine; better still, take the brunt of the fall on soft tissue ("Tenderize the meat, don't pulverize the bones").
Shelter your head by tucking it to either shoulder. Think of "biting your collarbone." This position maximally shields the head, prevents whiplash, and can twist the spine to the side of the fall line.
Don't hold your breath when you fall. Internal compression injuries can result. Do the natural thing--scream. Something like, "SHOOT!"
Hit it before it hits you. With your inner arms, slap the surface just before it contacts you. This helps spread the force away from your vulnerable areas.
Falling safely is a complex skill. Tuck these ideas away in the back of your mind. Occasionally, mentally review them.
Share them with employees. Workplace falls cost billions. In 1983, New York State businesses alone shelled out over $128 million dollars in direct compensation for employee falls, an average of over $5,500 per falling injury.
When you need it most, one idea may prevent your falling to pieces, saving you unnecessary injury, pain and money.
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